Holidaymakers should not take a nap on the beach or else risk hefty fines for breaking the law. Sleep experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have named seven countries across the world where it is illegal to camp or sleep overnight on the beach, including the UK.
Some beaches across England have made it explicitly illegal to sleep overnight on the sands, such as Bournemouth, where staycations could receive a fine of £1,000. Tourists wanting to spend the night on the beautiful beaches of Croatia risk being handed a €300 (£256) fine. Wild camping in Portugal along the protected coastline and on the beachfront is illegal, and fines range from €120 – €600 (£102 – £513).
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Anyone planning a beach holiday this summer will be excited to spend time relaxing on the sand and soaking up the sun. However, it’s important to know the laws when it comes to spending time on the beach – as you could be handed a hefty fine for illegally taking a nap, sleeping overnight or wild camping along the coastline.
“There are many countries around the world which impose bans on travellers wanting to sleep on the beach – some Spanish beaches ban anyone sleeping between the hours of midnight and 7am, else risk a fine of up to €1,200 (£1,027). And in Malta and Italy, travellers must obtain a valid permit from the local authorities in order to be allowed to sleep overnight on the beautiful beaches.
“Even if you’re planning a staycation this year, wild camping is illegal in England and Wales and councils such as Bournemouth have imposed a fine of £1,000 for anyone caught sleeping on the beach overnight.”
Here’s where it’s illegal to sleep on the beach:
1. Spain
New beach rules in the Benidorm area of Spain now bans anyone from sleeping on the beach between the hours of midnight and 7am. Anyone caught doing so could receive a fine of €750 – €1,200 (£645 – £1,027).
2. Bournemouth
Across England and Wales wild camping is illegal, and Bournemouth council have made it explicitly illegal to sleep on the beach overnight. There is a 24-hour patrol and anyone caught could be subject to a fine of £1,000.
3. Portugal
Sleeping overnight and wild camping is illegal along the protected areas of the Coastal Development Plan in Portugal. This includes in front of the beach, natural protected areas, and nature reserves and parks. Fines for doing so range from €120 – €600 (£102 – £513).
4. Croatia
Some coastal towns across Croatia (including Dubrovnik and Split) do not allow tourists and members of the public to sleep in public spaces. In Split fines of up to €300 (£256) can be handed out on the spot for anyone caught falling asleep in public areas, such as along the seafront.
5. Australia
Although the rules on beach camping vary from state to state, Queensland has recently banned campervans and backpackers from pitching up between 10pm and 4am. Anyone caught doing so could receive a fine of up to $309 (£162). It is also reported that there are no authorised camping sites directly on the beaches.
6. Malta
Wild camping and sleeping on the beach is illegal along the coastline in Malta, unless visitors obtain a permit from the authorities. Anyone wanting to spontaneously sleep along the beach could risk breaking the law.
7. Italy
It is illegal to camp in the wild and on beaches across Italy unless you have been given permission and have obtained a valid permit from local authorities. Although laws differ depending on each Italian region, visitors should avoid sleeping overnight on the beach.