British tourists heading to Tenerife are being warned they could face penalties of up to 3,000 euros under tough new rules designed to protect the holiday hotspot's beaches.
New beach regulations approved
A motion approved by La Laguna City Council on October 7 prohibits smoking, disrupting fellow beach visitors with blaring music, and several other behaviours. Wild camping, sleeping overnight, and dumping rubbish are now forbidden, while holidaymakers cannot use loudspeakers or similar audio devices – save for emergencies or officially sanctioned events.
The use of soap, shampoo and similar personal care products in public shower facilities is also outlawed, with the regulation applying to all coastlines and natural pools within the municipality's boundaries. This encompasses Bajamar beach and its adjacent natural swimming pool, plus the natural pools of Jover in Tejina, La Barranquera in Valle de Guerra and El Arenisco in Punta del Hidalgo.
Penalties and environmental context
According to Spanish media, those caught violating the regulations face penalties of up to 3,000 euros. The initiative comes as Tenerife plans to invest €80m to achieve "zero waste" across the island.
In its 2025 report, Ecologistas en Acción listed the Spanish beaches facing the most severe environmental challenges. Annually, the Banderas Negras (Black Flags) report awards 48 black flags to coastlines it considers contaminated or suffering from inadequate environmental stewardship.
Tenerife beaches flagged for environmental issues
Out of the 48 black flags, two were awarded to beaches in Tenerife. The organisation stated that Playa Jardin, in Puerto de la Cruz, is facing a severe contamination issue caused by sewage discharges. It is presently being investigated by the Environment and Urban Planning Unit of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Public Prosecutor's Office for sewage discharges.
El Puertito de Adeje received a black flag due to inadequate management and urban planning.
