COSTA BLANCA, ALICANTE PROVINCE: NEWS

Nearly half of Costa Blanca visitors don't stay in hotels as accommodation debate intensifiesNew figures highlight the growing role of second homes and family stays, even as Alicante looks to expand its international tourism reach Nearly half of all tourists visiting the province of Alicante are staying in second homes or with friends and family.. 26/01/2026

Another unsettled week with strong winds at times: Alicante weather forecast January 26-29Cloud cover will increase as the week progresses, with some rain and strong winds at times This week, the Alicante Province will see more rain, and the strong wind is here to stay for now. Temperatures will fluctuate throughout the week, but that.. 26/01/2026

Adamuz train tragedy: Death toll rises to 45 as search continues and families receive ongoing supportTwo more bodies recovered near the tracks in Córdoba while Spain continues to grapple with a series of serious rail accidents The Guardia Civil has confirmed that two more bodies have been recovered from the site of the devastating train crash near..

Alicante and Benidorm celebrate record tourism year as Costa Blanca momentum buildsStrong international demand, festivals and events drive a standout year for the province’s biggest destinations The Costa Blanca’s two tourism heavyweights have closed 2025 on a high, with both Alicante city and Benidorm reporting record-breaking.. 23/01/2026

Police free kidnapped Norwegian in Alicante in 72 hoursFour arrested after alleged Swedish mafia gang demands €70,000 ransom A Norwegian man kidnapped in Alicante has been rescued by the Policía Nacional just 72 hours after his abduction, in an operation targeting the Swedish criminal organisation.. 23/01/2026

Doctors' strike threat returns as talks stall and February action confirmedAfter hopes of a breakthrough before Christmas, medical unions now set out a fresh timetable of nationwide strikes and protests For a brief moment before Christmas, it looked as though Spain’s long-running dispute between doctors and the Ministry.. 23/01/2026

Tourist rentals in Spain drop for the first time in years in the country's most popular holiday hotspotsA new Exceltur report shows how tourist rentals fell nationwide as a result of the new regulations The number of tourist rental properties in Spain’s 25 most visited destinations fell by 4.1% in 2025. This is the first nationwide drop.. 22/01/2026

Musk polls fans on buying Ryanair in O'Leary Wi-Fi feudInsults lift airline bookings as CEO welcomes investment but rules out full takeover The public row between Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary began on January 14 over Starlink Wi-Fi (SpaceX's satellite internet service) for the airline.. 21/01/2026

Spain will be Europe's fastest growing major economy in 2026, according to IMFOnly the United States is projected to surpass Spain this year among advanced economies Spain is expected to be the fastest growing large economy in Europe in 2026, according to new forecasts from the International Monetary Fund. The IMF has upgraded.. 21/01/2026

Butane cylinder price edges up again for households across SpainA small increase takes the regulated price to €15.58, following higher transport and raw material costs The price of a traditional butane gas cylinder has gone up again in Spain, bringing an end to the brief relief many households felt late last.. 21/01/2026

Partner of Northern Irish murder suspect investigated after fatal crash in El CampelloMadison V., the 20-year-old British woman driving the BMW, is being investigated following a collision that killed a 54-year-old man A 54-year-old British man has died following a traffic accident on the A-70 in El Campello. The crash occurred.. 21/01/2026

No more ketchup or sugar sachets in Spanish restaurants after AugustThe EU's new plastic waste rules will force the hospitality industry in Spain to scrap sachets and miniature condiments It’s almost time to say goodbye to those little packets of ketchup, sugar and salt that clutter up restaurant tables.. 21/01/2026

DGT cracks down on WhatsApp checkpoint alertsFines up to €30,000 for warning about police alcohol and drug checkpoints If you're in one of those WhatsApp or Telegram groups that ping alerts about police checkpoints, it might be time to think again. The DGT has launched a determined effort.. 20/01/2026

Income tax return 2026: Which pensioners in Spain do not need to file the Declaración de la rentaIncome thresholds, multiple payers and exemptions explained ahead of the April 8 start of the tax campaign in Spain With the arrival of the new year, one of the most important dates in the Spanish tax calendar is getting closer. The 2026 income tax.. 20/01/2026

Discover your dream coastal property in Spain with SpainoraIndependent guides to properties, golf, beaches & lifestyle across 5 stunning Mediterranean regions Spainora offers a complete guide to Spanish coastal living, helping clients discover the best of Spain's Mediterranean coast. From the Costa.. 20/01/2026

Brit activists take to UK streets in march against cruelty to hunting dogs in SpainUK dog lovers join Europe-wide demonstrations calling for an end to hunting dog abuse in Spain Dog lovers across the UK are set to turn out in force at the end of January, with peaceful protests planned in several major cities to demand better protection.. 20/01/2026

Date set for opening of Wetherspoon pub at Alicante AirportA chance for a pint and a feeling of home for UK passengers at Alicante Airport as Wetherspoon confirms opening of its first European pub It’s official: Wetherspoon will be opening its first pub abroad in continental Europe, which will be at.. 19/01/2026

Spain's €60 travel pass goes on sale: Everything you need to knowUnlimited travel across Spain for 30 days with the new flat-rate ticket is now available Spain's new Single Transport Pass went on sale this Monday January 12, letting travellers zip around the country for a flat rate of €60. The Ministry.. 16/01/2026

Spain grants grace period for V-16 beaconsThe introduction of the new emergency lights is about “information before fines”, according to Spanish traffic authorities Drivers in Spain who have yet to get their hands on the new V-16 emergency beacon can breathe a small sigh of relief...

Bizum moves into shops with new tap-to-pay featureCaja Rural becomes first banking group to roll out contactless Bizum Pay on mobiles Bizum is about to take a significant step forward in how people pay in Spain, with a new contactless system allowing shoppers to pay in physical stores simply by holding.. 16/01/2026