Drones will be deployed to monitor sundbed snatchers.

11:50, Mon, Jun 1, 2026 Updated: 11:53, Mon, Jun 1, 2026

Poolside lounge chairs with rolled towels at a resort

Drones will check tourists are actually using their sunbeds (Image: Getty)

Sunbed hoggers at a Brit tourist hotspot could be hit with a £260 fine thanks to drone surveillance technology. The hi-tech equipment is being used by local authorities in an attempt to crack down on sun lounger snatchers in Majorca.

The drones are reportedly being deployed by cops in resorts including Calvia and Andratx to determine whether ‘occupied’ sunbeds are actually in use. Reportedly, those who dump beach towels or other items on beds to claim them could face fines of up to £260.

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The news comes as temperatures across Europe have soared, with many countries recording record numbers.
In Mora, Portugal, the heat reached 40.3C on May 27, while 22 weather stations across the country recorded their highest maximum temperatures.

Meanwhile, in Angoulême-La Couronne, western France, a high of 37.8C was recorded on May 28, and Shannon Airport in County Clare, Ireland, hit 30.6C.
As reported by the Sun, almost 700 sun loungers and more than 300 parasols have been banned between 2026 and 2029 on the island of Formentera, Spain.
Local hotels are bombarded with complaints every year over sun loungers and towels being used to reserve them.

Louise Smith, who was staying at Sol Pelicano Ocas in Benidorm in 2025, spoke out about how tensions boiled over between holidaymakers who were desperate to get their favourite tanning spot.
After witnessing guests queueing for premium spots one morning, she said: “People started queueing from 7.30am.
“I think it’s ridiculous. You go on holiday to relax, not to wake up super early to claim a sunbed.”

As reported by the Express earlier this month, a German holidaymaker was awarded compensation after he complained his hotel in Kos, Greece, did not provide basic access to sun loungers.

The man, who has not been identified, told a court in Hanover that despite a rule banning guests from reserving sun loungers with towels, most of the beds were already taken even in the very early morning.
Judges agreed with him and said the lack of available loungers meant the trip failed to deliver the “character” of the holiday promised by the travel operator.