The Canary Islands are a great spot for a warm-weather winter vacation, making them super popular among British tourists. But tourists to one of the islands — Gran Canaria — should be aware of some new, pretty strict rules on its Agaete coastline beaches because breaking them could lead to hefty fines.
Some of these rules seem pretty obvious — for example, having sex anywhere on the beaches is strictly banned. So if you’re feeling frisky, stick to a sex on the beach cocktail instead. But some of the new rules ban relatively common things we’re used to seeing on a beach, such as using umbrellas for shade or playing music in sunbathing areas. It seems the new rules are aimed at regulating tourism (there have been several protests by Spanish locals unhappy with the effects of tourism) and protecting the environment from disruption and damage.
While not all the rules are entirely surprising, they are being strictly enforced, so tourists who unknowingly break them could be in for a rude (and expensive) awakening. Minor offenses will cost you anywhere from €30 ($32) to €750 ($811), serious offenses are fined between €751 ($812) and €1,500 ($1,621), and very serious violations cost up to €3,000 ($3,244). So whether you’re looking for under-the-radar beaches to visit in Europe — the Agaete coastline is known for its rocky, natural beaches — or just stopping over in Gran Canaria on a cruise, keep these rules in mind to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
What tourists should know before hitting Gran Canaria’s beaches
