Torremolinos installs smart traffic lights on its beaches to warn about UV radiation levels

Residents and visitors to Torremolinos can now check real-time ultraviolet radiation levels at a glance, thanks to a new network of smart traffic lights installed across four of the town’s most popular beaches.

How Torremolinos’ smart UV traffic lights work

Each device uses a simple five-colour system based on World Health Organization standards to display live radiation levels, making the information instantly accessible to beachgoers of all ages. Moving beyond a standard traffic light, the sensors cycle through 5 levels, green, yellow, orange, red, and violet signals will indicate the current intensity of UV rays. This clear visual prompt allows people to adjust their sun protection accordingly, whether that means applying higher-factor sunscreen, seeking shade, or limiting their time in direct sunlight during extreme peaks.

Where the smart lights are located

Currently operational at La Carihuela, Bajondillo, Playamar and Los Alamos, the devices cover Torremolinos’ busiest stretches of coastline. These beaches attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making them an ideal location to roll out the new health-focused technology.

A step forward in beach safety and public health

This isn’t just a high-tech novelty, the equipment tackles a genuine local issue on a coastline where year-round sunshine is taken for granted, but awareness of the actual UV risks remains stubbornly low. Putting real-time data directly in front of beachgoers forces a shift from passive sunbathing to active sun safety, moving past generic promenade warnings to encourage smarter daily habits. Funded by the European Union’s Next Generation as part of the town’s Smart Paradise Sustainable Tourism Plan (PRTR), the rollout follows a similar regional push that recently saw 20 UV sensors installed along Benalmadena’s coastline.

Protecting your skin in Spain is now more vital than ever. For more information on the new sensors you can visit the Torreomlinos Town Hall website or social media channels.