Share the article
Last update
Spain’s latest rules on the use of air conditioning in public spaces could make the millions of travelers who visit the country sweaty every year. Known among other reasons for its warm, sunny climate and idyllic beaches, Spain’s hot weather is one of its main attractions, with travelers escaping their colder climes to enjoy the sun, sea and sand that have made it one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. .
However, restrictions on the use of air conditioning are not the only recent changes that travelers will have to deal with in Spain. The country has also imposed controls on the use of heaters – for those rare weeks when shorts and sandals are not appropriate in the country – as well as introducing a number of strange rules about beach behavior that can be a bit of a field. mined for travelers. . Here’s everything you need to know about the country’s new air conditioning restrictions, plus a rundown of other local rules that would be useful for travelers to know.
Spain’s new air conditioning rules – Information for travelers
For many travelers in Europe and beyond, trips to Spain are a byword for fun in the sun, a destination that is rarely likely to disappoint sun-seekers and beachgoers alike. Parts of Spain that have been hit hard by travelers, such as Seville, Murcia and Granada, have average daily temperatures in the 90s during the hottest months of the year – temperatures that send travelers running for the air conditioning unit to break. However, all this could be set to change.
Under new measures taken by the Spanish government, air conditioning in public buildings in Spain will no longer be allowed to be set below 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit) in summer, leaving travelers with no choice but to ensure the climb. situation. The move was made with energy savings in mind, along with the desire to reduce the use of Russian gas in the country, in line with European Union policies.
While travelers will be relieved that air conditioning restrictions will not affect them in their hotel rooms, bars or restaurants, they are likely to feel the heat in various places, such as shops, cinemas, shopping malls, public spaces cultural, public transport, airports and stations. Metro systems in places like Barcelona and Madrid can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but the 81-degree rush hour can be unbearable for commuters.
The country has made several other changes in an effort to further reduce their energy consumption. Public spaces are now banned from setting their heating systems above 19 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) – meaning travelers may want to pack an extra scarf and sweater in the cold winter months, especially in the north of the most frost-prone country. Businesses have also been told to turn off their storefront lights after 10pm and keep their doors locked.
However, the proposed changes have been met with fierce opposition. Coming so soon after tourism industries were devastated by Covid-19, there are those who feel such changes send the wrong messages to travellers. Madrid’s regional leader, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, tweeted that Madrid would not agree to the changes, adding that the proposed changes “generate uncertainty and scare tourism and consumption”. The limits on the use of air conditioning and heating are set to last from now until November 1, 2023, and it remains to be seen whether others will fight them.
Spain is also home to some local laws that travelers would do well to know before heading to the country. In places like Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, travelers can be fined up to US$266 for wearing bikinis or going topless off beaches, while going nude on non-nudist beaches can cost travelers up to US$800. Travelers can also be fined for using shampoo on beaches, sleeping on beaches or BBQing on the sand.
Read more:
6 laws in Spain that travelers should know to avoid heavy fines
Travel Insurance covering Covid-19 for 2022
Spain announces free train travel on some routes, but there’s a catch
↓ Join the community ↓
of Travel Off Path Community FB Group has all the latest reopening news, chats and Q&As happening every day!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path travel news straight to your inbox
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions subject to change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm the entry of your nationality and/or any changes to travel requirements before you travel. Travel Off Path does not endorse travel against government advice
