Terri Adams
09/10/2024 • 3 min readIf you’re planning a trip to Spain and wondering, "Can I vape in Spain?" The answer is yes but with some restrictions. Vaping is becoming increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to smoking, and Spain, like much of the EU, has introduced rules to regulate its use. Whether you’re heading to Barcelona, Tenerife, or the sunny shores of Alicante, knowing the local laws around vaping is crucial to avoid any potential fines or issues. But let’s take a look at vaping in Spain in general.
Spain’s regulations largely follow the European Union’s guidelines, but a few specific local rules are worth noting. Spain’s vape laws are part of the broader "Tobacco Law," which includes vaping under many of the same restrictions as smoking. Vaping is prohibited in public indoor spaces, such as restaurants, bars, and public transport. However, vaping is generally allowed outdoors as long as you're not near hospitals, schools, or children's playgrounds.
At which places is vaping regulated in Spain?
The legal age to purchase and use vapes in Spain is 18 years old, the same as for buying cigarettes. This applies to all types of vapes, including e-cigarettes and disposable vapes. Spanish law is strict about underage sales, and shops must ask for ID if there’s any doubt about the buyer’s age. If you're under 18, there's no legal way to buy vapes in Spain.
Yes, you can easily buy vapes in Spain. They are regulated under the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which limits the nicotine content in e-liquids to a maximum of 20 mg/ml. Additionally, e-liquids containing nicotine can only be sold in bottles holding no more than 10 ml. Vape devices are also restricted, with tanks and cartridges capped at a 2 ml capacity. E-cigarettes, vape liquids, and other vaping accessories meeting these requirements are available in tobacco shops (known as estancos), as well as some supermarkets, pharmacies, and specialist stores. You’ll also find online retailers that can deliver to your accommodation if needed. Are there any differences between the vapes' points of sale?
Most major cities and tourist areas have shops selling vapes, so you won’t have trouble finding supplies on holiday. They’re often marketed towards tourists, so you can expect to see them in airports and holiday hotspots. So, if your travelling friends ask you, “Do they sell disposable vapes in Spain?” you can confidently answer that there will be no problem buying disposable vapes or even components for sophisticated vaping gear in Spain.
These are the most common questions that tourists have when travelling to the famous Spanish islands. So, if you're heading to Tenerife or Lanzarote, vaping is governed by the same rules as on the mainland. Outdoor areas such as parks, terraces, and specific open spaces are generally acceptable for vaping, but it's important to avoid indoor public spaces like restaurants, bars, schools, and healthcare facilities. Always be mindful of no-smoking signs, as they apply to vaping, too. If you need clarification, asking staff or checking for local signage is a good idea. Across all Spanish islands, it’s essential to respect the rules, especially in family-friendly areas and around children.
Vaping on beaches in Spain, including Tenerife and Lanzarote, has become increasingly restricted. Many beaches, especially urban ones in the Canary Islands, have introduced smoking and vaping bans to reduce environmental waste and accommodate visitors who are bothered by any kind of smoke, whether from cigarettes or vaping. While vaping outdoors is typically allowed, beaches are often designated as smoke-free zones. Regulations can vary, so it's crucial to check for signage. Some remote or less crowded beaches might be more lenient, but popular tourist beaches may impose fines if caught vaping in restricted areas.
All Spanish airports, including Alicante and Ibiza, have designated smoking areas where vaping is permitted. These areas are typically located outside the terminal buildings, providing a place for smokers and vapers to get their nicotine fix while waiting for flights. However, vaping indoors is strictly prohibited in all Spanish airports. There's no need to ask staff about it — you simply cannot vape anywhere inside the airport outside of designated smoking areas. To avoid fines, make sure to follow this rule strictly. You’ll find designated smoking areas at all Spanish airports, including Alicante and Ibiza, clearly marked for easy identification.
Vaping is generally allowed outdoors in Spain and its popular islands, but this excludes areas near schools, hospitals, and children’s playgrounds. On beaches—whether on the Spanish mainland or islands like Tenerife, Lanzarote, and the other Canary Islands—vaping is generally prohibited due to the high concentration of people, especially children, and to promote environmental protection and cleanliness. Regarding indoor public spaces in Spain, vaping is banned similarly to smoking. This applies to pubs and restaurants, public transport, or even airports. Where possible, you'll find marked designated smoking areas for your convenience.
