Costa Blanca natural parks are attracting record visitor numbers, reflecting growing interest beyond the region’s famous beaches. However, extreme heat, wildfire risks and rising footfall are placing increasing pressure on these protected spaces, highlighting the need for adequate staffing, infrastructure and visitor management to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation.
Those new to the Costa Blanca would be forgiven for thinking it offers only beautiful beaches. Of course, there is no doubt that it does, but increasingly visitors are also discovering the natural spaces that lie inland.
Costa Blanca natural parks extremely popular during summer
So much so that across the Valencian Community, record-breaking visitor figures have been recorded this summer. In fact, the natural parks recorded 94,117 visits through visitor centres and environmental-education services between June and August 2026. This represents an almost 20 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
However, what makes this even more impressive is that these figures do not take into account everyone entering the various parks. Were they to do so, the numbers would undoubtedly be considerably higher.
Which Costa Blanca natural parks attract the most visitors?
Among the numerous natural spaces that the Costa Blanca boasts, three particularly stand out. It is not surprising, then, that they also account for a remarkable share of this total. We are referring to the Peñón de Ifach (34,500 visitors), the Montgó (22,608), and the Salinas de Santa Pola (5,391).
While on the face of it this may seem like extremely positive news for the Costa Blanca, there is a more serious side to consider. How do these natural spaces accommodate large numbers of visitors while protecting the environment and wildlife that drew them there in the first place?
Climate vulnerabilities are a threat
This is particularly pertinent when you consider how hot it has been this summer. For example, August 2026 was the hottest recorded to date in the Valencian Community. According to regional meteorological data, the average temperature was 26.5°C.
This level of extreme heat also increases the risk of wildfires. In fact, the province of Alicante recorded a total of 81 wildfires during the 2026 fire season. However, thanks to the local government’s preventative measures, devastating large-scale blazes were avoided. These measures included closing some popular natural parks, including Montgó and Peñón de Ifach.
Are the national parks prepared for growing visitor numbers?
Alongside responding to climate vulnerabilities, there is also the question of whether staffing, infrastructure, and visitor-management systems can keep pace with rising numbers. Herein lies the challenge: ensuring that this growing enthusiasm for these natural parks does not, in turn, undermine the very qualities that make them worth visiting.
For decades, the Costa Blanca has been promoted for its incredible coastlines. Has the time now arrived for its natural parks and spaces to occupy the spotlight? And if so, will the infrastructure be in place for this growing influx of visitors and residents?
Costa Blanca’s natural parks may be booming, but can they keep growing in popularity without paying a price?
