Sun Sea News - January 23rd Roundup

What a rollercoaster of a week it’s been in the news! From Storm Harry whipping up chaos along the coast with wild winds, heavy rain, and massive waves (thankfully we’ve dodged the worst of the flooding up here), to the heartbreaking train crash in southern Spain that’s left everyone shaken—it’s been one of those weeks that reminds us how unpredictable things can get.

But let’s bring it closer to home with the latest from right here on the Costa Blanca North. Whether you’re in Benidorm, Denia, Javea, Calpe, Altea, or nearby spots, here’s what’s making headlines in our patch this week…”

•  Drug bust at Denia ferry port — Authorities arrested a British man after discovering around 7kg of cocaine hidden in a secret compartment in his car. This happened right at the port, highlighting ongoing efforts to crack down on smuggling routes along the coast.

•  Burglary arrests in the Javea area — Three suspects were detained following a string of home break-ins in Javea, Benissa, and Teulada. Police linked them to multiple thefts targeting residential properties in these popular expat-heavy towns.

•  Unexploded Civil War shell found off Denia — Divers or beachgoers spotted an old artillery shell from the Spanish Civil War in shallow waters near a Denia beach. It was safely removed and detonated in a controlled operation to avoid any risk to locals or tourists.

•  Marine restoration efforts in Denia — There’s positive news from the sea off southern Denia, where a dedicated boat project is working to restore marine habitats and boost wildlife. Calm conditions recently allowed good progress in cleaning and protecting the underwater environment.

•  Benidorm Fest update — With Spain reportedly opting out of Eurovision in 2026, the famous Benidorm Fest (the pre-selection event) is getting a new twist—it’s being positioned as an alternative music showcase with a fresh date and format to keep the spotlight on Spanish talent.

•  General weather and regional vibes — The area has seen some chilly, windy spells lately with occasional rain alerts, typical for January. Tourism remains strong, with Alicante airport (serving the whole Costa Blanca) breaking records in 2025, largely thanks to UK visitors—expect the north to stay busy even in winter.