Sun Sea News 18th May

Sun Sea News: This Week on the Costa Blanca – Sun, Strikes, Sangria & Local Vibes 🌞🍷🌊

Hola from your favourite terrace in the Northern Costa Blanca! Another glorious week in paradise where the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling, and life moves at that perfect Mediterranean pace (with a side of drama, of course). Here’s your cheeky roundup of what’s happening around Marina Alta, Alicante, and beyond – the real stuff that affects us expats, locals, and anyone chasing that sun-sea-sangria dream. 

Education Buzz & Teacher Power

The big story this week? The education strike is still rolling strong across the Marina Alta. Teachers (and plenty of families) are out in force defending public education – massive demos in Valencia, local protests in Pedreguer, Xàbia, Dénia, and Ondara. Concentraciones are happening on Monday morning in front of the town halls. Whether you’ve got kids in school or not, it’s a reminder of how passionate this region is about its future. Fingers crossed for a fair resolution soon so everyone can get back to the classroom (and we can stop dodging those picket lines on the way to the beach). 

Good News for Jobs & Tourism

On a brighter note, the Marina Alta saw a lovely seasonal boost in April – nearly a thousand new Social Security contributors thanks to Easter tourism, and unemployment hit its lowest level since 2008. Tourism across the Valencian Community is smashing records too, now making up 19% of the economy. Blue Flags are flying on our pristine beaches again this year – time to dust off the beach towel and celebrate! 

Local Highlights & Fun Stuff

•  Sports & Community: Big congrats to Fran López and María Isabel Ferrer for winning the popular race in Jesús Pobre this weekend. The XXVII Cursa Popular turned the town into an athletic party – pure Costa Blanca energy.

•  Fashion Fame: Local designer Rosa Gasent from El Verger is blowing up! Her Devol Studio got featured with Aitana’s tour and Vogue – massive shoutout from our little corner of the world.

•  Foodie Corner: Fancy diving into authentic Marina Alta flavours? A new roundup highlights 33 signature dishes from across the 33 towns – from Dénia’s legendary red prawns to hearty mountain classics. Perfect excuse for a tapas crawl. 

•  Culture & Events: Keep an eye on upcoming bits like urban art & music in El Verger, the Terra Moscatell wine fair in Dénia (23 May), and Queen tribute bands heading to Calpe in August. In Alicante city, the Medieval Fair vibes are building for late May – think markets, history, and plenty of photo ops. 

Alicante City Quick Hits

Down in Alicante, things are heating up with spring events, potential beach days hitting 27°C+, and the usual mix of flamenco, markets, and waterfront strolls. It’s the perfect day-trip destination when you fancy trading the quieter Marina Alta beaches for a bit more buzz.

The Expat Takeaway

This week reminds us why we love it here: strong communities fighting for what matters, booming tourism keeping the terraces full, and that unbeatable quality of life. Yes, there’s bureaucracy and the occasional strike, but there’s also fresh seafood, golden sunsets, and neighbours who’ll share a jug of sangria while debating it all.

Pour yourself something cold, soak up the rays, and let us know what you’re loving (or navigating) this week in the comments. Got a hidden gem or local tip? Drop it below – this terrace is for sharing.

Until next time… stay sunny, stay salty, and sip responsibly! 🍹

Jo xx

Sun Sea Sangria – Real life on the Costa Blanca North