Spain's leading property portal, Idealista, (www.idealista.com) has compiled a list of what you can't do on Spanish beaches. Many areas of Spain and Mallorca have their own by-laws but the main laws are the same throughout the country. Although many of the by-laws are not strictly enforced in Mallorca you could be fined for wearing swimming clothes away from the beach.
- Pets on the beach: Prohibited on most beaches (except guide dogs), with fines up to €3,000. In Mallorca there are some beaches which do allow dogs.
- Beach parties and loud music: Strictly regulated. Fines can reach €22 per square yard for unauthorised gatherings and €750 for playing music too loudly.
- Illegal street vending: Selling goods without a permit can cost up to €1,500. Street vendors are common in Mallorca despite police crackdowns.
- Tents & shelters without authorisation: Some municipalities, like Valencia, impose fines between 1,501 and 3,000 euros.
- Using soap or shampoo at beach showers: Banned nationwide, punishable by a €750 fine.
- Urinating in the sea: Surprisingly, this can lead to fines of €700 in places like Vigo.
- Sleeping overnight on the beach: Fines range from €40 to €1,500, especially in Valencia.
- Reserving beach spots with towels or umbrellas: Can cost up to €750 in Benidorm and €300 in Malaga.
- Swimming under a red flag: Very dangerous -and expensive - with fines up to €3,000.
- Playing paddle tennis: Forbidden in areas like Benidorm and San Javier, Murcia, with fines up to €3,000.
- No smoking areas: Many beaches are now smoke-free zones. Fines for smoking where it's banned can reach €450.
- Alcohol consumption: Though sometimes overlooked, fines for drinking on the beach or promenade can range from €1,501 to €3,000.
- Littering: Leaving rubbish behind could cost you between €751 and €1,500.