Benidorm beach wars as Brits face monster fines for stupid new laws - see full list

Sun-seeking Brit holidaymakers are being threatened with huge fines from police cracking down on smoking, music and even ball games on the Costas. Benidorm's beach rules even ban reserving sun loungers and using soap in the beach showers.

The rules could see tourists lighting a cig or puffing a vape in the wrong area slapped with a 2,000 (1,700) fine. And sipping cocktails or carrying a bottle of beer could land holidaymakers with a 650 fine.

But confusingly, Benidorm's rules are slightly different from some neighbouring towns, so social media is awash with misinformation about what is and isn't legal in the iconic resort.

For example, viral videos widely shared on TikTok claim tourists can be fined hundreds of euros if police catch them drinking, smoking, vaping or even swimming after dark on the beach in Benidorm. But that's not strictly true.

Brits can actually be fined 300 (260) for buying booze from illegal vendors and encouraging an unauthorised activity. And Benidorm has banned smoking but only in certain areas.

Nearby towns have banned smoking outright on their beaches but in Benidorm, smoking is restricted in three accessible areas two on Poniente Beach and one on Levante.

British tourist Libby Anderson, 24, said she would be furious if she was was fined for vaping and would not return to Benidorm for a holiday. She told The Sun: "We dont have money to spare, wed just go somewhere else."

And fellow holidaymaker Maria Cooper, from Blackpool, told the paper: "Of course, everyone wants to have a drink and a fag on holiday.

"Were only here for a week and its not cheap, so if we got fined on top of everything else I dont know where wed find the money to pay it."

Leah Jade, 21, from Canterbury in Kent, said: We just bought these cocktails and were given takeaway cups to bring them down to the beach. Were not doing any harm. Making that illegal seems stupid and unfair.

Full list of fines

Sex on the beach (near minors): Having sex in public violates public decency laws in Saw and is explicitly prohibited and enforced in resorts like Benidorm. It comes with a fine between 300 and 1,500.

If minors are present, beach bonking becomes a criminal offence and the fines can reach 3,000 (2,600).

Obstructing cleaners: Being on the beach after dark is not illegal, despite some social media rumours, but refusing to move out of the way of beach cleaners after being asked can land you with a 750 fine.

Swimming offences: Dipping in the sea between midnight and 7am is banned and swimming during red-flag warnings is considered a serious offence for endangering life and can carry a fine of 1,000.

Loud music: Using loudspeakers on the beach is banned and can cost you up to 300.

Reserving a sun lounger: Putting a towel down on a sun lounger and reserving a spot on the beach risks a fine of 150 and your towel confiscated.

Tents and gazebos: Setting up tents or gazebos without a permit is considered a very serious offence in parts of the Valencian community and fines can soar to 1,500.

Fishing: Fishing is another activity that is banned in tourist zones, with fines of 750 (650).

Glass bottles: Glass is banned on the beach, for safety reasons. Even carrying glass bottles is restricted and will result in a fine of 750.

Ball games: Games like paddleball, football, or volleyball are usually only allowed in designated zones. But they become an offence if they interfere with others enjoyment and carry a 120 fine.

Shampoo: Washing with soap or shampoo at beach showers is banned across Spain as it can damage marine ecosystems and violate public hygiene standards. In Benidorm, you can even be fined up to 750 for using soap in the sea.

No drone zone: Many coastal towns require authorisation for filming or flying drones. Unauthorized commercial content or drone flights near people can result in fines starting from 601.

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