The recently approved Law 4/2026, on Cultural Heritage of Andalusia, published in the Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía (BOJA), establishes a more restrictive framework for the use of metal detectors. The main objective is to prevent the looting of archaeological remains, especially in provinces like Cádiz, where the subsoil and maritime environment conceal a significant historical legacy.

The regulation explicitly prohibits the use of these devices on beaches and in so-called protection servitude zones, areas with a high risk of historical discoveries. This means that recreational activities, such as searching for coins, could be sanctioned if proper authorization is not obtained. The regional administration emphasizes that the issue lies in the risk this practice poses to historical and archaeological heritage.

Despite the general prohibition, the law includes exceptions for entities such as the State Administration, Security Forces and Corps, or the Environmental Agents Corps. Its use is also permitted for basic utility companies and mining entities, always under supervision and with prior authorization. Should any archaeological remains be found, the activity must cease immediately, and authorities must be notified within 24 hours.

Penalties for non-compliance have been significantly toughened. Minor infractions can result in fines of up to 10,000 euros, while serious ones can reach 150,000 euros. In particularly damaging situations, such as the irreversible destruction of archaeological remains or looting in protected areas, fines could escalate to one million euros, demonstrating the Junta de Andalucía's strong commitment to heritage conservation.

The province of Cádiz, with sites such as Cádiz capital, Sancti Petri, and Trafalgar, is one of the areas under special surveillance due to its archaeological richness. These spaces, many linked to underwater sites or ancient settlements, will be subject to stricter oversight to protect a legacy that belongs to all of society.