Brits travelling to certain parts of Spain this summer could risk hefty fines if caught flouting strict sunbed rules, a travel expert has warned.
If you've ever been to a hotel where you have to queue up before breakfast just to reserve a sunbed, you'll understand why some areas in Spain have opted to implement a so-called 'sunbed tax'.
There's arguably nothing more frustrating than trying to bag a bed by the pool, only to find they're reserved by towels and sitting empty.
However, holiday-makers might want to think twice about reserving a bed with their favourite towel after some resorts introduced a fine for attempting to secure beds before they're actually needed.
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According to travel experts at insurance comparison site Tiger, guests can face fines of up to €250 (£210), which would be an absolute buzz killer on what is supposed to be a relaxing break.
"In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now be fined €250 for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed," they said.
"This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight."
The rules first came into practice last summer, however, an increasing number of stories of sunbed stampedes in Spanish resorts have been popping up on social media in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, tourists visiting Calpe in Costa Blanca could have their towels or sunbeds removed from the beach if placed down befpre 9.30am, council leaders confirmed.
Some people have even been forced to visit the municipal depot to get their belongings back after they were confiscated alongside the towels, the Mirror reports.
The worst part, however, is the €250 (£210) fines being dished out to anyone caught reserving beds or for leaving beds covered with towels and belongings unattended for more than three hours in the middle of the day.
Many will agree that the measures are a necessary step to preventing the so-called sunbed wars that regularly seem to be breaking out over limited numbers of beds.
If beds are only being used when needed, more guests should be able to enjoy them throughout the day without having to set a 5am alarm to get a decent spot.
Individuals will often have their own policies in place, so its worth checking out your hotel's rules around sunbeds when you arrive.
Emma Rosemurgey