If you're planning to stretch out on the sands of Bajamar or take a dip in the natural pools at Punta del Hidalgo, listen up. The municipality of La Laguna, on Tenerife's northeastern coast, has just approved a sweeping set of beach rules that change what you can do, and what you can't, along its shoreline.
The new ordinance, published in the provincial official gazette on 7 October 2026, bans smoking, camping, overnight stays, and disruptive music at all municipal beaches and natural swimming pools. The goal, according to the council, is to protect the coastline, improve safety, and make sure residents and visitors can share these spaces without stepping on each other's toes. The rules apply only within La Laguna's municipal limits, not across the whole island, so other Tenerife beaches remain unaffected.
What's Actually Prohibited
The list of banned activities is longer than you might expect. Smoking and vaping are out, as the beaches and pools are now designated smoke-free zones. Camping and overnight stays are also prohibited, as is leaving any rubbish behind. Even washing with soap or shampoo in public showers and bathing areas is now against the rules, a move aimed at keeping the marine environment clean.
Sound equipment that disturbs the peace is restricted too, though there are exceptions for emergencies and officially authorized events. Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez said the aim is to balance enjoyment of the bathing areas with protection of the marine environment and harmonious use of public spaces. It's a delicate line, and the council is betting these rules will help.
Fines and a Warning for Smokers
Penalties range from up to €300 for minor offenses, €300 to €1,000 for serious ones, and €1,000 to €3,000 for very serious violations. But the maximum fine isn't automatic. The ordinance text allows a first smoking or vaping offense to be met with a warning, provided the person stops immediately. That's a softer touch than some might expect, though repeat offenders will feel the sting.
The ordinance takes effect 15 working days after its full publication in the gazette, so there's a brief window before enforcement begins. If you're heading to La Laguna soon, it's worth checking the exact date before you light up on the sand.
Accessibility and Safety Upgrades
Beyond the restrictions, the council is also committing to accessibility improvements. Plans include removing physical barriers, providing amphibious chairs and adapted toilets, especially during peak season, and beefing up lifeguarding and rescue services. That's good news for travelers with mobility challenges who want to enjoy the coast.
These changes come as part of a broader push across Spain to expand smoke-free public spaces. National proposals would extend smoking bans to hospitality terraces, beaches, and public swimming pools, and bring vaping rules in line with tobacco. La Laguna's ordinance is a local move, but it aligns with that wider trend. Similar efforts are popping up elsewhere, like in San Sebastián, where a proposed beach rule would ban smoking and allow dogs on the sand from 9 pm to midnight in summer. That proposal cited research showing cigarette butts make up 30% to 50% of beach litter in the region, a reminder that these rules are about more than just comfort.
For travelers, the takeaway is simple. La Laguna's coastline is getting cleaner, quieter, and more accessible, but you'll need to leave the cigarettes, the tent, and the Bluetooth speaker at home. If you're looking for other destinations with fresh travel rules, check out how Varenna's new rules are tackling overtourism or how Italy's citizenship rules are facing a European reckoning. And if you're flying to Spain soon, remember that EU rules finally make free carry-ons a right, so pack smart.
