Beachgoers in Malaga are being warned that trying to ‘reserve’ a spot with a parasol or sunbed could land them with a hefty fine.

Several municipalities along the Costa del Sol have banned the practice of leaving umbrellas, chairs and other belongings unattended to save a place on the sand, with penalties reaching as high as €750.

The rules were introduced to stop early-morning beachgoers claiming prime spots before returning hours later, leaving other visitors unable to use the space.

The restrictions apply in several Axarquia resorts, including Velez-Malaga, Algarrobo, Torrox and Nerja.

Fines of up to €750

Rincon de la Victoria has some of the toughest rules on the Costa del Sol.

Under regulations introduced in 2020, beach users cannot reserve space at any time of day by leaving umbrellas, chairs or other equipment unattended for more than one hour.

Anyone caught breaking the rules can be fined between €60 and €750.

Torrox fines up to €300

In Torrox, the penalties range from €30 to €300.

The town’s beach regulations ban leaving chairs, umbrellas, tables, gazebos or any other items on the sand without their owner being present.

Any belongings removed by the council can be reclaimed within 14 days. After that, they are treated as waste and disposed of.

Nerja and Algarrobo charge to recover belongings

In Nerja and Algarrobo, authorities routinely remove unattended beach equipment used to reserve space.

Owners must pay a €30 fee to recover confiscated items.

Nerja’s regulations specifically prohibit leaving parasols, umbrellas, chairs and other beach equipment unattended before 8am if the intention is to reserve a place on the beach.

Algarrobo has similar rules banning the unattended use of parasols, gazebos, tables, chairs and other beach furniture to claim space.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.