Sun Sea News March 30

Morning from a Sunny Calpe! ☀️

Ah, what a perfect Monday to kick back with a coffee (or an early sangria, no judgement) on the terrace. Here in Calpe the sky’s that classic Costa Blanca blue again after a properly bonkers week. If you’ve been out and about from Alicante up to Denia, you’ll know it’s been one of those “only on the Marina” weeks – teachers on the march, Mother Nature throwing a tantrum, and Holy Week already smelling of incense, fresh churros and a fair bit of local pride.

The Weather Went Full Drama Queen

Sunday was absolute chaos in the best possible way. We went from bright sunshine to hailstones pinging off car roofs in Dénia, Xàbia and bits of the Marina Alta, then back to blue skies like nothing happened. AEMET had yellow warnings out for gusts up to 70 km/h and waves crashing 3-4 metres high – proper “stay off the prom” vibes. By Monday the wind had calmed, the beaches were calling again, and we’re all quietly grateful the Easter processions didn’t get washed away. Classic spring on the Costa Blanca: pack a jacket, sunglasses and an umbrella, just in case.

Teachers Standing Firm (and the Whole Comarca Backing Them)

The big story rumbling all week was the education protests. Schools across Dénia, Xàbia, Pedreguer, Ondara and beyond were buzzing with meetings, documents highlighting shortages, and coordinated action ahead of today’s strike (31 March). Unions are talking possible indefinite action in May if things don’t improve. What’s lovely to see? Cross-party support in several towns – PP, PSPV and Compromís all lining up behind the teachers. In a week full of fiestas, this felt like the most “Marina Alta” thing ever: community first, no matter the politics. Respect.

Holy Week & Fiestas Already in Full Swing

Semana Santa kicked off properly and the whole coast is glowing. Benissa’s Basilica Puríssima Xiqueta dropped its full programme (23 March–5 April) with processions, music and that special atmosphere only a Valencian Easter has. Ondara had daily acts including the Passió through the streets, Teulada-Moraira rolled out its complete Easter and Pascua calendar, and Dénia launched its Campus Pasqüer for the kids.

Not just solemn stuff either – the fun side was out in force:

•  El Verger’s massive Fira de Comerç Comarcal kicked off on Saturday with 86 stalls and a packed inauguration.

•  Dénia Stock fair filled the centre with local bargains.

•  Senija’s Ruta de la Pilota de Putxero was back and busier than ever.

•  Xàbia’s Mercat del Riurau d’Arnauda had crowds browsing crafts and local produce.

Basically, if you weren’t at a market, a procession or a pop-up fair, you were missing out.

Quick-Fire Local Highlights (Because We Love the Small Stuff)

•  Calpe was quietly getting its Easter ducks (or rather turtles) in a row: new ecological moorings on the busy beaches, the old Benissa road now one-way, the iconic 1966 mosaic being restored, and schoolkids releasing “Tuk Tuk” the turtle back to the Med. Lifeguard service also starts today – summer officially feels close.

•  Benissa announced its Pascua programme, a mountain-risk & safety day with experts, valenciano courses opening for sign-ups, and the Perimetral race already over 420 runners. Oh, and they’ve moved the town hall offices – new HQ on Avenida País Valencià if you need to pop in.

•  A sad note: a 17-year-old from Benissa passed away in Dénia Hospital after a short illness. The community’s thoughts are with her family.

•  Random nice one: Disney might be filming a new movie somewhere near the Marina Alta. Fingers crossed we spot Mickey in Moraira.

The Vibe Check

Last week was pure Costa Blanca: a bit of protest, a lot of weather whiplash, heaps of community spirit, and the gentle build-up to the most beautiful time of year here. The clocks go forward this weekend too (hello, longer evenings and extra sangria time on the terrace).

If you’re in Calpe, Benidorm, Altea, Denia or anywhere in between, get out there – the processions, the markets and the beaches are waiting. And if you spot me nursing a cold beer in the sun, come say hola.

Until next Monday… stay safe, stay sunny, and enjoy every last second of this glorious stretch of coast.

Sun, Sea & Sangria 🏖️🍷

(Your weekly love letter from the Marina Alta)