Lighting up on the beach might seem harmless, but on parts of Tenerife it could leave you with a hefty fine instead of a relaxing day by the sea.
There are now 13 smoke-free beaches and bathing areas across the island where smoking is prohibited, with penalties of up to €750 for those who ignore the rules.
Most of these are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with others located in the neighbouring municipality of El Rosario.
Why the ban?
The aim is fairly straightforward.
Firstly, it protects other beach users from second-hand smoke, particularly children, older people and anyone with respiratory conditions.
Secondly, it helps tackle one of the biggest sources of litter on the coastline. Cigarette butts are among the most common items found during beach clean-ups, and their plastic filters can take years to break down while releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Smoke-free beaches in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz introduced the ban as part of its updated Waste Management and Cleaning Ordinance, which came into force in 2023.
The restrictions apply not only to the sand but, in many cases, also to bathing platforms, promenades, access ramps and other designated swimming areas.
The ten smoke-free locations are:
- Las Teresitas Beach
- Las Gaviotas Beach
- Playa Chica
- Roque de las Bodegas Beach
- Almáciga Beach
- Benijo Beach (currently closed for swimming)
- Añaza Pier
- Acapulco Beach, Valleseco
- El Bloque bathing area, Valleseco
- San Andrés Pier
Las Teresitas has stricter rules
If you’re visiting Las Teresitas, simply moving away from other people isn’t enough.
The ban covers the entire sandy beach, including the breakwater and the kiosk areas.
Anyone wishing to smoke must leave the beach completely and move to an area where smoking is permitted, such as around the nearby car parks.
Three more smoke-free beaches in El Rosario
The municipality of El Rosario has also introduced smoke-free coastal areas.
These include:
- Playa del Litoral
- Radazul Beach
- Tabaiba Beach
Here, anyone breaking the rules can face fines ranging from €100 to €750.
Do the rules include vaping?
In some locations, yes.
Depending on the local regulations, the restrictions may also apply to electronic cigarettes, vape devices, shishas and other products that produce smoke or vapour.
For that reason, it’s always worth checking the signs at the entrance to each beach or asking lifeguards if you’re unsure.
A growing trend across Tenerife
Smoke-free beaches are becoming increasingly common as local councils look to improve public health and reduce litter along the coastline.
For most visitors, the change makes very little difference beyond enjoying cleaner beaches and fresher air.
If you do smoke, the simplest advice is to check the signs before lighting up. It could save you from an expensive reminder that the rules have changed.