Beaches and the outdoors

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or already carrying out a move to Spain who wants to enjoy the sea and the outdoors within the rules and safely. Fines are real, and so are the risks from currents, weather and remote terrain.

Start with "Beach rules and etiquette in Spain". It shows what is allowed on the sand, from sunbeds and smoking to chiringuitos, barbecues and fines. Then read "Beach flags, lifeguards, currents and jellyfish explained" before you swim.

Wildfire alerts, heat illness, dog ownership, community pools and federation licences are covered elsewhere.

Key rules

• Emergency number: Call 112 for any emergency on a beach or in the mountains; for an emergency at sea you can also call Salvamento Marítimo on 900 202 202.
• Compostela distance: To earn the Compostela you must walk or ride horseback at least 100 km, or cycle at least 200 km, ending in Santiago.
• Access: Beaches are public and free to enter, and only authorised concessions may charge for services such as sunbeds.
• Local rules: Bans and fines are set by each town, so check the local ordenanza before you go.
• Flags: Green is safe, yellow is shallow water only, and red means no swimming.
• Lifeguards: Many beaches have no lifeguards outside summer, and some have none at all.

Beaches and the outdoors: the whole process, step by step

• Choose your season for the Camino (see Walking the Camino de Santiago and other long trails): Months before you go: April to early June or September to October are the best; July and August are hot and crowded, and winter closes many private albergues

• Check the hunting calendar for the region you will hike in (see Mountain rescue, hiking safety and who pays): Before each autumn or winter hike: hunting mostly runs from October to February, and each region publishes its dates every year

• Plan around hunting days and park limits (see Hiking and natural park rules, permits and closures): A few days before you go: avoid hunting areas on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and look for 'coto de caza' signs

• Wear orange or yellow and stay on marked paths: On the day, during hunting season; leave the area if you hear shots or see a 'Montería en curso' or 'Batida de caza' notice

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Valid ID or passport — Fishing, hunting, mushroom picking and boating licences

The home and the lease

• Your home-country hunting licence plus insurance — Fishing, hunting, mushroom picking and boating licences

Other documents

• Credencial del peregrino — Walking the Camino de Santiago and other long trails
• Medical certificate for the boating exam — Fishing, hunting, mushroom picking and boating licences
• Compostela certificate — Walking the Camino de Santiago and other long trails
• European Firearms Pass if you are a visiting hunter bringing a weapon — Fishing, hunting, mushroom picking and boating licences
• EU/EEA boating qualification or ICC certificate — Fishing, hunting, mushroom picking and boating licences

Beaches and the outdoors: questions that cross several articles

Can I sleep on the beach or in my van near the sand?

No, sleeping or camping on the beach is generally not allowed, and many coastal towns also ban overnight stays in vehicles. A legally parked van may be tolerated where there is no local ban, but putting out awnings, tables or chairs counts as camping. Read Camping, motorhomes and overnight rules in Spain and Beach rules and etiquette in Spain.

Is smoking banned on all Spanish beaches?

No, there is no national ban on smoking on beaches, but many regions and towns have declared smoke-free beaches. These are usually signposted and fined locally. Beach rules and etiquette in Spain lists what else towns commonly ban, and What you can do in parks and public spaces covers other open-air rules.

Can I have a barbecue on the beach or in a park?

No, barbecues and open fires are banned on nearly all Spanish beaches, apart from authorised events and designated barbecue areas. See Beach rules and etiquette in Spain.

How much is the fine for breaking a local beach rule?

Fines are set by each town and graded as minor, serious or very serious, so the amount depends on the offence and the place. Paying promptly often earns a discount. Check your town's ordinance and read Beach rules and etiquette in Spain.