The first smoke-free beach in Spain is in Andalusia and is one of the longest.

Almería has one of the longest and most accessible urban beaches in Andalusia. Stretching for almost three kilometers, this large stretch of coastline changes names depending on the stretch: San Miguel, Las Conchas, El Zapillo, El Palmeral, and Nueva Almería. Despite these different names, it is a single, continuous beach that borders much of the city.

The Almería City Council has taken a decisive step in its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection by declaring El Palmeral Beach a smoke-free area , the first of the beaches in the capital of Almería to achieve this status. This area is especially popular with families and local visitors due to its proximity to the city center, its easy access, and its high level of services.

The beach has showers, restrooms, a children's play area, access for people with reduced mobility, sun lounger rentals, and lifeguard services during the summer season. Its length makes it an ideal place for walking, exercising, or simply enjoying the surrounding promenade.

This beach is located next to the city's seafront promenade, with a bike path, shopping areas, and restaurants. It is quite busy year-round, especially during the spring and summer months.

"By turning this space into a smoke-free beach, we are bringing citizens closer to the commitment to take care of this environment and free it from smoke , which is harmful to health, and from waste, such as cigarette butts, which then end up on the beach and in the water, with the danger that this and other types of materials also pose to marine fauna. Smoking, consequently, harms everyone and everything," explained the councilor responsible for the Environment.

In the last ten years, the number of Spanish beaches that have declared themselves smoke-free has grown significantly. More and more municipalities are restricting smoking in their bathing areas , with the aim of protecting public health and the environment. Municipalities are responsible for establishing these types of measures.

In Almería, nine beaches have adopted this measure. From Vera Playa to San José , passing through Adra and Cuevas de Almanzora, the province is committed to protecting its coasts from the environmental impact of tobacco, especially in small coves with significant scenic value. In addition to the ban, the possibility of imposing fines on those who violate the regulations is being considered.