COSTA BLANCA, ALICANTE PROVINCE: NEWS

Spain's public health leans heavily on private handsMinistry report reveals 30% of hospitals now privately run, with billions in public spending A new report from Spain's Ministry of Health lays bare a big shift in how public healthcare is delivered. Three out of every ten public hospitals are now..

British film firm eyes six big shoots in Alicante next yearGlobal Films could bring €30m boost and 15,000 hotel nights to the region Exciting times ahead for Alicante, with British production company Global Films Media Productions in advanced talks to film six feature films at the Ciudad de la Luz studios.. 12/12/2025

Alicante now has the worst flu infection numbers in SpainMedical experts warn worst may be ahead as cases soar across Alicante province The 2025 flu epidemic is rapidly escalating throughout Spain and nowhere is this more evident than in Alicante, where the rate of infection has shot past the national average.. 12/12/2025

Orihuela Costa foot bridges blocked off in December and JanuaryFour of the pedestrian walkways over the N-332 will be shut for routine maintenance Orihuela Costa residents will be forced to take the long way around this Christmas and New Year as the Ministry of Transport has just revealed it’s planning.. 12/12/2025

Alicante Christmas Fair: Rides, nostalgia and free €1 vouchers up for grabsRabasa funland runs until 18 January with classic attractions and daily discount hunts Alicante's Christmas Fair at Rabasa is in full swing, promising thrills for all ages from now until January 18 2026. Organised by the Provincial Association.. 12/12/2025

Angels Nursing and Homecare wishes you a Happy Christmas 2025The team remains committed to providing personalised, dignified care across the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida and beyond The festive season is here and Angels Nursing and Homecare is taking a moment to extend warm Christmas wishes to all their.. 11/12/2025

Spain proposes bumping up the minimum wage in 2026The lowest salaries in Spain could increase by between 3.1% and 4.7% next year The committee of experts advising the Ministry of Labour has put forward two proposals for raising the national minimum wage (SMI) next year. The first proposal involves.. 11/12/2025

Bright days with some weekend rain: Alicante forecast December 11-14Alicante will enjoy mild sunshine through Thursday and Friday, followed by showers and cooler breezes arriving at the weekend Alicante will get a glimpse of more winter-like weather as clouds move in on Friday, breaking up the mild, sunny spell.. 11/12/2025

Spain's straightest road: The 23km line that never bendsThe N-301 between El Provencio and Minaya offers Spain’s longest arrow-straight drive, but its monotony hides some real safety risks   Spain has plenty of winding mountain roads and coastal bends, but one stretch in the middle of the country.. 11/12/2025

Alicante speed cameras nab over 15,000 drivers but make roads saferNew radars on key avenues cut average speeds and violations by more than half in first nine months Alicante's new speed cameras have been busy since they switched on, catching 15,074 drivers going over the 50 km/h limit across the city's main.. 11/12/2025

Dutch woman goes on stabbing spree in Torrevieja restaurantThe woman injured a postman, a waiter and a diner in the bustling Costa Blanca city A knife-wielding Dutch woman caused widespread panic on Tuesday December 9 when she attacked staff and diners at two restaurants in the Rocío del Mar urbanisation.. 11/12/2025

From drains to drives: Spanish scientists turn sewage into battery powerNew research in Córdoba uses wastewater sludge to make cleaner, cheaper batteries for electric cars What we usually flush away could one day help power our cars. A team at the University of Córdoba has found a way to turn municipal sewage.. 10/12/2025

New housing initiative insures landlords in Spain against non-paying tenantsThe long-awaited measure will offer homeowners in Spain more protection against rent defaults For years, landlords in Spain have watched their rights being eroded, caught between tenants who stop paying rent and squatters who move into empty properties.. 09/12/2025

EU signs off tougher migration rules despite Spanish objectionsNew return directive allows faster deportations and offshore detention centres, prompting concern from Madrid The European Union has approved a major tightening of its migration policy, clearing the way for faster deportations and the creation of detention.. 09/12/2025

Warm and clear all week: Alicante weather forecast Dec 9-11Light winds, mild temperatures and some coastal fog expected this week in Alicante province Average temperatures forecast on Thursday December 11   Alicante province will follow the same general pattern as the rest of Spain this week, with.. 09/12/2025

Can I test my new V-16 beacon at home without alerting the emergency services?The V-26 light will replace emergency triangles across Spain from January 1, 2026 Now that January 1 is just around the corner and V-16 beacon lights will replace the old triangles as the only legal way to indicate a road emergency or breakdown, many.. 08/12/2025

Eighty per cent healthy snacks: New rules to clear junk food from hospital vending machinesMinistry of Consumer Affairs puts patients and visitors first with fresh decree for hospitals and care homes The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs is ready to crack down on vending machines in hospitals and nursing homes, mandating that at least 80.. 05/12/2025

Spain moves forward with smoking ban on bar and restaurant terracesIf passed, the law will ban smoking on all terraces and in public spaces including pools, parks and playgrounds across Spain The Spanish government has taken another step in its fight against tobacco and this one could affect millions of people across.. 05/12/2025

Flu cases swamp emergency rooms across SpainInfections have doubled in Spain, putting enormous pressure on hospitals across the country Just a few days ago the Spanish authorities warned that flu, after arriving a month early this year, has already reached epidemic levels. Now, we’re.. 05/12/2025

Spain accelerates electric car push with €400 million aid and call for affordable manufacturingNew Auto Plus programme offers direct subsidies as government targets greener, accessible mobility Spain is stepping up efforts to make electric cars more affordable and accessible, unveiling a €400 million aid package to boost their purchase under.. 04/12/2025