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Date Published: 28/12/2021

The seven weirdest laws in Spain

Bizarre regulations throughout Spain that everyone should be aware of

Those living or holidaying in Spain will be no strangers to the wonderful and often seemingly wacky rules that prevail, no more so than during the coronavirus pandemic where mask wearing is the norm and many local communities have implemented their own regulations for who can and cannot enter a bar. While we know these measures have been implemented to ensure public safety, even most Spaniards won’t be aware of some of the downright bizarre laws that govern everything from what to name your children to where you can hang your unmentionables to dry.

No playing games on the beach

Pack up your beach bag of tricks, as in Malaga it's forbidden to play paddle tennis on the sand during the summer months.

In addition, beach-goers in Tenerife are not supposed to build sandcastles; this pastime, apparently, should be confined to the mountains.

Forbidden names

Most would think choosing a name for a newborn is one of the fundamental rights of a parent, but in Spain, it is forbidden to call a child Cain, Judas or Lenin.

No begging with a dog

It might be a familiar site across Spain, but it is actually against the rules in Madrid for people to beg with their dog by their side.

No sex (or snoozing) in cars

Strange as it may sound, the authorities in Granada felt the need to create a law banning people from having sex in their vehicles. The good news for the playful in Bilbao is that sex in cars is actually allowed, but motorists can face a hefty fine if they’re caught asleep in their cars.

No dominoes

It’s arguably one of the most popular games in all of Spain, but playing dominoes is strictly prohibited on terraces in Sevilla as it violates noise pollution regulations.

No mops on balconies

Storage can often be a problem in Spanish homes, but those considering leaving their mops on the balcony in the town of Villanueva de la Torre in Guadalajara in central Spain can actually face a hefty fine.

Also in this town, barking dogs are forbidden at night or during siesta time, although it’s unclear how this particular rule can be enforced.

In Sevilla, hanging underwear outside to dry is a big no no, as is shaking a rug or clothes out onto the street.

No walking around in swimsuits

While it is generally only frowned upon to walk around the streets of Spain in swimwear, this transgression can lead to a fine of up to 200 euros in cities such as Barcelona and Malaga.

Image: Archive

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