Holidaymakers heading to Spain could soon notice a major change if new plans are approved.

By Berk Uyal, Live News Content Editor/Reporter

11:37, Wed, Jul 22, 2026 Updated: 11:44, Wed, Jul 22, 2026

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Spain is set to ban smoking on beaches (Image: Getty)

Holidaymakers visiting Spain could face tougher smoking and vaping rules if new anti-tobacco laws are approved, including a ban on beaches and new 15-metre smoke-free zones. The Spanish Government has approved draft legislation that would expand smoke-free areas as part of its Tobacco Prevention and Control Plan 2024-2027.

If passed by parliament, smoking and vaping will be banned on sea and river beaches, public swimming pools, bar and restaurant terraces, sports facilities, national parks and at outdoor public events. The proposals would also create 15-metre smoke-free zones around the entrances to schools, hospitals, universities, libraries, museums, sports centres, cultural venues and children's playgrounds.

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Tourists and locals enjoy a warm spring day

Holidaymakers visiting Spain could face new smoking rules (Image: Getty)

Health Minister Monica García said the changes were designed to protect the public from second-hand smoke and reflect the rise of new nicotine products.

She said: "Anyone who wants to have a coffee or enjoy their leisure time freely on a terrace should be able to do so without the smoke from nearby tables becoming part of the menu."

People under the age of 18 would also be explicitly banned from using tobacco and related products. Current laws prohibit their sale to minors but do not specifically ban under-18s from smoking or vaping.

The legislation would tighten rules on the sale, advertising and sponsorship of tobacco-related products, with specialist retailers barred from displaying adverts visible from outside their shops.

Authorities say the changes are intended to close legal loopholes created by the growing popularity of alternative nicotine products.

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Under the proposals, breaches of the law could carry fines ranging from €200 (£173) to €600,000 (£520,000), depending on the severity of the offence, according to local media.

Minors caught using tobacco or related products could face fines from €200, although these may be replaced with community service.

The bill must still pass through Spain's parliament before becoming law. If approved, it would come into force 20 days after being published in the country's official gazette, with businesses then given two months to update signs marking smoke-free areas.