July 15, 2026, 3:05 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Sunglasses, scarves, jerseys, fruit, or massages: A wide range of items is offered on the beach–often by more or less pushy vendors. But that’s about to change, at least in Ibiza. The police are cracking down on illegal beach vendors. This could mean hefty fines for tourists in the future.
Just in time for the summer season, the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia in western Ibiza has enacted a new ordinance for public space coexistence. The goal is to reduce disturbances and noise, promote respectful interactions, protect beaches and nature, and curb illegal activities. This includes illegal beach sales. However, it’s not just the roaming vendors facing fines–tourists who buy from them are also at risk!
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Hefty Fines for Tourists Too
The new ordinance bans the sale of items like jewelry, fruit, clothing, sunglasses–everything typical beach vendors offer. But it’s not just the illegal roaming vendors who are liable; their accomplices are too. Anyone who supports them, such as by passing on goods, acting as a lookout, or warning them about the police, can also be penalized.
Supporting also means buying goods from beach vendors. According to the regulation, purchasing items from unauthorized beach or street vendors in public spaces is prohibited.
While roaming vendors and their helpers face fines of up to 3,000 euros, tourists must brace for penalties of up to 150 euros if they make purchases there.
Illegal Services Also Prohibited
In addition to towels, sunglasses, and various other goods, massages or similar services are often offered on the beach. Anyone who avails themselves of these unauthorized services will have to dig much deeper into their pockets.
According to the ordinance, tourists in this case face fines of up to 500 euros. The municipality in Ibiza aims to curb not only the sale of illegal goods but also the offering of unauthorized services.