British holidaymakers heading to Tenerife have been warned they could face fines of up to 3,000 euros under strict new rules designed to protect the island's beaches. The measures were approved by La Laguna City Council on October 7.
What the new rules ban
The motion prohibits smoking, disrupting fellow beachgoers with excessive noise, and several other activities. Camping, spending the night, and discarding rubbish are now forbidden, while holidaymakers cannot use speakers or similar audio devices – except during emergencies or officially sanctioned events.
The use of soap, shampoo and comparable toiletry products in public showers has also been outlawed. The restriction applies to all beaches and natural pools along the municipality's coastline, including Bajamar beach and its adjacent natural swimming pool, alongside the natural pools of Jover in Tejina, La Barranquera in Valle de Guerra and El Arenisco in Punta del Hidalgo.
Fines and island-wide investment
According to Spanish media reports, anyone discovered violating the regulations faces penalties of up to 3,000 euros. The initiative arrives as Tenerife plans to invest €80m towards achieving "zero waste" across the island.
In its 2025 report, Ecologistas en Acción identified the Spanish beaches in the most critical environmental conditions. Annually, the Banderas Negras (Black Flags) report awards 48 black flags to beaches it considers polluted or suffering from inadequate environmental management.
Black flags for Tenerife beaches
Of the 48 black flags awarded, two were handed to beaches in Tenerife. The organisation stated that Playa Jardin, located in Puerto de la Cruz, is experiencing a severe pollution issue stemming from wastewater discharges.
The beach is presently being investigated by the Environment and Urban Planning Unit of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Public Prosecutor's Office for wastewater discharges. El Puertito de Adeje received a black flag owing to inadequate management and urban planning.
