Man sets up his parasol at 05:36 on a Torrevieja beach

At 5:36 a.m. on Saturday, July 19th, while it was still dark, someone arrived at Playa del Cura with a definite goal in mind: to be the first to set up their umbrella on the desired beachfront.

Within minutes, chairs and beach accessories were set up, and at 5:41 a.m., the first parasol of the day was opened. The spectacle, taken on video by the Proyecto Mastral account, which specialises in weather forecasting for Torrevieja and the Vega Baja, has become a summer weekend image.

On a Saturday when much of Spain is breathing a sigh of relief from the heat waves, the Valencian Community is one of the few places in the country where high-temperature warnings are still in effect. Given the prediction, many homeowners and visitors have decided to schedule their beach day as soon as feasible.

In addition to demonstrating the effort required to secure a decent place, the video depicts how the beach becomes a site of extreme strategies and early mornings. While some were returning from the celebration, others were already arranging a space by the sea.

Will this be the record for summer 2025? Will anyone beat the early birds in the coming days? The challenge remains.

Is it permissible to set up a parasol at 5 a.m. on Torrevieja beach?

Although we see photographs of beachgoers getting up early to set up their umbrellas on the beaches every summer, in Torrevieja, this is considered an administrative offence. According to the Municipal Ordinance on the Use, Safety, and Conservation of Beaches, it is illegal to leave umbrellas, chairs, or other objects on public land.

Furthermore, the City Council warns everyone that cleaning services run nightly, and any uncontrolled objects may be removed.

Sanctions have already been applied in this municipality. A swimmer was fined €150 for leaving an umbrella unattended on the beach; he even claimed to be “taking a dip,” but the penalty was upheld.

In summary, setting up an umbrella to conserve space without staying in the region can be expensive. It is recommended to wait until sunrise and stay close to your belongings to avoid complications.