Spain travel warning as breaking strict new rules could mean huge fine

Strict new rules have been introduced in a popular Spanish resort, frequented by UK tourists and expats, regarding the use of swimming pools and public showers. The Costa del Sol, including Malaga and surrounding towns such as Fuengirola and Benalmadena, attracts millions of UK visitors each year and is home to a large British expat community.

In response to an ongoing drought, Benalmadena's Town Council has implemented new regulations for times of "exceptional drought". According to Olive Press, a newly voted-in ordinance could result in fines of up to 600,000 euro for those who ignore the rules.

The publication reported: "The ordinance states, among other things, that in situations of exceptional drought, supplies may be cut off when 'excess consumption incompatible with the decreed savings or reductions' is detected."

It further stated that any cuts would be precautionary and not exceed 48 hours, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The ordinance also outlines restrictions during periods of exceptional drought, including the "In times of an exceptional drought, the ordinance mentions the 'limitation and partial and total prohibition of the use of drinking water for irrigation and washing, filling swimming pools, watering gardens, watering golf courses, ornamental fountains or public showers and fountains'."

This year has already seen droughts declared from the Canary Islands to Catalunya, with record-low rainfall and record-high temperatures. On Wednesday, May 1, images obtained by the ECHO showed public showers and water fountains on Benalmadena beach cordoned off.