10 Beach Fines in Spain You Should Know This Summer
Nearly forty years after its enactment, the Spanish Law 22/1988 of July 28 still defines acceptable behavior on the coast. Beaches and coastal areas are public property, meaning no one can claim a section or build permanent structures without permission.
The law distinguishes between minor and serious violations. Minor violations include unauthorized occupation of public land, non-compliance with permit conditions, and minor damage. Fines for these can reach up to €60,000.
Serious violations, such as altering boundary markers or obstructing access to the sea, can incur fines up to €300,000. Municipalities can impose fines up to €12,000, while autonomous communities can go up to €1.2 million.
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A smoking ban is already in effect on over 600 Spanish beaches, including those in Barcelona and San Sebastián. Fines for smoking range from €300 to €750.
Here are 10 fines to avoid on Spanish beaches this summer:
- Relieving oneself on the beach: fine up to €750.
- Claiming space with umbrellas at dawn: fine up to €600.
- Washing with shampoo in public showers: fine up to €750.
- Playing beach tennis outside designated areas: fine up to €3,000.
- Taking sand or shells: fine up to €3,000.
- Using a metal detector without permission: fine up to €150,000.
- Playing music through a portable speaker: fine around €750.
- Smoking on the sand: fine up to €600,000.
- Drinking alcohol on the beach: fine up to €3,000.
- Damaging boundary markers: fine €1,000 per marker.
Before heading to the beach, make sure to check local regulations, as they can vary from city to city.
