Spain holiday warning to brits who face £210 fines for putting towels on sunbeds

BRITS WHO HEAD TO SPAIN COULD FIND THEMSELVES WITH A HEFTY FINE IF THEY TRY TO RESERVE A SUNBED BY LAYING OUT A TOWEL 09:51, 29 May 2025 Brits planning a getaway have been issued a warning

about potential fines for reserving sunbeds. People caught leaving their towels on sunbeds to claim them for the day could be slapped with a fine up to €250, roughly £210. Travel insurance

comparison website Tiger.co.uk has advised holidaymakers eyeing Spain for their next trip to be aware of the costly penalties associated with staking a claim on "their" spot on the

beach with an unattended towel. Detailing the intricacies of the rule, the team at Tiger.co.uk highlighted: "In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now

be fined €250 for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed. "This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about

sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight." Implemented last year, these stringent regulations are designed to deter holidaymakers from monopolising lounge chairs,

potentially stranding other visitors without a place to relax. Holiday destinations worldwide, including various tourist-favoured locales in Spain, have experienced tension due to

individuals attempting to claim sun loungers for themselves, leading to disputes or overcrowding along coastal areas. Article continues below In Calpe, on the Costa Blanca, local officials

have stated that police may confiscate any unoccupied sunbeds or towels off the sand before 9.30am, reports the Express. Owners looking to retrieve confiscated goods will be directed to a

municipal storage facility where their belongings can be reclaimed after settling the fine. Not only those setting out towels could face a fine, but also those who attempt to reserve a spot

for over three hours whilst leaving it unattended. This comes as several European tourist destinations are implementing measures to alleviate overcrowding and promote conservation. From

July, visitors to the Italian seafront locations Tuerredda and La Pelosa will need to reserve a beach spot before they can travel there. Article continues below They'll also have to

adhere to existing rules, such as prohibitions on disposable plastic bags, smoking, and removing sand or pebbles from the bay.