ORIHUELA COSTA, LOCAL NEWS ORIHUELA COSTA

Mandatory January 2 electric scooter insurance shelved in SpainHalf a million scooter riders in Spain get a reprieve as traffic bosses admit the national register won't be ready for January deadline Electric scooter owners across Spain are getting an unexpected break after the government admitted its mandatory..

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

Orihuela Costa drives population boom as British remain largest foreign groupHuge growth along the coast has pushed Orihuela municipality close to 89,000 residents Orihuela Costa has become the main engine behind a sharp rise in population across the wider municipality, which ended 2025 with close to 89,000 residents. New.. 16/01/2026

Spain's medical cannabis milestone comes with training warningPatients and doctors welcome new rules but say specialists must learn to prescribe it Patients and medical groups have cheered a key step towards legal medical cannabis in Spain, which was agreed in October, but warn the real test will be training doctors.. 16/01/2026

Government weighs up stripping Julio Iglesias of arts medal as pressure grows over allegationsMinisters consider next steps as institutions across Spain review honours linked to the singer The Spanish government is considering whether to withdraw Julio Iglesias’s Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts, following allegations of sexual assault.. 15/01/2026

Alicante-Elche airport nears 20 million passengers in record-breaking 2025International travellers, led by the British, drive an 8.5% increase in passenger numbers Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has capped 2025 with a new record, nearly reaching 20 million passengers. Final figures show the airport handled 19.. 14/01/2026

Plans move forward for new desalination plants on the Alicante and Murcia coastsThe Torrevieja and Águilas facilities should increase the water supply in southern Spain Another step forward has been taken towards building two new desalination plants in Torrevieja and Águilas, which together could supply up to 150.. 14/01/2026

Scams on the rise in Alicante as police warn of growing threatsFake bank calls, bogus rentals and child-in-distress schemes top the list of crimes troubling the province Alicante residents are being warned to stay alert as scams continue to rise across the province. Building on previous, recent alerts about increasing.. 14/01/2026

Dense fog at Alicante airport leaves thousands of British passengers stranded in SpainAt least 18 inbound flights were diverted as thick mist blanketed the Costa Blanca on Tuesday morning British travellers heading to and from Alicante were thrown into chaos yesterday after heavy fog brought the airport to a standstill and forced airlines.. 14/01/2026

Alicante Policía Nacional warns of rising scams and car theftsCybercrime up 14% in 2025 with vehicle break-ins also on the increase The Policía Nacional in Alicante is urging residents to stay vigilant as online scams and thefts from cars continue to climb. Between January and September 2025, cybercrimes.. 13/01/2026

Doctors warn of tougher protests in February as strike threat returnsMedical unions say talks with the Health Ministry have broken down and warn action could escalate into an indefinite strike Doctors across Spain are preparing to step up their protests in February, warning that mobilisations will be “much more intense.. 12/01/2026

Clothing recycler arrested after dumping tons of used clothes across AlicantePolicía Nacional detains 39-year-old man accused of fraudulently abandoning dozens of tons in rented warehouses A 39-year-old man has been arrested in Alcoy by the Policía Nacional on charges of fraud and damage. He allegedly rented industrial.. 12/01/2026

Two Vega Baja Mediterranean Trail routes shortlisted for prestigious Certified Trail AwardThe spectacular routes between Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada pass through 30 points of interest along the coast Two stages of the GR 92 'Mediterranean Trail' that run along the entire coast of the Vega Baja del Segura have been shortlisted.. 12/01/2026

Living in Alicante is getting pricier as housing hits record highsWhether you’re looking in the city or along the coast, finding an affordable home in Alicante is becoming tougher Living in Alicante is costing more than ever, and housing is the main reason. According to the latest IMIE Local Markets report.. 09/01/2026

Are Spain's January sales really a bargain, or just clever marketing?Why so many shoppers are questioning whether discounts are truly what they seem With Christmas over, Spain’s winter sales are now under way, drawing shoppers back into stores and online in search of post-holiday bargains. But for many shoppers .. 08/01/2026

Could your winter coat land you a driving fine in Spain?What the law says about coats, boots and heels behind the wheel As the Spanish winter chill sets in, it is tempting to bundle up in your favourite coat before hopping into the car. But hold on a minute. That bulky winter coat you are wearing could actually.. 07/01/2026

A quick guide to Roscón de Reyes and the best supermarket optionsEverything you need to know about Roscón de Reyes, from the hidden surprises and traditional fillings to the best supermarket options this year Every year on Three Kings Day, January 6, families across Spain gather to enjoy Roscón.. 30/12/2025

A reminder that V-16 emergency lights replace triangles in Spain from January 1Starting the new year, drivers will need a V-16 beacon instead of a warning triangle to meet Spain's road safety rules From January 1 2026, the V‑16 emergency light officially replaces the traditional warning triangles in Spain. This.. 30/12/2025

New Year's traditions in Spain from grapes to red underwearNew Year's Eve in Spain is usually a family occasion, with food, late nights and a few long-standing traditions If you head out for an evening meal or a drink on New Year's Eve, you may be disappointed, as much of Spain will feel like a ghost.. 30/12/2025

12 grapes for 12 bells: This is how the Spanish celebrate New YearsThe age-old tradition throughout Spain is said to bring good luck for the year to come It’s no secret that Spain is home to many weird and wacky traditions, but one time-honoured New Year’s Eve custom is making a come-back at the most trendy..