Sun Sea News 20th April

It’s the start of a new week, but last week was very busy and quite loud here on the Costa Blanca North,

Pull up a lounger, grab a cold sangria (or a tinto de verano if you’re being sensible), and let’s have a proper natter about what’s happening on our stretch of the coast.

We’re talking the drive from Alicante up through Calpe and Benissa all the way to Dénia — that beautiful bit of the northern Costa Blanca where the mountains meet the sea, the rock of Ifach stands guard, and life still feels a bit more real than the bright lights of Benidorm.

Here’s the latest mix of fiestas, local news, tourist tales, police bits, and the usual expat chaos — all served with zero fluff.

The Fiesta Season Never Really Stops

Even though Easter (Semana Santa) has come and gone, the party calendar is already warming up again.

• Calpe is gearing up for its famous Mig Any Moros y Cristianos (Mid-Year Moors & Christians) at the end of April. Expect parades, music, and that wonderful mix of history, costumes, and loud fireworks that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time (or into a very well-organised street party). The full Virgen de las Nieves summer fiestas are still a few months away, but the town is definitely on fiesta footing already.
• In Benissa, things have been quieter but lovely — they hosted the traditional Barreta de Pasqua (Easter bread festival) earlier in April, and there’s been a leisure monitor training course running for the Marina Alta.
• Dénia is keeping it family-friendly with the Dénia en Circ festival coming up this weekend — free workshops and circus shows for all ages. Perfect if you’ve got kids or just fancy acting like one for the day.

Pro tip: If you’re new here, always check the exact dates locally because they can shift. Nothing says “welcome to Spain” like turning up for a fiesta that was actually last weekend.

Local News & Police Bits

Life isn’t all beaches and sangria — here’s the real stuff making headlines lately:

• Police operations continue across the region. There have been raids on illegal Botox/filler clinics (including one in the Pilar de la Horadada area) as part of a wider crackdown. Always a reminder to be careful where you get any cosmetic treatments done.
• Tourist-related incidents pop up from time to time. We’ve seen stories of silly behaviour (like staged “kidnappings” for holiday cash in nearby spots) and the usual warnings about pickpockets or dodgy rental car scams. The advice stays the same: keep your wits about you in busy areas, don’t leave valuables in plain sight, and lock the car properly.
• On a more positive note, the Marina Alta labour market hit a record in March with the lowest unemployment rate since 2008. That’s good news for locals and anyone looking for work up here.
• Property prices are still climbing strongly in Alicante province — Jávea and the northern coast remain very much in demand.

A quick word on safety: The N-332 between Benissa and Calpe can be busy, and there have been serious accidents in the past. Drive carefully, especially if you’re towing a caravan or are not used to Spanish road rules.

What This Means for Everyday Life Here

Whether you’re a tourist planning a day trip, a new expat settling in, or a long-timer like many of us:

• From Alicante to Calpe: Expect good weather for beach walks and hikes, but keep an eye on any airport ripple effects if you’re flying in or out (as we covered in the previous post).
• Benissa area: Lovely inland feel with easy access to both Calpe and Moraira. Great for those who want a bit more peace but still close to the action.
• Up to Dénia: The port town is buzzing with its mix of fishing heritage, restaurants, and ferry trips to Ibiza/Formentera. It’s been named as one of the up-and-coming spots for 2026 by Airbnb — so expect it to get busier.

The vibe overall? Still relaxed compared to the south, but summer is creeping in fast. Book popular restaurants in advance, especially at weekends.

Final Cheeky Thoughts

This stretch of coast — Alicante → Calpe → Benissa → Dénia — has something for everyone: dramatic rock views, hidden coves, proper Spanish fiestas, and that glorious mix of expat chaos and local charm.

Just remember: expect the unexpected (fiestas that run late, sudden roadworks, or a Guardia Civil checkpoint when you least want one). That’s all part of the fun.

Have you driven this route lately? Seen any good (or ridiculous) things happening in Calpe, Benissa or Dénia? Drop your stories in the comments — the juicier or funnier the better. We’ve all been stuck in fiesta traffic or had an “only in Spain” moment.

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Thanks for reading — see you next time with more real talk from the sunny side of Spain.

Sun Sea Sangria

Real life on the Costa Blanca ☀️✨