Plans for an Alicante all year round beach service are being considered as the city responds to evolving tourism trends and increasing visitor demand throughout the year.
Mayor Luis Barcala announced the plan during celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the Blue Flag award at Playa de San Juan.
He said Alicante wants to gradually extend services across the city’s beaches until they operate 365 days a year.
Beaches no longer just for summer
Alicante’s beaches are attracting visitors well beyond the peak holiday months.
More residents and tourists are using the city’s coastline during autumn and winter, particularly at weekends. This creates demand for facilities and services outside the traditional summer period.
The mayor believes Alicante should adapt to these changing patterns.
“We will eventually provide beach services 365 days a year,” Barcala said.
Changes will happen gradually
The expansion will not happen overnight.
Barcala explained that the city will introduce the changes as existing beach service contracts come to an end.
The main beach management contract remains in place until 2027. This means any major changes are likely to be introduced in stages over the coming years.
The mayor noted that no city in Spain currently provides a full range of beach services every day of the year. However, he believes Alicante is well placed to lead the way. This is thanks to its mild climate and increasingly long tourism season.
More beaches could benefit
The city’s plans also include extending services to additional beaches.
At present, beach services cover Playa de San Juan, Postiguet, Urbanova, La Albufereta and Tabarca.
In the future, the Ayuntamiento hopes to include Playa de San Gabriel, which is currently working towards obtaining its own Blue Flag status.
Expanding the network would give more residents and visitors access to improved facilities throughout the year.
Tourism remains a key priority
Barcala said sun-and-beach tourism continues to be one of Alicante’s greatest strengths.
While the city has invested heavily in cultural attractions and events in recent years, the mayor stressed the importance of continuing to support the beaches that have helped make Alicante one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations.
He argued that Alicante can continue to diversify its tourism offer while protecting and promoting the coastline that attracts millions of visitors every year.
If the plans move forward, Alicante could become one of the first destinations in Spain to offer year-round beach services on a large scale.
