British tourists who plan to visit Gran Canaria may be shocked to see a new pay and display system operating on selected beaches. An announcement from the Mogán Town Council confirmed the new system was launched on several popular beaches in their area and has been operational since last Friday.
The service is designed to offer holidaymakers greater flexibility when paying for their sunbeds and is based on newly installed totems. The machines resemble and operate like parking meters — with each beach equipped with at least one of the devices that allow users to select the service they want, pay the corresponding fee and receive a printed ticket.
The ticket must be kept on the person during their stay so it is imperative people do not simply dispose of it after buying. Beaches which have the new payment system include El Perchel, Puerto Rico, and Playa de Mogán.
Nestled in the quaint town of Mogan, Perchel Beach is a serene getaway that stretches across a modest but beautiful expanse of golden sands. Unlike other bustling beaches, Perchel offers a unique blend of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and notably, it’s one of the few beaches in the area that allows nude/naturalist recreation.
The beach does have few amenities, so trips need to be planned accordingly — although it does have lifeguard services, ensuring the safety of all its visitors. There is a lack of facilities including bathrooms, and dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Puerto Rico beach is 280 metres of golden sand ideal for families. It is the perfect environment for parents to sit on the sand while they watch their children playing in the water. The beach is billed as a sheltered option with good swimming available throughout the year.
Playa de Mogán, located in Puerto de Mogán on the south coast of Gran Canaria, is a family-friendly beach with calm, clear water and white sand. It is a sheltered beach with a variety of amenities nearby including popular restaurants and opportunities to take part in deep sea fishing.
In addition to the totems on these beaches, users can still pay with a bank card directly to the sunbed attendants, who carry portable card readers which provide a fail-safe option if the machine becomes broken or unavailable. Willy García, the Councillor for Beaches, visited the El Perchel totem recently and explained the reasoning behind the update.
He 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.”
He added that the reason behind the new machines was to improve convenience and accessibility for all visitors. The beaches are popular with residents and tourists alike, and the new machines were provided to enhance the overall beach experience in one of Gran Canaria’s most popular coastal areas.
Approximately one million British tourists visit Gran Canaria each year, making the island a popular destination for those travelling from the United Kingdom. It is important that people plan ahead if they are heading to the area after it suffered flooding last month and more recently, threats of industrial action.
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