¡INOCENTES! Xàbia introduces ‘quiet beach hours’ to protect locals’ midday siestas

¡INOCENTE! In Spain, December 28th blends into the season of Día de los Santos Inocentes, a day devoted to jokes, pranks, and playful deception. Rooted in a biblical story but transformed by popular tradition, the date has become Spain’s answer to April Fools’ Day. People tell harmless lies, play practical jokes on friends and family, and even major newspapers and TV shows sneak in fake stories, all with a wink and the expectation that the trick will eventually be revealed.

This was our offering for 2026:

In a move that has left tourists scratching their heads and locals nodding in approval, Xàbia Council has announced the introduction of “Quiet Beach Hours” at the popular Arenal beach. The new regulations, set to take effect next summer, limit tourist access to two short periods each day in an effort to protect the traditional midday siesta.

Under the scheme, tourists will only be allowed on the beach from 10.00–11.30am and 5.00–6.30pm, while the rest of the day will be reserved for locals seeking uninterrupted rest. Beachside businesses are reportedly supportive, with cafés offering “siesta packs” of coffee, pastries, and noise-canceling headphones to accommodate the unusual schedule.

Balancing Tourism and Tradition
According to the local council, the initiative is designed to balance the town’s booming tourist numbers with long-standing cultural practices. “We want to preserve the serenity that makes Xàbia unique,” said Esteban Chistorac, the council spokesperson. “Our beaches are a treasure for everyone, but we also need to respect local customs.”

Some tourists have expressed bewilderment at the rules. “Next July I am coming all the way from Germany for a full day on the sand,” said one visitor, who asked to remain anonymous. “Now I’m only allowed to visit for an hour and a half in the morning and evening? I don’t know if I should laugh or cry.”

Implementation and Enforcement
Local police and beach wardens will patrol the sands, reminding visitors of the new schedule. To assist compliance, signage and smartphone alerts are planned. The council has also hinted at “educational workshops” on proper siesta etiquette, aimed primarily at foreign residents and repeat visitors.

While the announcement has sparked debate online, most locals seem to welcome the change. “Finally, we can nap without a crowd of tourists trampling over our sandcastles,” said Pilar Martinez, a lifelong resident of the Arenal neighborhood.

Whether the Quiet Beach Hours will truly take effect remains to be seen, but in true Xàbia fashion, the proposal has already brought smiles, raised eyebrows, and plenty of conversation to the Mediterranean coast.

At javeamigos.com, we have produced several classic ‘inocente’ tales over the past few years, including:

• 2012: The rumour that a new four-lane tunnel was to be dug underneath the Montgó mountain to provide quick access to Dénia.
• 2013: The proposal to build a three-stage cable car from the Plaza de la Constitución to the summit of Montgó.
• 2014: The intention to turn the mountain road between Xàbia and Dénia into a toll road.
• 2015: The plan to charge foreign-plated cars to pay for parking by the Arenal beach.
• 2016: The rumour that the Arenal zone was going to declare itself independent from Xàbia.
• 2017: The Province of Alicante planning to adopt GMT along the Costa Blanca region.
• 2018: The proposal to introduce ANPR technology in Xàbia to monitor traffic in the town and check for proper registration.
• 2020: EU-subsidized infrastructure could soon be off-limits to British citizens.
• 2021: Fish and chips awarded regional dish for Costa Blanca region in 2022.
• 2022: Direct connection with A-7 motorway given go-ahead by regional authorities
• 2023: Spain’s bars prepare for new legislation to protect Spanish gastronomy
• 2024: Xàbia will soon have its own colourful zoo and safari experience
• 2025: CV-734 upgrade and connections to CV-740/742 in Jávea go to tender