UK tourists in Spain who use sunbeds 'between 10am and 7pm' warned

UK tourists have been warned to expect sunbed wars in Majorca this year - as German holidaymakers deploy new tactics to ensure they are getting the best ones. Palma residents in Majorca in the Canary Islands have warned over the spate of sunbed wars.

"While half of Majorca is still asleep, the towel war is already beginning in Playa de Palma," says the Spanish press. "Not only have German holidaymakers "reserved" their sun loungers at the hotel pools at dawn but have now also moved this habit to the beach. With towels hanging on the parasols in the early morning, the tourists secure the best spots right by the sea."

Palma city council provides the rental service for sun loungers and parasols on this stretch of beach through an external company, which maintains the service, which is subject to a daily fee, between 10am and 7pm. As a rule, employees are on site from 8.30am, opening the sun loungers and distributing them.

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A German resident who has lived in Playa de Palma for years said: “You don’t just see this here. You can even find it all over Playa de Palma.” A second said “I would throw these towels into the sea!” and “I am embarrassed by something like this."

“A totally bad habit,” said another. "Securing sun loungers with a towel in the early morning is absolutely inconsiderate and absolutely not acceptable. If no one blocks sun loungers with towels in the morning, everyone can have one. After all, we all want the same thing: a relaxing holiday.”

And another raged: "This has been happening all my life in Benidorm. What surprises me is that it has taken so long to reach Palma." Another said: "They are looking for their perfect selfie in the front line. Then a Mallorcan like me arrives and I put my Decathlon umbrella, a Chinese lounge chair and even my mother-in-law in front of them, if I can, blocking their view of the shore!"