REGION OF VALENCIA

Spain's wildfires may be dying down but experts warn the real danger is only just beginningHundreds of thousands of bare, scorched hectares are now vulnerable to toxic runoff that could pollute rivers, reservoirs and farmland across the country The flames may be fading, but the emergency is far from over. As storms begin sweeping across the.. 25/08/2026

Valencian Community hotels are almost full this August, with Benidorm and Alicante South leading the wayAverage occupancy across the region hit 92.1% in the first half of the month, slightly ahead of last year and pointing to another strong summer season If it felt like every hotel on the Costa Blanca was packed to the rafters this August, that is because.. 24/08/2026

Spain's next big show is coming with a partial lunar eclipse on August 28The Moon will be almost completely swallowed by Earth’s shadow during the early hours of Friday, with the best views in western Spain A spectacular partial lunar eclipse is set to give people across Spain an early-morning sky show on Friday.. 24/08/2026

Most people in Spain still don't tip regularly, and the majority want to keep it that wayNew survey data reveals how Spanish diners really feel about tipping, and the results might surprise you Ask anyone who has moved to Spain from the UK or the US and one of the first things they notice is how different the tipping culture feels here... 24/08/2026

Retirees in Spain get new options to work and receive part of their pensionFrom August 28, certain retirees in Spain will be able to return to work while continuing to receive part of their pension Spain is making it easier for people who have already retired to return to work while continuing to receive part of their pension.. 24/08/2026

A trip back 25 years ago: 15 things that didn’t exist yetFrom the euro and the AVE to YouTube and the iPhone, a look back at how different life was in Spain in 2001 It’s hard to believe now, but 2001 really was a different world.   As the saying goes, “time flies”, and looking back.. 21/08/2026

Supreme Court sets clear limit on sex changes and past convictionsA change of registered sex cannot erase a gender violence conviction for offences committed before the change The Supreme Court, in Spain, has confirmed that changing a person´s registered sex does not wipe out a previous conviction for gender violence.. 20/08/2026

Alicante has recorded nearly 38,000 blood donations this year, and the summer campaign is still runningWith 80 special collection points set up across the province, donating has never been easier, and first-time donors are stepping up in impressive numbers Nearly 480 people in Alicante gave blood for the very first time this summer. That's not a small.. 20/08/2026

Cocaine seizures in Spain have fallen sharply, but synthetic drugs are surgingNew annual drug statistics show 370 tonnes seized nationwide in 2025, with ecstasy, tusi and crystal MDMA all on the rise while traditional trafficking routes face increased pressure Spain's security forces seized 370 tonnes of drugs in 2025, according.. 20/08/2026

The relocation experts helping families move to and from Spain without the summer stressGLOBAL has spent more than 35 years managing international moves so families don't have to lift a single box in the heat Packing boxes in the midday sun is nobody's idea of a good time and with temperatures across Spain climbing well into.. 19/08/2026

Disney's Tangled is bringing over €40 million to Alicante and the Valencian CommunityWith up to 700 people working daily at Ciudad de la Luz, the live-action Rapunzel film is proving a major economic win for the region If you've driven past the Ciudad de la Luz studios in Alicante recently and noticed rather more activity than usual.. 19/08/2026

Spain's Mediterranean coast is quietly becoming a major destination for swinger tourismFrom Murcia and Alicante to the Costa del Sol and beyond, liberal leisure is growing fast along southern Spain's coastline this summer Spain has long been known for its sunshine, beaches and relaxed attitude to life, but there's another kind of.. 19/08/2026

Spotted a purple flag on the beach? Here's what it means and why you shouldn't ignore itSpain's beach flag system could keep you safe this summer, and one colour in particular catches many people off guard Most of us know the basics. Green means go, red means no. But spend enough time on Spanish beaches and you'll eventually spot.. 19/08/2026

Mediterranean nears 30°C as Spain braces for temperatures of up to 44°CThe latest heatwave is adding to already unusually warm Mediterranean waters, with temperatures above 30°C recorded in some areas Spain is facing another day of intense summer heat, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 44°C in parts.. 19/08/2026

Red alert issued for northern Alicante as temperatures set to hit 44°CTemperatures will reach the mid-40s in several parts of Alicante province on Wednesday August 19 Alicante is bracing for one of the most extreme days of the summer, as Aemet has issued a red alert for the northern coast of the province on Wednesday.. 18/08/2026

Rail works disrupt Murcia to Alicante line with buses replacing trains for over a weekMore than 56,000 seats have been arranged on replacement buses as engineers upgrade the Torrellano to Crevillente stretch Anyone travelling by train between Murcia and Alicante over the coming days will need to swap the railway for the road as engineers.. 18/08/2026

Alicante dog breeding network busted for illegal ear and tail amputations backed by forged Russian certificatesTwenty people have been arrested or investigated after the Guardia Civil dismantled an operation that mutilated dogs and sent buyers videos on how to treat the wounds It started with a sick dog at a vet in Cáceres. An Italian Mastiff was brought.. 17/08/2026

Bars and restaurant terraces in Spain could be forced to close during heatwavesOutdoor services will be suspended across Spain when temperatures hit 42°C unless businesses meet strict requirements to protect staff If you’re planning to enjoy a drink or meal outside during one of Spain’s increasingly intense heatwaves.. 17/08/2026

Retirement age in Spain rises to 67 in 2027Spain’s retirement age reaches 67 next year, but you could still retire at 65 depending on how long you’ve paid into the system Are you already dreaming of the day you can relegate the suit to the back of the wardrobe in favour of flip.. 17/08/2026

Plastic bags, mini shampoos and wrapped fruit all set to vanish from Spanish shopsThe new EU packaging law lands in Spain this week, reshaping how shops sell everything from fruit to toiletries A sweeping new EU packaging law comes into force across Spain this Wednesday August 12 and it's set to change everything from the labels.. 14/08/2026