The controversial habit of reserving beach spots early in the morning with umbrellas, chairs, or towels – and then disappearing for hours – is being phased out along parts of the Costa del Sol.
Several towns in the Axarquia region, including Rincon de la Victoria, Torrox, Velez-Malaga, Algarrobo, and Nerja, have implemented local ordinances that prohibit this very practice.
Fines vary by municipality, with Rincon de la Victoria imposing penalties of up to €750, and Torrox up to €300.
The regulations state that beach space cannot be reserved with personal belongings unless the owner is physically present.
In Rincon de la Victoria, the ban has been in effect since July 2020. Items left unattended for more than one hour may be removed by authorities, with fines ranging from €60 to €750.
In Torrox, the rule is similar. If objects such as umbrellas or chairs are left unattended for an extended period, they are removed.
Owners then have 14 days to reclaim them before they are discarded as waste. A €30 fee applies to retrieve confiscated items.
According to Mayor Oscar Medina, the objective is not financial but aimed at preventing what he called ‘uncivil behaviour.’
Nerja also enforces this ban. Article 11 of its beach ordinance specifies that any attempt to reserve space before 8am without the owner’s presence is prohibited. Fines begin at €30, which is also the fee to recover any removed items.
The town of Algarrobo follows suit. Article 14 of its ordinance bans leaving beach items unattended for the purpose of reserving space. Like in other towns, confiscated objects can be recovered for €30.
The message from local authorities is clear: reserving beach spots with unattended belongings is no longer tolerated, and enforcement is increasing.
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