Spanish island introduces new ‘pay and display’ sunloungers across popular tourist beaches
A SPANISH island has introduced a new 'pay and display' system for sunloungers and it affects a number of popular tourist beaches.
Tourists heading to El Perchel, Puerto Rico and Playa de Mogán in Gran Canaria, will now have to use a new cash system for renting sunbeds and parasols.
The service - which was announced by Mogán Town Council - launched last Friday.
Visitors will need to use the new payment machines that operate like parking meters.
Once a visitor has selected the service they require, and paid the fee for that service, they will receive a printed ticket, which they must keep a hold of whilst using the service they have purchased.
The machines allow people with cash to pay for the item they wish to hire.
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However, if an individual only has their bank card, then they can still head to attendants and use one of the card machines they carry to pay for the service they wish to use.
Willy García, the councillor for beaches, said: "Until now, payment has only been available by card due to security concerns.
"However, many beachgoers have been requesting the option to pay in cash.
"After evaluating different options, we decided on these payment machines," reports Canarian Weekly.
According to one recent visitor discussing the change on TripAdvisor, prices per item remain the same at €3.50 (£3.01) each.
Playa de Mogán is a small, sheltered beach with beautiful views.
The nearby harbour offers boat rentals for visitors wanting to head out onto the water and try fishing.
Jacqueline, who recently visited the beach, said in a review: "Beautiful little port town. Large bustling beach. Colourful houses and trees with stunning greenery and waterways.
"Loads of places to eat and drink. Lots of shops and a busy market on Fridays."
In another review of the area, Dennis added: "One of the most beautiful places on Gran Canaria when it comes to seaside towns.
"They have a great 'mirador' (lookout point) overlooking the city, where you can take pictures and also the old part of the town, has the icon building which is a must see."
In the town itself, there are plenty of holiday apartments as well as the Radisson Blu Resort and Spa, which is built into the town's climbing hills.
Playa Puerto Rico is slightly further around the coast in a town of the same name.
This town is home to many holiday apartments, hotels and resorts as well as a vibrant marina.
one recent visitor, Rosi, said in a review: "Playa de Puerto Rico is a charming, small sandy beach located by the marina. It’s very well-maintained and clean.
"There are plenty of restaurants and small shops nearby, making it easy to grab a bite or pick up essentials. The water is clean, though not perfectly clear, but it's still enjoyable for a swim.
"Sunbeds are reasonably priced, which adds to the convenience."
El Perchel is located further round the coast, and is home to a great playpark for children and Arguineguín Beach, which also has a rock pool.
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Another popular tourist beach also recently introduced a booking system.
Plus, the cheapest all-inclusive sunshine holidays this May.
