The holidaymaker was caught using an 'unauthorised' device at Spanish festival

British tourists heading to Spain this summer have been issued a warning after a visitor was caught using an 'unauthorised' device - and now faces a fine of up to £175,000.

The holidaymaker, who had travelled to Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands, earlier this month, was spotted flying a drone over crowds at the Virgen del Carmen festival, which is celebrated annually in seaside towns across the nation around 16 July.

According to a statement issued by the National Police, the incident occurred on 15 July during the procession, which sees thousands of attendees participate in lively religious festivities while sending floral offerings to the sea.

Police officers stationed at the event traced an 'unauthorised' drone in flight to an owner staying at Hotel Las Águilas in another part of the town.

The British tourist was brought in for questioning, where he was found to have violated Spanish drone regulations by not having a pilot licence, insurance or any knowledge of the rules.

The case was referred to AESA, Spain's State Aviation Safety Agency, for administrative proceedings after the drone was confiscated.

Under Spanish law, drones flying in crowded or urban areas are illegal - and considered dangerous - if they have not been granted permission to fly, and all pilots must be trained, insured and registered - all of which the holidaymaker lacked.

British holidaymaker heading to Spain this summer have been issued a warning after a Puerto de la Cruz (pictured) tourist was caught using an 'unauthorised' device

The holidaymaker was spotted flying a drone over crowds at the Virgen del Carmen festival (pictured), which is celebrated annually in seaside towns across the nation around 16 July

The authorities noted that only three authorised drones were granted permission to fly during the festival, two of which were operated by the National Police and one that captured the day's festivities.

Minor breaches of drone regulations, like flying without insurance, can lead to fines of up to €45,000.

Serious violations, such as endangering the public or flying in restricted areas, can result in fines of up to €90,000.

Very serious violations, such as causing an accident or endangering aircraft, can result in even higher fines of between €90,001 to €225,000.

Those who wish to fly a drone equipped with a camera or weighing over 250g in Spain must adhere to strict rules, such as registering with AESA, complete free online training, label the device with an operator ID and apply for civil liability insurance.

Tourists are now being reminded that drones 'are not toys' and operating one without the correct requirements can result in serious consequences, especially during public events.

All holidaymakers planning a visit to the Canary Islands are encouraged to check the latest regulations well in advance.

It comes as British holidaymakers heading to Spain over the summer could risk hefty fines if they are caught violating strict new sunbed rules.

The incident occurred on 15 July during the procession, which sees thousands of attendees participate in lively religious festivities, such as throwing water on each other (pictured) while sending floral offerings to the sea

The British tourist was brought in for questioning, where he was found to have violated Spanish drone regulations by not having a pilot licence, insurance or any knowledge of the rules (stock image)

Tourists who lay out their towels for extended periods of time face potential fines of up to €250 (£210), as a number of popular holiday hotspots begin implementing the so-called 'sunbed tax'.

These rules, aimed at preventing sunbed reserving and overcrowding, vary by location but generally prohibit placing personal belongings on sunbeds before a certain time or leaving them unattended for prolonged periods.

It comes as 'sunbed wars' at European resorts and hotels continue to hot up over the summer, with guests arriving hours before the pool opens to claim multiple loungers by placing towels, bags and other items on them and returning hours later.

The rush to claim limited loungers has resulted in 'stampedes', heated arguments and even physical fights between frustrated guests.