What You Need to Know About Smoke-Free Beaches

Smoke-free Beaches Gran Canaria: If you are going on holiday and plan to take cigarettes or an e-cigarette with you, it is important to be aware of the increasingly strict rules around smoking on beaches. Both within Europe and in other parts of the world, there are numerous destinations where you risk a significant fine if you smoke, even on holiday paradises such as Gran Canaria.

No Smoking in Gran Canaria: The “Playas sin Humo”

Gran Canaria is one of the destinations that has implemented strict smoking bans on many of its beaches in recent years. The “Playas sin Humo de Canarias” program, initiated by the regional government, aims to create healthier and cleaner beach environments by banning smoking on more than 50 beaches on the island. This initiative not only protects the health of visitors, but also contributes to the protection of the environment.

Beaches Where Smoking is Not Allowed

Below is an overview of the beaches in Gran Canaria where smoking is completely prohibited:

Mogán (16 beaches):

• Las Marañuelas
• La Lajilla
• Patalavaca
• Aguamarina
• Medio Almud
• Los Frailes
• Tiritañas
• Veneguera
• Amadores
• Anfi
• Playa de Mogán
• Puerto Rico
• Taurito
• El Cura
• Puerto de Mogán

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (1 beach):

• Playa de Las Canteras (With fines of up to 300€)

Agüimes (8 beaches):

• Vargas
• Cabrón
• Muelle Viejo
• Risco Verde
• Soco Negro
• El Muelle
• La Planita
• Playa de Arinaga

Gáldar (13 beaches):

• Playa de Sardina
• Playa de Bocabarranco
• Playa de los Dos Roques
• Playa de Caleta de Abajo
• Caleta de Arriba (playita)
• Playa del Juncal
• Playa de Martorell

Arucas (11 beaches):

• Charco las Palomas
• El Peñón
• El Puertillo
• La Fuente
• Las Coloradas
• Las Salinas
• Los Charcones
• Los Enanos
• Los Marrajos
• Quintanilla
• San Andrés

The list of Smokefree Beaches in Gran Canaria may be expanded and/or modified in the future after this publication.

What are the Consequences of Smoking on these Beaches?

The consequences of violating smoking bans vary, but can lead to heavy fines. In Mogán, fines can reach €1,800 for throwing a cigarette butt in the sand and €400 for smoking on the beach. Other municipalities, such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, apply fines of up to €300 for violating the smoking ban.

Why These Smoking Bans?

The smoking bans in Spain and the islands were introduced for several reasons:

1. Health protection: Smoking and vaping are associated with serious health risks, both for the smoker and bystanders.
2. Environmental conservation: Cigarette butts are one of the biggest sources of pollution on beaches and can release harmful substances into the environment.
3. Tourist Attraction: Clean and healthy beaches are more attractive to tourists, contributing positively to the region’s economy.

Conclusion: Be Prepared and Smoke Aware

If you are planning to travel to Gran Canaria or another popular holiday destination, make sure you are aware of the local rules regarding smoking. By adhering to these rules, you will not only help maintain a clean and healthy environment, but you will also prevent your holiday from being ruined by hefty fines.