Torrevieja beachgoers race to claim first‑line spot at Playa del Cura

Each summer a quirky competition unfolds on Playa del Cura in Torrevieja, where beachgoers vie to be the first to set up an umbrella and deck chair. 2024 data from the local monitoring project Proyecto Mastral show the earliest arrival at 05:35, just four minutes later than the 05:31 record from the previous year. Participants sprint to the shoreline at dawn, treating the rapid placement of their beach gear as a race for the coveted first‑line spot.

Municipal regulations forbid leaving objects unattended on public beaches, but the long‑standing custom is generally tolerated unless complaints arise. Critics argue the practice turns the beach into a “reserved board” that disadvantages later arrivals, while supporters view it as a harmless tradition that adds a playful element to the summer routine.