Tourists face fines of up to €3k for breaking new rules in Spanish hotspot

Holidaymakers heading to a popular Spanish holiday hotspot have been warned after new rules have been announced for beaches, natural pools, and the coastline, with tourists paying up to €3,000 if they are not followed. A city in Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, has introduced a new crackdown to protect the island’s coastline, and those who are not aware these common practices have now been prohibited risk facing a steep fine.

New beach rules bring fines of up to €3,000 in Spanish holiday hotspot

The La Laguna City Council, in a motion that was passed on Wednesday, October 7, has prohibited holidaymakers from camping out at beaches, staying overnight, smoking, vaping, littering, and playing loud music on the coastline of the municipality. Using speakers or other sound equipment that disturbs others will be prohibited, except during emergencies or with official authorisation.

Holidaymakers are also banned from using soap, shampoo or other hygiene products in public swimming pools, showers, and bathing areas. This restriction covers all the beaches and natural pools on the coast of the municipality, including Bajamar beach and its adjoining natural swimming pool, as well as the natural pools of Jover in Tejina, La Barranquera in Valle de Guerra and El Arenisco in Punta del Hidalgo.

Those who do not follow rules could be forced to pay thousands

According to local Spanish sources, those who ignore these rules can face fines of up to €3,000, depending on the severity of the offence. To be specific, the move sets fines of up to €300 for minor offences, between €300 and €1,000 for serious offences, and between €1,000 and €3,000 for very serious offences. In the case of smoking and vaping, the person will be let off with a warning as long as they stop immediately.

It should be noted that these restrictions apply across the La Laguna municipality rather than Tenerife as a whole.

Tenerife’s zero-waste plan: Keeping the coastline clean and locals happy

These restrictions have been placed not only to foster coexistence among tourists and residents, but also to improve and preserve the ecological health of the coastline and the environment.

Alongside these restrictions, the La Laguna City Council will also streamline efforts to make their coastline more accessible, including adding adapted bathrooms and sufficient seating areas, in particular during peak season.

All of the island’s municipalities are working together to clean up its coastline with an €80,000,000 investment, to reach a “zero waste” goal for Tenerife. This follows the island receiving heavy criticism for poor sanitation on its coastline, with various beaches closing due to health concerns.