Calpe cracks down on beach smoking as tougher enforcement returns to the Costa Blanca coastline

Anyone lighting up on one of Calpe’s beaches this summer could find themselves on the wrong side of local regulations as the Costa Blanca town reinforces its smoke-free coastline campaign.

The municipality has renewed efforts to remind both residents and visitors that smoking is prohibited on almost every beach and cove within its boundaries. The initiative forms part of a wider commitment to protect public health, improve the visitor experience and reduce the environmental damage caused by cigarette waste.

As thousands of people continue to flock to the resort during the peak holiday season, local authorities are urging beachgoers to respect the rules and help keep the coastline clean.

Only two designated smoking areas remain

Smoking is no longer permitted across the vast majority of Calpe’s shoreline, with just two designated areas where smokers can legally light a cigarette.

These zones are located on La Fossa beach, close to Plaza Mediterrani, and on Arenal-Bol beach opposite Plaza Colón. Smokers using these areas are encouraged to dispose of cigarette waste responsibly by using reusable pocket ashtrays, which are available free of charge from Calpe’s tourist information offices.

The move is designed to stop cigarette ends from being buried in the sand or washed into the Mediterranean, where they can remain for years and release harmful substances into the marine environment.

A major source of beach pollution

Although small, cigarette butts are considered one of the biggest sources of litter found on beaches worldwide. Local officials estimate they account for around 15 per cent of all waste collected along Calpe’s coastline.

Many people mistakenly believe cigarette filters are biodegradable, but most are made from cellulose acetate, a form of plastic that can take years to break down. During that time they release toxic chemicals and microscopic plastic particles into the sea, where they can be ingested by fish, seabirds and other marine wildlife.

Removing discarded cigarette ends is also expensive, requiring regular cleaning to maintain the town’s beaches, many of which are among the Costa Blanca’s most popular with both tourists and local families.

Part of a wider environmental strategy

Calpe was one of the municipalities to join the Valencian Community’s Smoke-Free Beaches Network before extending restrictions across almost its entire coastline.

The initiative reflects a growing trend across Spain, where more coastal destinations are introducing smoke-free beaches in response to increasing environmental concerns and changing public attitudes towards smoking in shared outdoor spaces.

The campaign is about more than enforcing a ban. It also aims to encourage greater respect for the coastline and promote healthier public spaces where families, swimmers and sunseekers can enjoy the beach without cigarette smoke or litter.

With another busy summer underway, the town hopes visitors will play their part by following the rules, making use of the designated smoking areas where necessary and helping preserve one of the Costa Blanca’s best-loved stretches of coastline for future generations.