Brits warned of a little-known rule in popular holiday destinations that could see people fined £1,000
Britons are being warned about a little-known rule that could turn a dream Spanish holiday into a nightmare.
Benidorm is the ultimate destination for ‘Brits abroad’, where more than a million people gather each year to enjoy the sun.
Last autumn it was even named the most popular international destination for Brits, according to Tripadvisor’s Autumn Travel Index.
However, tourists will have to dig deep into their pockets if they break an important list of rules.
Scroll down and find out how to avoid running out of cash on your next holiday in Benidorm.
Britons are being warned about a little-known rule that could turn a dream Spanish holiday into a nightmare
Benidorm is the ultimate destination for ‘Brits abroad’, where more than a million people gather every year to enjoy the sun
The new rule affects the place where holidaymakers spend the most time abroad: the beach.
Time restrictions mean that if you are caught in the sea between midnight and 7am you risk being fined between €750 and €1,200 (£641.71 to £1,026.73).
The same rule applies to sleeping or camping on Benidorm’s beaches during these hours.
And these aren’t the only rules tourists should keep in mind: there’s a whole list that could lead to Brits coughing up cash.
Placing umbrellas and towels to reserve a spot can cause beachgoers to cough up €150 (£128.34), while playing ball games outside designated areas can result in a €120 (£102.67) fine .
Stripping off on a non-nudist beach will get you a fine of €650 (£556.15) and swimming while the red flag is flying will cost you a whopping €1,000 (£855.61), reports Birmingham Live.
Peeing in the sea costs €150 and the use of soap and shampoo at beach showers costs €650.
Fishing with a rod or net carries a fine of €750 (£641.71). If you use a harpoon, the fine is even higher: €1,100 (£941.17).
The new rule affects the place where holidaymakers spend the most time abroad: the beach
Time restrictions mean that if you swim in the sea between midnight and 7am you risk being fined between €750 and €1,200 (£641.71 to £1,026.73)
Shockingly, drinking alcohol on the beach is also on this list, causing tourists to spend €750 (£641.71).
It is important not to buy drinks from beach vendors as they are largely unlicensed and authorized.
No smoking on the beach is another big rule: if you get caught, you have to pay a fine of up to €2,000.
For sex on the beach you will be fined €750 (£641.71) and if you don’t cover up when you leave the beach to go into town you could be charged up to €300 (£256.68) brought.
Even building large sand sculptures is listed with a €150 (£128.34) fine, although it is important to note that this applies to statues large enough to clear the beaches at night – and not on children’s sandcastles.
And that’s not all: barbecues and fires are prohibited on every beach in Benidorm, as is sitting or sunbathing on the first six meters of sand close to the water.