Spanish beaches introduce pay and display sunbeds
Several Gran Canaria resorts have introduced payment machines for sun loungers and umbrellas
Playa de Mogán
Tourists heading to some of Gran Canaria’s most popular beaches this summer will notice a new addition to the sand: pay-and-display machines for sunbeds and parasols.
The initiative, introduced by the local council of Mogán, officially launched on April 11 and affects several high-traffic coastal spots, including El Perchel, Puerto Rico and Playa de Mogán. The system is designed to streamline the rental process and offer beachgoers the option to pay with cash — something that, until now, wasn’t available due to previous security concerns.
The machines, which resemble traditional parking metres, are operated by the municipal company Gestiona Mogán. Visitors simply choose the service they want, pay the fee and receive a printed ticket to keep while they enjoy their time on the beach.
For those who’d rather tap a card than handle coins, staff stationed on the beach are equipped with mobile card readers, allowing for quick and easy cashless payments.
Willy García from Mogán Town Council said the move was in direct response to feedback from beach users.
“Until now, payment has only been available by card due to security concerns,” he explained.
“However, many beachgoers have been requesting the option to pay in cash.
“After evaluating different options, we decided on these payment machines.”
He added that the initial rollout is focused on the busier beaches and “providing flexible and convenient payment options” for both their “visitors and residents is a key priority.”
The new setup could also bring a little more order to the early-morning beach rituals that have become all too familiar in Spanish coastal hotspots, where securing a prime spot in the sand can feel like a competitive sport.
In other news: Salmonella warning for DIA chicken burgers across Spain
Image: dronepicr via Wikimedia Commons
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