European island introduces strict new beach ban – and holidaymakers face £430
ONE popular holiday destination in southern Spain has introduced a new rule at its beaches amid a drought.
Italy is one of the most popular destinations for Brits – but despite its popularity, the country has plenty of little-known beach rules.
According to local news website Wanted in Rome, authorities on the Italian island of Capri have banned the smoking of tobacco products, like cigarettes and vapes, on its beaches.
While the ban only prohibits smoking on the island’s beaches, both locals and holidaymakers could also be fined for dropping tobacco products on the ground, drains and in the water.
Even though the measure hopes to transform the popular Italian island into a smoke-free destination, designated smoking areas will be installed on the island’s beaches.
Fines ranging from €25 (£22) to €500 (£430) for violations will be issued to anyone seen flouting the ban.
Meanwhile, other beaches in Italy are bringing in measures to minimise the impact of tourists on their shores.
In Sardinia, only 1,600 people can visit Cala Sisine Beach, while Santa Maria Navarrese Beach only permits 1,300.
Fewer still are able to visit Cala Mariolu Beach, with only 550 people allowed in per day and each having to pay a €1 (86p) fee.
Elsewhere on the island, Pelosa Beach has banned towels and asked visitors to instead bring mats which gather less sand. Anyone visiting will have to pay €3.50 (£3).
Meanwhile, tourists wanting to visit the beaches of Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina in the archipelago of La Maddalena will have to pay €3 (£2.60) per person for access each day after new rules were brought in.
The archipelago itself is a national park and only accessible with a guide, which will cost €25 (£22) for five hours.
And anyone caught visiting the archipelago without a guide could face prosecution.
Just 60 people will be permitted on each beach per day, as the local authorities look at ways to protect the sites from the impact of tourism.
Slots must be booked in advance by contacting a local guide but it is hoped that an app will be launched soon.
Italy isn’t the only European country that’s introduced a wave of new measure at its beaches in recent weeks and months.
SPANISH BEACH RULES
Tourists visiting Spain can end up being fined thousands if they’re caught breaking the following rules.
Just like Capri, a number of beaches across Spain have banned smoking on them.
For example, Benidorm has banned both drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes on the stretch of sand to reduce littering.
Holidaymakers caught smoking on the beach could end up with a fine as much as £1,700.
Benidorm has also banned anyone swimming in the sea between 12am and 7am because there are no lifeguards on the beach at night.
Anyone caught swimming between those hours will be charged as much as £1,020.
Meanwhile, tourists who opt to go nude on a non-nudist beach can be fined up to £560.
Make sure to put your clothes over your swimwear when leaving the beach too – or get fined £260.
Other ways you could be fined in Spain include hogging beach spots using towels (£260) driving in flip flops (£171) or jumping off balconies into pools (£1,250).
Other strict beach laws around the world
France
- Smoking on beaches
Italy
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £2,500
UK
- Walking dogs on certain beaches between May 1 and September 30 – fines of £1,000
- Dropping rubbish – fines up to £2,500
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £1,000
- Camping on beaches – fines up to £1,000
Here are seven driving laws you need to be aware of when travelling abroad.
And we’ve rounded up five other Spanish laws to be aware of too.