British tourists holidaying in Spain are finding themselves caught in the middle of intense 'sunbed wars', with many forced to wake up as early as 6 am to secure a spot by the pool or beach. Resorts across popular Spanish destinations are struggling with overcrowding, leading to fierce competition among holidaymakers.
Reports suggest that some hotels have implemented strict towel policies, removing unattended belongings after just 30 minutes. This has sparked frustration among Brits, who feel they must 'guard' their sunbeds all day or risk losing them.
Why Are Sunbeds in Such High Demand?
The post-pandemic travel boom has led to a surge in holidaymakers flocking to Spain, particularly in hotspots like the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands. With limited space and high demand, resorts are struggling to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Some tourists have even resorted to setting alarms before sunrise to place towels on sunbeds, a practice that has become a notorious holiday ritual. Others have complained about aggressive behaviour from fellow guests competing for the best spots.
What Are Hotels Doing About It?
Several hotels have introduced new rules to manage the chaos, including:
- Time limits on unattended sunbeds
- Increased staff patrols to monitor towel placements
- Fines for reserving multiple spots
Despite these measures, tensions remain high, with some holidaymakers calling for a fairer system to avoid the early-morning scramble.
Is There a Solution?
Travel experts suggest booking hotels with larger pool areas or opting for private villas to avoid the sunbed battles. Others recommend visiting less crowded resorts or travelling outside peak season for a more relaxed experience.
For now, the 'sunbed wars' show no sign of cooling down, leaving Brits to weigh up whether the stress is worth the tan.
