British holidaymakers heading on holiday to Spain this summer are being warned they could face fines up around £1,700 for breaking a little-known beach rule.
Spain has been cracking down on smoking in recent years, with laws now prohibiting lighting up in all indoor public spaces. The rules on smoking in outdoor spaces, like beaches or open air-terraces, are a little more relaxed but there are some restrictions tourists should be aware of to avoid landing in trouble with the law.
Smoking is now banned on many beaches across Spain as part of efforts to improve people’s health and to create a clean, unpolluted space for beachgoers, free from cigarette butts, but a rule change this year now also bans vaping in some parts of the country, with those caught breaking the rules facing fines up to €2,000 (around £1,726).
Spain has introduced stricter rules on vaping in public spaces and this now includes beaches, with many now designated as both smoke-free and vape-free zones.
Vaping is banned on 10 beaches in Barcelona and 28 in the Balearic Islands, which includes Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. The Spanish government announced in October last year a ban on disposable vapes as part of a new ‘anti-tobacco plan’.
According to rechargeable vapes experts at WickdUp, holidaymakers caught vaping on a beach in Spain face being fined up to €2,000, so it is best to wait to check the local rules first to avoid landing in trouble.
Mike Byers, director of rechargeable vapes shop WickdUp, said: “Whilst it may be tempting to sneakily use your vape whilst relaxing on the beach, it is important to abide by local regulations and laws.
“Smoking is generally permitted in private, open-air terraces of bars and restaurants, provided that the area is not enclosed or covered by more than two walls and a roof.
“So if you’re craving your vape, take it as an opportunity to enjoy some time at a local bar or restaurant and get an all important rest from the direct sun.
“If in doubt, use Gov.uk to seek advice whenever unsure and stay up to date with laws and regulations in every country. Many EU countries allow vaping in public spaces, so consider these countries when planning your summer get away.”
Holidaymakers are advised to look for local signs at beaches to check what the rules are on vaping to avoid fines, and should never use vapes in indoor public building or on public transport in Spain.
Spain’s rules on vaping could become stricter still this year as the Spanish government has been considering banning disposable vapes.
Experts at electronic cigarette company Totally Wicked said: “A big thing for holidaymakers to know is that many beaches now ban both smoking and vaping. This is happening more and more in popular tourist areas, for example, in the Canary Islands and around Barcelona. Always look carefully for local signs when you’re at the beach, because you could get a fine if you vape where it’s not allowed.
“Spain’s vaping rules might also be changing more soon. The government has been talking about possibly banning disposable vapes, perhaps sometime in 2025, and also putting more limits on different e-liquid flavours.
“Generally, Spain treats vaping quite like smoking when it comes to its rules. So, before your trip, it’s a really good idea to check the very latest local rules, especially for where you can vape and what types of vape products you can expect to find or use.”
As for smoking cigarettes on beaches in Spain, according to EuroWeekly 28 beaches in the Balearic Islands are now smoke-free zones, with Playa de Santa Eulalia del Río and Playa de Talamanca among the smoke-free beaches in Ibiza.
In Menorca smoking is banned at Binissafúller and Platja Gran and in Majorca, beaches with smoking bans include Sant Joan, Sa Platgeta, Santa Ponsa, Cala Estància, Cala Sant Vicenç and Caló des Moro.
Andalusia also prohibits smoking on 53 beaches, 61 beaches have banned smoking in the Canary Islands, in Costa Blanca 25% of beaches now ban smoking, and in the Costa del Sol 18 beaches have been declared smoke-free.
Barcelona was the first major city in Spain to ban smoking on beaches, but more than 100 Spanish beaches have since imposed bans.
