HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Whether you live here in Spain full-time or are on your holidays, there is a very good chance that you will want to visit many of the beautiful beaches that we have on offer.

The wonderful year-round weather here means that beach usage is not restricted only to the summer months; many of us get to use the beach out of season also.

But did you know that there are many things that you cannot do on the beach by law and if you are caught, you could face a hefty fine of up to €3,000? 

That's right, even things that may appear to be innocuous and totally innocent could put you on the wrong side of the local police and leave you seriously "out of pocket".

It's important to understand that the beaches in Spain are maintained by the individual municipalities, which means that they can regulate the use of the beaches and form their own bylaws, which run alongside the main coastal law in Spain, Ley de Costas 22/1988.

Regional authorities recently produced a list of some of the things in certain localities, which done at the wrong time and place could land you with a big fine.

Below are some examples of local laws that are currently in place up and down the country.

Washing with soap and shampoo at beach showers is illegal at all Spanish beaches. In certain regions such as Malaga, Benidorm and Valencia this also applies to washing with soap in the sea. The fine for this would be somewhere in the region of €750.

For those who like to drink to excess and then sleep it off on the beach, think again. In many regions, spending the night sleeping on the beach or camping on the beach is completely forbidden and in areas such as Valencia could result in a fine of up to €1,500.

Nudism is a popular pastime for many, but do this on the majority of non-nudist beaches and you may end up with a fine of up to €750.

If you head East to Chipiona, Cadiz and decide to spend some time on the beach you will want to pay extra attention as several things could end in a fine of up to €300. These include throwing cigarette butts, leaving sunflower and other nut shells and litter on the beach and also the use of loud sound equipment and musical instruments. More serious offences can result in fines of up to €900.

On certain beaches playing with a bat and ball and other sporting equipment is only permissible in designated areas. While in Malaga it is only acceptable if done at a distance of six metres or more from other beach-goers. Don't forget your tape measure!

Barbecuing on the beach is another grey area. In most cases, police authorisation must be sought before lighting up. In some areas such as Salobrena, fines of up to €3,000 can be imposed for those who do not follow the rules. Ouch!

For those who smoke or wish to have an alcoholic beverage on the beach, you should also take note. Some local councils only allow smoking, vaping and the consumption of alcohol in certain designated areas.

Cigarette smoke and butts can be a real menace for non-smokers and children building sandcastles. Cigarette butts contain thousands of toxic substances and contain plastics making them harmful to our environment and marine life.

Several regions in the country have already adopted the measures creating smoke-free beaches and zones including Galicia, Murcia, Catalonia, Andalusia, Asturias, the Canary Islands and the Balearics with other regions of the country soon to follow suit.

And as for sex on the beach (not the cocktail), this is also illegal!

In Benidorm and no doubt other regions, there are time restrictions, which means you are not allowed to swim in the sea or use the beach between 11 pm and 7 am. This is generally imposed for safety reasons and to allow for the cleanup of the beach.

The city council of Vigo, in Galicia also warned holidaymakers (and locals) that urinating in the sea will also now be considered an infringement of hygiene and sanitary regulations. Anyone caught doing it can now be fined up to €750.

Many of us like to take our dogs for some exercise on the beach and although this is fine in several areas, there are still a large number of beaches where this is not permitted. Some beaches allow domestic animals on the beach only at certain times for example before 8 am and after 9 pm. Note that guide dogs are permitted on all Spanish beaches.

This is just an example of some of the restrictions that may be in place on a beach you regularly frequent or are planning on visiting while holidaying here. Many beaches will have their rules and regulations indicated along the beach, but if in any doubt, check with your local council first.

If you are going to the beach, make sure you have a great time, stay safe and be aware of any regulations so you can avoid being hit with a large fine.

You may want to also read one of our recent posts - Are These The 12 Best Beaches In Spain?

This article was brought to you by HealthPlan, the health insurance in Spain specialists.