Spain attracts tens of millions of tourists every year thanks to its beaches, gastronomy and climate, but visitors can also be in for less pleasant surprises. There are a number of local rules and municipal ordinances that seem unusual at first glance, but can lead to hefty fines.
From sandcastles and sleeping in the car to mops left exposed on the balcony, some of these regulations are still in force in various regions of Spain.
The city where “it is forbidden to die”
One of the most famous stories in Spain comes from the town of Lanjarón, in Andalusia.
In 1999, the mayor issued a decree asking residents not to die until the regional authorities approved the construction of a new cemetery. The existing one had reached its maximum capacity, and the requests of the local administration were being ignored.
The measure was symbolic and ironic, meant to draw attention to the problem. The strategy worked, the case made international headlines, and the funds for the new cemetery were finally approved. Obviously, no one has ever been punished for breaking this “law”.
Sand castles that can bring fines
According to Express.co.uk, in certain areas of Spain building elaborate sand structures can attract penalties.
The rule came about after a person transported large quantities of sand to erect an impressive construction on the beach. Later, some municipalities, including Tenerife, introduced restrictions on the construction of such structures.
In certain areas of the Costa Blanca, only constructions made from the existing sand on the beach are allowed, and these must be leveled before departure. Although authorities say they do not prosecute children who build ordinary sandcastles, the regulations theoretically allow for fines if the structures are deemed excessive or affect public space.
A mop on the balcony can cost 750 euros
One of the most surprising rules mentioned by the British publication concerns localities in the Castilla-La Mancha region.
There, certain local regulations prohibit the display of objects considered unsightly, including mops or laundry lying on the balcony if they are visible from the public space.
Fines can reach 750 euros, the declared purpose being to preserve the architectural aspect of the localities and protect the urban image.
The city where dogs are not allowed to bark
In the town of Villanueva de la Torre, in the province of Guadalajara, there are strict rules regarding the noise made by pets.
According to local regulations, dogs should not bark during the siesta between 14:00 and 16:00, but also during the night. The measure is part of a broad regulation on noise pollution and protecting public peace.
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Although the actual application of such provisions is difficult, the rule has become famous in the international press precisely because of its unusual character.
Dominoes prohibited on the terraces of Seville
In Seville, the authorities tried to reduce the noise level in the historic center through a series of unusual measures.
Among them is the restriction of domino games on the outdoor terraces of cafes, as the noise produced by the pieces hitting the table is considered a nuisance to the residents.
According to Express.co.uk, the bylaw also prohibits rolling kegs on the street or consuming food and drink near certain patios.
Fines for violating noise regulations can start at around 300 euros.
Dancing and running in the apartment, prohibited in some localities
In Madrid, Mojácar and Ciudad Real there are regulations that limit noisy activities in apartments.
Targeted behaviors include repeatedly running around the home, using rollerblades indoors, or dancing that produces loud vibrations and noise for downstairs neighbors.
The authorities justify these rules by the high density of housing. About two-thirds of Spaniards live in apartment blocks, one of the highest proportions in the European Union, making noise disputes common.
Sleeping in the car can be fined
In Bilbao, local public order regulations prohibit sleeping in vehicles parked in public spaces, whether they are cars, caravans or vans.
The measure specifically targets unauthorized camping and the use of public space for purposes other than those for which it is intended.
The same rules prohibit bathing in the city’s ornamental fountains and washing clothes in public spaces.
Not all of these rules are national laws
An important aspect is that most of these provisions are not laws applicable throughout Spain, but regulations adopted by town halls or local administrations.
Therefore, what is allowed in one resort may be prohibited in another located just a few kilometers away.
In recent years, the Spanish authorities have tightened many rules aimed at the behavior of tourists. In several seaside destinations, fines have been introduced for reserving places on the beach with towels, drinking alcohol in public spaces, unauthorized camping or disturbing the public peace.
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For tourists, the authorities’ recommendation is simple: before the holiday, it is worth checking the local regulations of the chosen destination. An activity that seems completely harmless can attract, in certain places in Spain, a fine of several hundred euros.
