Torrox steps up checks against beachgoers reserving spots with umbrellas and towels

Torrox is once again focusing this summer on one of the practices that causes the most tension on beaches during peak season: leaving umbrellas, towels, sunbeds or other items on the sand to reserve a spot for hours without actually using the space.

The Málaga municipality, located in the Axarquía area, was one of the first to take action against this so-called “umbrella war”. Since 2014, it has had a local ordinance banning this type of beach reservation and allowing authorities to intervene when belongings are left unattended for long periods.

A measure to organise Torrox’s beaches

The regulation aims to ensure that beaches remain free, public and accessible to all bathers. In a municipality known for having one of the most pleasant climates in Europe and receiving thousands of visitors in July and August, the improper occupation of the sand had become a recurring problem.

Beaches such as Ferrara, El Morche and Cenicero-Las Dunas welcome residents, tourists and visitors from across the province every summer. In this context, reserving the best spots early in the morning without using them for hours can prevent others from enjoying the beach.

What happens if you leave an umbrella to save a spot

Torrox Local Police can remove items that are found abandoned on the sand for several hours. Once confiscated, they are taken to the municipal storage facility, where owners have two weeks to claim them.

To recover their belongings, owners must pay a €30 fee. In cases of repeated offences or continued non-compliance with the rule, the fine can rise to €300.

The Town Hall has clarified that the measure is not intended to penalise people who leave the beach briefly to eat at a beach bar, go for a walk or take part in a short activity. Its aim is to prevent the prolonged and unjustified occupation of public beach space.

Tents and large structures are also banned

The regulation does not only apply to umbrellas and towels. Torrox has also tightened restrictions on the installation of tents, large canopies, gazebos and other structures that take up too much space on the sand.

The goal is to stop a small number of beachgoers from monopolising large areas of the beach, especially during the busiest months, when finding a free spot can be difficult.

Support from local residents

The initiative is backed by many residents in the municipality, who see it as a necessary way to protect the shared use of beaches and improve coexistence. During the high season, tourist pressure can make locals feel pushed out of their own beaches.

Through this ordinance, Torrox aims to balance the enjoyment of visitors and residents, keeping its beaches as a public resource and preventing opportunistic behaviour from affecting those who simply want to spend the day by the sea.

📍 Municipality: Torrox, Axarquía area.
🏖️ Main beaches: Ferrara, El Morche and Cenicero-Las Dunas.
🚫 Banned: reserving space with abandoned umbrellas, towels, sunbeds or large structures.
💶 Recovery fee: €30.
⚠️ Maximum fine: up to €300 for repeat offences.
👮 Enforcement: Torrox Local Police.

The information comes from the article published by El Mundo.