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Date Published: 29/02/2024

Little-known rule on Benidorm beaches could cost holidaymakers thousands

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The popular Alicante resort has a strict 7-hour beach ban to ensure the safety of residents and visitors

Little-known rule on Benidorm beaches could cost holidaymakers thousands

Laws and regulations vary widely across Spain, with each region dictating its own rules and strictly enforcing them, particularly during the summer months. But there is one important piece of legislation governing Benidorm beaches that even many locals aren’t aware of, despite the fact that it’s been in place for several years now.

Benidorm has issued a blanket ban on people entering its beaches or swimming between the hours of midnight and 7am. Visitors are also prohibited from sleeping on the sand during these hours, and flouters could be fined between 750 euros and 1,200 euros.

Of course, the safety of beachgoers is paramount and it goes without saying that it’s pretty risky to go for a dip in the middle of the night with nobody around and no lifeguards on duty. The behaviour becomes even more precarious if alcohol is involved. But there’s also a very practical reason for the ban, since it allows beach cleaning to be carried out when things are quiet.

The rule is part of the wider framework text of the Valencian Community, but according to the authorities, “it has been adapted to the idiosyncrasy of Benidorm.”

Clear signs have been erected at the entrance to all of Benidorm’s beaches so tourists are left in little doubt about the rules, one of which reminds bathers that they’re not allowed to reserve their spot on the sand by laying down towels or deck chairs.

Last summer, a lively debate that came to be known as the ‘Benidorm umbrella wars’ erupted in the resort when locals complained that visitors were staking their claim on the best spots of the beach, only to disappear for hours on end. Photos even emerged of several diehards claiming frontline bathing spaces before the sun had risen.

At the time, Benidorm council said that rule breakers would be asked to remove their belongings without further consequences, but repeat offenders could be slapped with a 150 euro fine.

In other news: Belgian driver arrested for doubling the speed limit on Orihuela Costa motorway

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