Lorraine Williamson
What used to be a cheeky holiday trick — sneaking out before sunrise to claim prime beach real estate — could now leave you €750 out of pocket. From the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanca, dozens of Spanish coastal towns are no longer turning a blind eye to early-morning space savers.
Across several resorts, it’s officially forbidden to place towels, sunbeds, or parasols before 8.00 am. Local police have the authority to fine offenders, confiscate their items, and even charge a retrieval fee. What was once a harmless routine is now deemed selfish and unfair.
Benidorm to Nerja: The new beach rules
In Benidorm, one of the busiest coastal hotspots in Spain, local enforcement patrols are out each morning to check for unattended parasols. The penalty? Fines of up to €750.
Torrox, along the Costa del Sol, has gone a step further by actively removing beach gear left too early and slapping fines of up to €300 on rule-breakers. Nerja and Denia have also joined the movement, stepping up checks especially during peak tourist weeks.
While details vary between municipalities, the message is uniform: beach access must be equal, not a competition of who gets up earliest.
A custom turned controversial
For years, it was almost a ritual — set your alarm, wander down with your gear before breakfast, and bag that front-row patch of sand. But the practice has sparked growing resentment, particularly as tourism rebounds and beach space tightens.
“It’s frustrating,” one Nerja resident said. “You arrive at ten and the beach looks full, but half the towels are unattended. People drop their things and don’t return for hours.”
Authorities now see early reservations as a form of privilege — one that undermines shared access to public spaces.
Holidaymakers divided
The crackdown has triggered a lively debate. Supporters applaud councils for taking action against what they see as beach-hoarding. Whereas others call it an overreach.
“I’m glad they’re doing something,” said Ana, a local in Torrox. “People used to come down at six, block off whole sections, and vanish.” But Javier, a regular visitor to Denia, disagreed: “It’s a beach. People should enjoy it however they want.”
The disagreement reflects a broader question: who gets to decide how a public beach is used?
Don’t get caught out this summer
To avoid a fine — or worse, the embarrassment of seeing your towel hauled off by police — check local signage and beach notices. Most municipalities, however, set 8.00 am as the earliest permitted time to claim a spot.
If your items are removed, they won’t be waiting where you left them. You’ll need to visit the local municipal office or collection depot — and pay a fee to get them back.
The golden rule: arrive early, not absurdly early. Respect the timing, and your beach day will be stress-free.
Why this matters now
With Spain experiencing record-high tourism numbers and heatwaves that drive more people to the coast, beach equity is under pressure. Councils are under increasing pressure to manage crowds fairly and prevent nuisance behaviour.
This summer’s parasol ban isn’t just about order — it’s about reclaiming public space for everyone.
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Source: Ondacero.es