Madrid, Spain

Amid the sun-soaked allure of an island getaway, holidaymakers will now have to exercise caution like never before.

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What once seemed like beachside pastimes - collecting sand between your toes or pocketing a few picturesque pebbles - now carries the weight of potential consequences.

As the Canary Islands bask in their natural splendour, visitors must heed the warning - tread lightly, for 'souvenirs' may come with a hefty price tag.

What might seem like innocent beach mementos could lead to an unexpected sting in the wallet.

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UK tourists will now face the threat of hefty fines of upto INR 2.6 lakhs (£2,500 or $3,150) for 'souvenirs' from this island getaways.

The warning might come as a surprise for many travellers who are often unaware of these fines for their innocent beachside collections. Authorities will crack down on pocketing sand, rocks, and pebbles from the island's pristine beaches.

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The islands are witnessing a loss of natural material, as per Canarian Weekly. Tourists led to this depletion as they often take home tonnes of souvenirs each year.

The islands, particularly Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, bear the brunt of this souvenir-hunting frenzy. Approximately 1,000kg of natural matter in Lanzarote islands disappear annually from protected spaces.

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Even the iconic 'Popcorn Beach' near Corralejo hasn't been spared from the pilfering hands of tourists.

Clear signages on Canary Islands  

Despite clear signage warning against the practice, approximately 1,000kg of its distinctive sand vanishes yearly, contributing to damage to the local environment.

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However, enforcing the regulations might prove challenging for authorities, with the origins of pilfered materials often difficult to trace.

But the sand of 'Popcorn Beach' is distinctive which makes it easier to identify and penalise offenders.

British visitors caught in the act of swiping this sand could face fines of up to €3,000 (INR 3.1 lakhs). 

So, if someone wants to cherish memories, they must do it some other way and leave the natural beauty of the Canary Islands unharmed. 

(With inputs from agencies)