I got back from Valencia a few weeks ago...it was nearly as bad there! Certainly the beggars anyway, got cursed by a gypsy woman (who must have been at least 80) who we refused after she shoved her hand under our faces. I was flying back the next day and I'm a nervous flyer.....so "thanks, love!"
It was every 10 minutes with them, especially when sat outside.
I hate that people feel the need to beg, but it's hard to identify when someone is genuine and when someone isn't.
I did "give" on a couple of occasions but I can't do it every time