Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Irish tourists, with thousands of tourists expected to jet there over the coming months.
Ahead of the summer season, holidaymakers have been warned about an increase in smoking bans across some of Spain's most iconic beaches.
Officials say there are new "smoke-free zones" on a number of beaches on the Balearic Islands, as part of a major plan to improve people's health and slash the problem of cigarette butts left in the sand.
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In total, 28 beaches in Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca will be implementing the new smoking ban.
The beaches taking part in the scheme now have massive banners declaring their smoke free status with QR codes linking to extra information.
Smoke-free beaches in Ibiza include Playa de Santa Eulalia del Río and Playa de Talamanca, while in Menorca they include Binissafúller and Platja Gran.
In Majorca, those with smoking bans include Sant Joan, Sa Platgeta, Santa Ponsa, Cala Estància, Cala Sant Vicenç and Caló des Moro.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Consumption said: "The objective of the campaign is to create a network of healthy beaches, understanding the Balearic coast as a playful space for the enjoyment of outdoor activities that enriches the health of the people who come, promoting smoke-free spaces.
"Today, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide. Exposure to smoke from tobacco products has been shown to cause health problems similar to those caused by tobacco use."
There are currently no fines for those who are caught lighting up, as the people behind the scheme are hoping to appeal to holidaymakers's sense of responsibility.
This is unlike similar schemes in the likes of Barcelona, which in July 2022 introduced fines of up to €2,000 for tourists caught smoking on the beach.
Inés Sabanés and his Más País–Equo coalition party are behind this beach smoking ban, which allows local councils to impose fines for breaches.
He told the Guardian: "On beaches where smoking is allowed, unfortunately cigarette butts continue to rank as the most found waste product and the one with the most significant impact."
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