Brits in Benidorm warned of 3 little-known beach rules that lead to big fines
Harry Poulton regularly shares his travel tips and advice about the sunny location with his 41,700 followers on TikTok, and has now delivered a stark warning to holidaymakers
A Brit living in Benidorm has revealed the three things tourists are being fined for while visiting the Spanish destination's beach.
Harry Poulton regularly shares his travel tips and advice about the sunny location with his 41,700 followers on TikTok. In a recent clip, which has racked up 43,000 views and hundreds of likes, he's shared the top three things Brits do while at the beach which could land them a hefty fine.
The 24-year-old's first piece of advice is to avoid swimming in the sea at unrestricted hours. He explains: 'You can't swim between midnight and 7am at Benidorm [beach] otherwise you're going to end up with a massive fine.' This can range from anywhere between €300 and €1,500 (£255 – £1,278).
When it comes to beach hogging, that's a big no-no in Benidorm. 'Reserving spots on the beach – that means putting your towel down [and] reserving a seat – not okay,' the content creator, from Brighton, said.
'Not allowed. 'You can actually get a fine of up to €200 for reserving a spot on the beach. 'Even just leaving your towel down somewhere on the beach can get you a massive fine. So just don't do it.'
His final piece of advice is to avoid smoking and vaping while at the seaside. The ban on vapes has already come into force in Spain and Italy, with France next to implement the change on 1 July. Those caught with the e-cigarette could be forced to fork out a whopping £1,700.
The same rule applies for cigarettes. Harry explained: 'To be honest, probably the most important one; smoking on Benidorm's beach. Let's be honest, we've all been there if you're a smoker. Don't do it – if you get caught, you are going to be fined.
'They are proper on it at the moment, so if you do all those things, you're going to get a fine. If you don't, then you'll be absolutely fine.'
In 2024, the Spanish Medical Association unveiled new anti-smoking regulations that also encompass vaping in public spaces such as beaches and restaurant terraces.
Several well-known Spanish beaches where vaping prohibitions are now in effect include L'Albir Beach in Alicante, Levante and Poniente Beaches in Benidorm, Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, and Bogatell in Barcelona, and Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia. If caught breaking the law, travellers could face penalties up to €2,000, equivalent to £1,700.
Holidaymakers heading to France this summer should also be cautious about where they are vaping. From July 1, France will prohibit smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, schools, bus stops, and sports venues. This is part of a wider initiative that started in 2011 with a beach ban and has since broadened.
Those caught breaking these laws could face fines of up to €135 (£115).
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