Costa del Sol in Spain is open and welcoming travelers

Spain‘s economy relies mostly on income from tourism. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March this year, the government locked down the country. This was a strict lockdown, where people were only allowed to leave home to shop for groceries or walk the dog. When infection numbers started truly dropping, the safety protocols gradually lessened. Now as of July, visitors are welcome to Spain’s lovely shores once again as the Costa del Sol in Andalucia opens.

What rules can visitors expect to follow?

On arrival at Spain’s airports, visitors have their temperature scanned and undergo a health check. If their temperature is too high, they undergo a more in-depth medical examination. Once cleared, travelers can rent a car at the airport, or catch a bus or train to their destination as normal. In certain regions, where the coronavirus infection numbers have started climbing again, local government has deemed that masks or face coverings must be worn AT ALL TIMES. The only exceptions are when eating and drinking, participating in sport, or when relaxing on the sand at the beach.

This is the case with Andalucia and the Costa del Sol. Anyone with a severe condition, such as asthma, is exempt from wearing a mask. However, they will be required to show medical proof to police officers in this case. Other than that, masks must be worn or the visitor could attract a 100 euro fine. When traveling in a car with family, no masks are required. However, if sharing a vehicle with others not related to your group, masks are required. Check out this article in the El Pais newspaper to find out which other regions are affected.

Flight cancellations and delays

A number of disappointed travellers have recently had their flight reservations cancelled. Things are still a little slow, with people still deciding whether to travel or not, which has led to insufficient passengers on the flights. As it is not worth flying with too few passengers, flights are cancelled.

Hopefully, as things pick up over the next few months, this won’t happen any longer. There is one way to ensure that you don’t lose out in the event of a flight cancellation or flight delays. If you register with a service such as Colibra before takeoff, you will get a guaranteed pay-out for each hour of flight delay or cancellation. This gets paid within 24 hours of landing or the flight being cancelled.

Rules at the beach

Each beach on the Costa del Sol has been reopened with strict social distancing measures. Some busy beaches have introduced a traffic light system, whereby the number of sunbathers is monitored. As one group leaves, another is allowed on the beach. Other beaches have lifeguards patrolling, to ensure holidaymakers are keeping to the rules. No mask is required when relaxing on the sand. However, walking around on the beach or strolling on the promenade does require a mask at all times.

To be fair to other travellers, you cannot set up your parasol and chairs and then disappear for lunch. A recent news article referring to Torrox Costa showed police confiscating chairs and parasols and then making it difficult for holidaymakers to get them back!

Dining and shopping on the Costa del Sol

Most restaurants are now open again, with their tables socially distanced for safety and their employees safely masked. Tables and chairs are hygienically cleaned after each group.

Masks must be worn at all times when entering shops and supermarkets and also, when entering, shoppers are required to use hand sanitizing gel.

Playing golf in Spain

A recent article in Euro Weekly News details the protocols for masks when playing golf. When using a golf buggy with people from your own household, no mask if required. If your golf partner is from a different household, everyone has to wear a mask. Similarly, when walking on the golf course or playing, if you are with household members, no mask is required. But if part of the group is from a different household, all must wear masks.

At the clubhouse, social distancing is required, and masks must still be worn. The only exception is when eating or drinking.

Enjoy your first post coronavirus visit to the Costa del Sol in Spain, but ensure you stay safe and follow the local rules!