Summer is in full swing and with the rising temperatures more and more people are heading to the beaches of Calpe. However, a common problem is emerging again: the premature occupation of the beach space with umbrellas, chairs and sun loungers. The municipality of Calpe recently sent out a reminder about the applicable regulation and the possible fines that violators are subject to.
Caleb Municipality I have decided to take stricter measures against early occupation of beach space. This decision was made after long-standing complaints from beachgoers who arrived in the morning and were faced with large areas of beach already occupied, while the owners of the items placed were not present.
Calpe joins several other municipalities along the Spanish coast that have taken similar measures for years. The new municipal regulation for the use and management of the coast in Calpe contains the following main points:
- No chairs, sunbeds or umbrellas may be set up before 9:30 a.m.
- Violators face fines of up to €250.
- Items placed may be confiscated by authorities.
- Items left unattended for more than three hours may be removed.
These rules are in place to ensure a fair distribution of the beach and to make early morning cleaning easier. Local police and municipal cleaning staff have the authority to enforce these rules. They can issue warnings to people who break the rules, impose fines ranging from 50 to 250 euros and remove abandoned items and take them to the municipal warehouse.
The recent measures have had a significant impact on both local beachgoers and tourists in Calpe. Reactions within the community have been mixed, with many residents welcoming the measures as a necessary step to regulate crowds on the beaches.
Some tourists are concerned about the strict time limits, especially those with young children who like to get to the beach early. Local business owners have different opinions: Beach tent owners see opportunities to attract more customers, while beach chair and umbrella vendors fear a potential drop in sales.
