Millions of Brits over the upcoming weeks and months will be dusting off their suitcases and jetting away on their long-awaited summer holidays. Spain is a popular hotspot thanks to the glorious Mediterranean climate, the relatively short plane journey, delicious cuisine and of course the beautiful beaches.

In 2023, approximately 17.8 million UK residents visited Spain, representing 21% of all trips abroad taken by Brits. This makes Spain the most popular destination for UK tourists. However, what many people may be unaware of is that Spain have a stream of rules and regulations for their beaches. Failing to abide by a series of rules could land you in hot water and one thing in particular could cause you to be handed a fine of £2.5k which would most certainly put a dampener on your relaxing holiday.

Spain's leading property portal, Idealista, has compiled a list of what you can't do on Spanish beaches.

The most expensive fine is swimming under a red flag. Tourists and local bathers who ignore the warning could be slapped with a fine of £2.5k (€3k).

The red flags are put up to protect swimmers from dangerous conditions and swimming in the water when they're up can put you at a huge risk.

Bringing a pet to a restricted beach can result in a fine of £2.5k also. While many beaches allow dogs during the winter months (October to March), many local councils introduce restrictions during the summer.

In Majorca there are some beaches which do allow dogs. Some popular options include Es Carnatge in Palma, Na Patana in Santa Margalida, Cala Blanca near Andratx, and Llenaire between Pollensa and Alcudia. 

Many councils also prohibit public drinking on beaches, although this is sometimes overlooked, fines for drinking on the beach or promenade can range from £1.2k (€1,501) to £2.5k.

In some Spanish beach areas, playing paddle tennis is prohibited and can result in hefty fines of up to £2.5k. Specifically, areas like Benidorm and San Javier, Murcia, who have strict rules against playing paddle tennis on the beach.

Full list of Spanish beach fines:

Here is a full list of beach fines tourists and locals should be aware of, according to idealista.

• Pets on the beach: Prohibited on most beaches (except guide dogs), with fines up to £2.5k (€3k).
• Beach parties & loud music: Strictly regulated. Fines can reach £18.55 (€22) per square yard for unauthorised gatherings and £632 (€750) for playing music too loudly.
• Illegal street vending: Selling goods without a permit can cost up to £1.2k (€1.5k).
• Tents & shelters without authorisation: Some municipalities, like Valencia, impose fines between £1.2k (€1,501) and £2.5k (€3k).
• Using soap or shampoo at beach showers: Banned nationwide, punishable by a £632 (€750) fine.
• Urinating in the sea: Surprisingly, this can lead to fines of £594 (€705) in places like Vigo.
• Sleeping overnight on the beach: Fines range from £33 (€40) to £1.2k (€1.5k), especially in Valencia.
• Reserving beach spots with towels or umbrellas: Can cost up to £632 (€750) in Benidorm and £252 (€300) in Malaga.
• Swimming under a red flag: Very dangerous—and expensive—with fines up to £2.5k (€3.k).
• Playing paddle tennis: Forbidden in areas like Benidorm and San Javier, Murcia, with fines up to £2.5k (€3k).
• No smoking areas: Many beaches are now smoke-free zones. Fines for smoking where it’s banned can reach £379 (€450).
• Alcohol consumption: Though sometimes overlooked, fines for drinking on the beach or promenade can range from £1.2k (€1,501) to £2.5k (€3k).
• Littering: Leaving rubbish behind could cost you between £633 (€751) and £1,264 (€1,500).