Spain introduces strict new beach rules for summer holidays
ONE popular holiday destination in southern Spain has introduced a new rule at its beaches amid a drought.
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Brits – but despite its popularity, the country has plenty of little-known beach rules.
According to the Daily Express, the regional government of Andalusía (Junta de Andalucía) has limited water use to 225litres per inhabitant.
In a bid to adhere to the limit, town councils in the region are implementing strict measures, like reducing water pressure and emptying fountains.
Beaches in and around Cadiz will see its showers removed in a bid to conserve water supplies.
Almost all towns surrounding the port city of Cádiz won’t have showers for holidaymakers to use on the beach.
There are some exceptions to the newly-imposed rule, including Camposoto Beach in San Fernando.
Camposoto Beach will still have accessible showers for people with reduced mobility.
Showers will soon be available at Chiclana too – although no firm date has been revealed.
This news comes after an ongoing drought has plagued the region, with Spanish officials desperately trying to conserve water resources.
Cádiz also imposed a ban on showers at its beaches last year in a bid to save water before the possibility of a drought was announced.
Signs were installed at beaches across the coastal area explaining why the showers weren’t working.
Taps used for washing sand off feet could still be used at the time – although people were encouraged not to waste water, as reported by Murcia Today.
At the time, Mayor Garcia said: “Our intention is that these measures serve to collaborate in reducing water consumption and raising awareness.
“This is a problem we all have to solve together and achieve a saving in water consumption.”
Last year, Malaga also cut off the water to its showers to comply with drought recommendations.
There are plenty of other little-known beach rules in place across the country that Brits need to be aware of before their visit.
OTHER SPANISH BEACH RULE
Here are the three ways you could get in trouble in Spain while on the beach – and be fined thousands if caught doing them all.
A number of beaches across Spain have banned smoking on them.
For example, Benidorm has banned both drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes on the stretch of sand to reduce littering.
Holidaymakers caught smoking on the beach could end up with a fine as much as £1,700.
Benidorm has also banned anyone swimming in the sea between 12am and 7am because there are no lifeguards on the beach at night.
Anyone caught swimming between those hours will be charged as much as £1,020.
Meanwhile, tourists who opt to go nude on a non-nudist beach can be fined up to £560.
Make sure to put your clothes over your swimwear when leaving the beach too – or get fined £260.
Other ways you could be fined in Spain include hogging beach spots using towels (£260) driving in flip flops (£171) or jumping off balconies into pools (£1,250).
Other strict beach laws around the world
France
- Smoking on beaches
Italy
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £2,500
UK
- Walking dogs on certain beaches between May 1 and September 30 – fines of £1,000
- Dropping rubbish – fines up to £2,500
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £1,000
- Camping on beaches – fines up to £1,000
Here are seven driving laws you need to be aware of when travelling abroad.
And we’ve rounded up five other Spanish laws to be aware of too.