Flying Drones in Spain - The Rules
The Laws regarding the flying of drones are very strict in Spain. These flying devices, however small they may be, are subject to the regulations of the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and these rules must be followed, unless you want to risk an eye watering fine, Fines for the misuse of drones for recreational purposes can reach 225,000 euros.
Who are the AESA? This is the Spanish Agency for Aviation Safety, they are in charge of everything related to Air Navigation and Transport, as well as Airport Security.
Find out here, what spaces a drone (remotely piloted aircraft) can fly over.
Some rules do not apply if your drone weights less than 250 grams, and does not exceed 20 metres in height, these are regarded as a toy.
*Please note - If your drone weights less than 250 grams but can operate at speeds greater than 90km/h and is equipped with a camera or a microphone, it is NOT classed by the UAS as a toy.*
Do you need a licence to fly a drone in Spain?
For drones from 250 grams, it is mandatory to obtain a certificate that accredits a minimum of knowledge, and that will allow the flight of drones in the different established categories, which may be Level 1 or 2, depending on the risk of the operation, to fly in some specific categories, it is necessary to pass the AESA Level 3 exam.
There is no longer a distinction between professional and recreational flying.
To submit an application, please follow this link*
Remote Pilot Certificate (Non-EU Residents)
If you want to fly your drone in Spain and live in a non-EU country, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate from an EU country.
You can get the A1/A3 Certificate by registering with the online Remote Pilot School.
Rules that you need to follow, even if your drone is less than 250 grams.
You must respect the rule of not flying within a radius of 8 km from any airport, aerodrome or other controlled air spaces.
You cannot fly in National Parks, wildlife conservation areas, Biosphere Reserves, and other protected natural areas.
If your drone carries a camera, you must be careful not to violate the Data Protection Act and the Right to Honour and Privacy.
Drones should not be piloted where other low-altitude flights are carried out such as skydiving, ballooning or paragliding.
Drone users must pilot drones in suitable weather conditions, that is, without rain, fog or wind.
Other rules for Drones over 250 grams
Recreational flights: Flight prohibited in urban areas
According to the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), the flight of drones in urban areas or over crowds of people such as parks, public or private gardens, streets, beaches, concerts or demonstrations is prohibited.
Suitable area: The flight area must meet certain conditions
The regulation approved on December 15th, 2017 establishes that drones can only be used in areas suitable for it, which are generally unpopulated areas or model aircraft flight zones.
Day time flights
The device must always fly during the day, less than 120 meters high and with the drone in view of the controller at all times.
Night flights
According to the State Aviation Safety Agency, there is the possibility of carrying out night flights, as long as the drone weighs less than two kilos and does not exceed fifty meters in height.
Liability insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to have one, as the pilot is responsible for any damage caused by the aircraft.
Drone Identification
The drone must have a fireproof identification plate fixed on the structure that will contain data such as the manufacturer’s name, model, serial number (if applicable) and the pilot’s contact details.
*Disclaimer - The information provided above is based on current AESA rules, and are a guide as these can be change at any time.*
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Benidorm Seriously Apps - What's available
Benidorm Seriously Apps - We have been asked in the past if we offer any Benidorm Seriously apps. The short answer to this question is, YES, we do.
To help those who use small screen devices to access the website, I need to point out that there are over 700 pages of information on the site, not including the Business Directory, the Online Shop and the New social feed called BeeSer. This means a native app would take up a lot of space on your device to store the data. We have therefore opted for alternative options.
Around 90% of the website is fully mobile responsive, however, from time to time, you may find a better experience by turning your phone sideways. The What's on Guide is a perfect example of this. Also, on most browsers there is an option to "save to home screen" usually located under options in the top right-hand corner. This can be different on different devices but will place a shortcut to your favourite pages on the website.
Progressive Web App
For those who still prefer the app experience, the entire website is available as a Progressive Web App. PWAs use a lot less space on your device and can cache data that serve users with images, texts, and other content before the whole app loads completely. It cuts down the waiting time for users, so they offer a faster user experience than native apps.
To install the PWA go to any page of the website using an android device and provided you are using Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge, you should see an option on your screen to install the app. Thats it, one click and it is installed.
For Apple users there is a little extra work needed. To see the installation option, you need to be using Safari as your browser. Open (or install) Safari and navigate to the website. You should now be able to see the option to install the app.
The Social Feed (Q & A)
As the number of members using our own social feed Q & A increases as a faster alternative to the Facebook Group, there is a native app available for this should you prefer it to the PWA.
To make use of this you will need to have an active registration on the website. Register today.
Then visit AppleStore or Googleplay and download the app entitled EasySocial. Once installed you will be asked for the website address, your username and your password. This information can be saved to avoid needing to do this every time. (Note use the address benidormseriously.com there is no need to add http or www).
And thats it!! You will now have access to the social feed without the restrictions of Facebook
Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Benidorm
Benidorm is a seaside town located in the eastern part of Spain. It is popular for its beautiful and family-friendly attractions. If your idea of a perfect holiday is plenty of beach time, first-class attractions, fantastic weather, and wild nightlife, then Benidorm is a place you have to visit.
Located in Costa Blanca in the Valencia region, the seaside town is one place that guarantees maximum fun and satisfaction for every tourist.
Whether you love to shop until you drop, or wish to taste the local cuisine, you have everything in abundance in Benidorm. However, while this town boasts several exciting attractions, some are more fun-inducing and thrilling than others.
Thus, we have decided to highlight the 6 attractions considered the best in Benidorm.
Mundomar
For people who want the ideal family getaway, Mundomar is the place to be. This park offers a perfect family adventure, with its broad collection of animal shows and exhibits. Mundomar is one of the best water parks in Benidorm and focuses on sea life creatures.
You have the opportunity to connect with aquatic creatures such as sea lions and dolphins. You can even swim with some of them and learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds.
Mediterraneo Benidorm
If you enjoy the thrilling environment of casino games, you can try out the Casino Mediterraneo Benidorm. The casino offers a large gaming floor with a good mix of card and table games like roulette and blackjack. Moreover, you are also able to watch live entertainment such as singers and dancers.
However, if you fancy playing casino games, you’re able to play on the go from anywhere with an internet connection. Online, you will find comparison sites that offer free spins bonuses and more! Some of these slots are able to play for free and resemble Spain such as Spanish Passion. In addition, you can read in depth reviews to give you a better overview.
Levante Beach
One of the best tourist attractions in Benidorm is Levante Beach. In fact, it's one of the most iconic places associated with the town. It is an arc of golden sand bounded by a broad line of beautiful blue waters and attracts thousands of people every year.
Although the beach is packed in the summer, it’s never short of a place for you to visit. Even on the busiest of all days, there will always be a quiet place to relax and sunbathe. You are able to have a snooze, or go for a picnic with your family and friends.
Magic Natura
A big hotel, zoo, and water complex in Benidorm that is a major attraction for tourists. It comes with pools, slides as well as animal enclosures. The hotel is divided into several parts that include Terra Natura, Aqua Natura as well as Theme lodges.
There is a guided tour of the complex which will give you a real insight into different animals. Moreover, you’re also able to learn about the animals’ welfare and the daily training methods.
Restaurante Aitona
A restaurant located in Benidorm and it is known as one of the best in Costa Blanca. It offers a comprehensive range of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is basque-inspired and it uses the healthiest and the highest quality ingredients for all dishes.
Restaurante Aitona also prides itself in excellent customer service which further makes it highly inviting to tourists from all walks of life.
The restaurant’s specialization is paella and is located in Old Town, around 50 meters north of Balcó del Mediterrani and Mirador del Castell, 2 more famous eateries.
Aqualandia
This is a little inland from the beachside skyscrapers but it is still one of the top 10 highlights in Benidorm. The complex boasts of a large aquatic haven for the entire family.
Aqualdia has fun slides that enter the pools from a broad range of angles. The complex also gives you an open view of Benidorm’s red mountains and thick vegetation.
Conclusion
So there you have, our experts have put together a list of the 6 best attractions in Benidorm. If you are planning a trip to the Spanish town, remember to brush up on the language and bring some sun cream!
New Airconditioning Rules in Spain - Energy Saving Measures
New Airconditioning Rules in Spain 8th August 2022 - New Energy Saving Measures. Last week the Spanish Government approved energy saving measures which, in some cases, will be in force from midnight Tuesday 9th August until 1st November 2023 and will affect all premises open to the public such as offices, shops, bars, restaurants and public transport systems and transport centres.
These rules are part of Spain's drive to cut its gas use by 7% under a recent European Union deal to reduce their dependency on Russian gas supplies.
With Spain currently experiencing a very hot summer, with temperatures above 40ºc in some areas, many in the tourism sector have criticised these new measures.
The government state that the measures "will not only save energy but will also bring down bills for households and businesses".
Keep up to date with the Weather in Benidorm HERE
The most important rules are as follows:-
Summer Season
TEMPERATURES: From Wednesday, all businesses using air conditioning systems must ensure that the air temperature is set at a minimum of 27ºc This may vary slightly depending on the activity and the health and safety regulations in force such as certain activities in the hospitality sector in which 25ºc is the limit, hairdressers, gyms, laundrettes, schools, playschools amongst others.
Stores will be required to keep their doors shut to maintain temperatures..
New Airconditioning Rules in Spain
Winter Season
Temperatures will be set at a maximum of 19ºc
Doors and windows to be kept closed when equipment in use.
In both cases the relative air humidity should be kept between 30% and 70%.
Temperature and humidity monitor must be installed in order to ensure compliance.
LIGHTING: All shopfront lighting must be switched off by 22.00.
SIGNS: Signs or screens must be on show at the entrance of the premises or building indicating information on temperature, humidity levels and other measures taken to ensure the reduction in energy usage.
DOORS: All premises that use air con and/ or heating and that have direct access from the street must have a self-closing door mechanism. This must be in place by 1st October.
Hotel Rooms
Tourists can continue to keep their hotel rooms chilled, as they are considered to be "private spaces", but all other public areas will have to abide by new laws.
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