Many of the beach laws in Spain's Costa del Sol have been in place for decades, yet many holidaymakers still fall foul of the rules and risk fines up to €3,000 if caught. Malaga's beach order has been in force since 2004. It places strict limits on playing ball games, exercising, washing your hair in the beach showers and playing music.
The penalties for breaking the rules range from €300 fines for lesser offences up to €3,000 - the equivalent of just over £2,500. Despite a ban being in place for 20 years, locals say it's still common place to see tourists on Malaga's beaches playing bat and ball games and blasting loud music from their phones or speakers. It's prohibited to play loud music or sounds that can be considered a nuisance to other beach users.
Read more: UK tourists visiting south of Spain warned of 'extreme' risk when leaving hotel Maximum fines can also be issued for 'activities, games or exercises that may disturb other users'. This includes playing games with balls or bats on small or crowded beaches. Ball games are allowed on large beaches, but only when they do not disturb others and when there is a minimum distance of six metres from other people.
Visitors who take advantage of the beach showers are banned from using shampoo or shower gel. It's also illegal to use them in the sea. Those who take a picnic to the beach are not allowed to clean kitchen utensils in the showers, footbaths or toilets either.
This could result in a fine of up to €3,000. H.