Across Spain right now, a number of beaches are banning smoking and smokers could face hefty fines if they ignore the ban. Barcelona, Mallorca and Ibiza are among the destinations changing over to non-smoking beaches. Read on to find out more.

Spain banning smoking on its beaches

Cigarette filters contain a slowly degrading plastic cellulose acetate which takes anything from 18 months to 10 years to break down. In the meantime, cigarette butts casually tossed aside on beaches around the world are polluting the oceans and killing marine wildlife. According to a report by MassLive, they could be among the most common litter on planet Earth.

Meanwhile, other items, like foamed plastic cups take 50 years to break down, wet wipes take 100 years to disintegrate and those deadly plastic six-pack holders take a shocking 450 years to break down. All of these items are regularly used on the beaches of the world. Something truly needs to change and quickly. Currently, Spain is taking action against one of these polluters, which is a start.

As the problem continues worldwide, Spain is gradually banning smoking on its beaches. Hundreds of beach destinations already have a ban in place with more bans coming into effect across the Spanish mainland and its islands.

Ban the cigarette butt in the Balearic Islands

So far, 28 beaches in the Balearic Islands have become smoke-free zones, including some of the islands’ most popular locations. These include Sant Joan in Mallorca, Playa de Talamanca in Ibiza and Platja Gran in Menorca. In the latest news, Caló des Moro in San Antonio, Ibiza is also following suit. Local authorities hope that the ban will not only keep the beaches cleaner but also protect the health of local residents.

In fact, beachgoers who ignored the ban could face fines of up to €2,000 ($2,210), although the figure does vary between municipalities.

Smoking ban in Barcelona

Meanwhile, after a successful trial in 2021, smoking is now prohibited on all 10 of Barcelona’s beaches. The ban here is to protect the environment and ensure the right of citizens to the use of a clean, unpolluted space, free of smoke and cigarette butts. However, here fines are much lower and currently transgressors could face a €30 ($33) fine.

Euronews interviewed tourists, asking for their reaction to the ban. One Italian tourist, Antonella Bellotti said, “I think it’s fair, to keep the beach clean. Also because of the environment. But being able to control every single person will be extremely difficult.”

Meanwhile, Bellotti came up with a good idea to ensure the ban continues by suggesting a designated smoking area with trays for cigarette butts and ash, “to keep everything clean.”

The Barcelona municipality said that the 2021 pilot program did significantly reduce the number of smokers on the beaches and the number of cigarette butts in the sand.

Other beach destinations joining the no-smoking trend

While Barcelona was the first major city to ban smoking on its beaches, hundreds of other beach destinations are doing the same. So far beaches in other areas of Cataluña, in Murcia, the Costa del Sol in Andalucía and Galicia are also cracking down on smokers.

Currently, a countrywide ban is being debated that could make all of Spain’s beaches smoke-free zones. It should be noted that smoking is already banned inside public spaces, including restaurants and bars.

In the meantime, when heading to the beach in Spain, check to see if there are no smoking signs. Even if there aren’t, be kind to nature and smoke elsewhere.