As summer finally gets underway, millions of Brits will be gearing up for holidays abroad this summer, eager to spend hours stretched out on a beach with their friends and family. However, Spain has implemented several strict laws about beaches across the country, which run the risk of ruining the fun.

Luckily for these tourists, Spain’s leading property portal, Idealista, has compiled a list of what you should not do on Spanish beaches. Failing to abide by these rules, one of which is completely legal in the UK, could land you with an eyewatering fine of €750 (£623). One that most should be familiar with given that similar laws are in place here in the UK is that littering on the beach, which could see visitors slapped with fines of between €751 (£633) and €1,500 (£1,265), depending on which part of Spain the offence takes place.

One rule that is particularly likely to catch holidaymakers out is that using soap or shampoo at beach showers is banned nationwide and punishable by a €750 fine.

This is to prevent pollution of the local water supply and protect marine life.

This law differs from the UK, where there is no specific law directly prohibiting shampoo use at British beaches. That being said, it is generally discouraged and considered environmentally unfriendly due to the potential impact on marine life and the ocean ecosystem. In Spain, however, this activity is actually illegal and could land you in hot water.

Even if shampoo is biodegradable, it can still contain chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life and disrupt the balance of natural water systems.

Also on the list of avoidable activities on Spanish beaches are the most expensive ones, including swimming under a red flag. Tourists and local bathers who ignore the warning could be fined €3,000 (£2,500). The red flags are put up to protect swimmers from dangerous conditions.

Bringing a pet to a restricted beach can also result in a fine of £2,500. While many beaches allow dogs between October and March, many local councils introduce restrictions during the summer.

Full list of Spanish beach fines:

• Pets on the beach: Prohibited on most beaches (except guide dogs), with fines up to £2.5k (€3k).
• Beach parties & loud music: Strictly regulated. Fines can reach £18.55 (€22) per square yard for unauthorised gatherings and £632 (€750) for playing music too loudly.
• Illegal street vending: Selling goods without a permit can cost up to £1.2k (€1.5k).
• Tents & shelters without authorisation: Some municipalities, like Valencia, impose fines between £1.2k (€1,501) and £2.5k (€3k).
• Using soap or shampoo at beach showers: Banned nationwide, punishable by a £632 (€750) fine.
• Urinating in the sea: Surprisingly, this can lead to fines of £594 (€705) in places like Vigo.
• Sleeping overnight on the beach: Fines range from £33 (€40) to £1.2k (€1.5k), especially in Valencia.
• Reserving beach spots with towels or umbrellas: Can cost up to £632 (€750) in Benidorm and £252 (€300) in Malaga.
• Swimming under a red flag: Very dangerous—and expensive—with fines up to £2.5k (€3.k).
• Playing paddle tennis: Forbidden in areas like Benidorm and San Javier, Murcia, with fines up to £2.5k (€3k).
• No smoking areas: Many beaches are now smoke-free zones. Fines for smoking where it’s banned can reach £379 (€450).
• Alcohol consumption: Though sometimes overlooked, fines for drinking on the beach or promenade can range from £1.2k (€1,501) to £2.5k (€3k).
• Littering: Leaving rubbish behind could cost you between £633 (€751) and £1,264 (€1,500).