Natural Parks Closed Across the Marina Alta as Heatwave Peaks | Sun Sea Weekly News | 23 July 2026

Hola Terrace Crew!

The extreme heat is back with a vengeance across the Northern Costa Blanca this week — and honestly, this summer feels like one long heatwave rolling straight into the next.

Today, Thursday 23 July 2026, the Generalitat has once again closed several of our natural parks because of the very high risk of forest fires. Here’s everything you need to know so you can stay safe and plan your day properly.

What’s happening with the heat

We’re in the middle of the third heatwave of the summer. AEMET has issued strong warnings for the Comunitat Valenciana, with inland areas of Alicante and Valencia expected to hit 42–44 °C in places (some forecasts even higher further inland). On the coast, the sea breeze helps a little, but the nights are still warm and sticky, and the air feels heavy with that classic summer calima feel in places.

Fire risk is at the highest level (pre-emergency level 3) across large parts of the region.

Natural parks closed in the Marina Alta.

The Generalitat has again ordered the temporary closure of several natural parks and forest areas in our comarca. The main ones affecting us are:

• Parc Natural del Montgó (Dénia / Xàbia side)
• Parc Natural del Penyal d’Ifac (Calpe)
• Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada (Altea / l’Alfàs / Benidorm side)
• Marjal de Pego-Oliva
• Plus other forest tracks and paths in the wider area

What this means in practice:

• No walking, cycling or driving on forest tracks and paths inside these parks
• Access is only allowed for residents who need to reach their homes, essential services, or authorised management/emergency vehicles.
• Strict ban on any kind of fire (including barbecues) in forest land and within 500 metres of it
• Sports events and organised group activities in these zones are suspended

These restrictions are in force for today (Thursday) and will be reviewed depending on how the temperatures and wind evolve. Always check the latest before you head out — things can change quickly.

Practical tips from the terrace

We’ve all been here before, so here’s the no-nonsense list:

• Stay out of the direct sun between 12:00 and 17:00 if you can. Early morning or late evening is the only sensible time for any outdoor activity right now.
• Drink water constantly — even if you don’t feel thirsty. Electrolyte tablets or a pinch of salt in your water help when you’re sweating a lot.
• Check on elderly neighbours and friends. Hot nights make it harder for people to recover.
• Keep dogs off hot pavement and out of the midday heat. Paw pads burn faster than we realise.
• No barbecues or open flames near vegetation — even a small spark is enough in these conditions.
• If you do need to drive up into the hills for any reason, stick strictly to the main roads and don’t take side tracks.

What to do instead

Beaches early or late, municipal pools, shaded terraces, indoor museums, or simply a long, slow lunch with the air-con on. The coast is still beautiful — we just have to treat it with a bit more care while this heatwave lasts.

I’ll keep an eye on the official updates and will post again as soon as the parks reopen or the risk level drops.

Stay cool, look after each other, and don’t take risks with the fire danger.

Joanne xx

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