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Altea Approves Landmark Tourist Accommodation Rules To Protect Local Housing

Altea / 2 July 2026

New Regulations Aim To Balance Tourism And Residential Living

Altea has officially approved sweeping new regulations governing tourist accommodation, becoming one of the first municipalities in the Valencian Community to introduce a comprehensive planning framework designed to protect housing for permanent residents while supporting sustainable tourism.

The new ordinance, which came into force following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Province of Alicante (BOP) and a favourable report from Spain's Directorate General for the Coast and the Sea, concludes a two-year planning process that began in early 2024.

The measures are intended to curb the rapid growth of short-term holiday rentals, which local authorities say have placed increasing pressure on the residential housing market and changed the character of many neighbourhoods.

Tourist Accommodation Reduced By Nearly A Quarter

According to Altea Town Hall, the new policy has already delivered significant results.

Since the regulatory process began:

Tourist accommodation has fallen from 2,119 properties at the end of 2023 to 1,622, a reduction of 497 properties (23.45%).
New registrations have dropped from more than 15 per month following the pandemic to just two or three each month.
Tourist accommodation now represents 8.85% of the town's housing stock, down from 9.8%.

Local officials believe the figures demonstrate that tighter regulation is helping restore balance between tourism and residential living.

New Planning System Based On Data

Rather than imposing an outright ban on holiday lets, the council has introduced a technical planning model based on a Territorial Vulnerability Indicator.

The system assesses several factors before allowing new tourist accommodation, including:

Residential pressure from existing holiday rentals.
The proportion of permanent homes in each neighbourhood.
Housing density across urban areas.

Neighbourhoods are then classified according to their vulnerability, allowing the council to approve or restrict new licences depending on local housing pressures.

Officials say the approach provides greater legal certainty while ensuring tourism development remains compatible with residents' needs.

Council: "Homes Are For Living In"

Councillor for Urban Planning José Orozco described the regulations as a milestone for the municipality.

He said: 'the objective was not to discourage tourism but to ensure it develops in a sustainable and balanced way. We were among the first municipalities to tackle this issue seriously," Orozco said. "The regulation is working. It has slowed the uncontrolled growth of tourist accommodation, reduced pressure on residential housing and allows us to manage the impact tourism has on public services."

He added that Altea would continue to defend the principle that homes should primarily serve local residents.

Tourist Lets Face Higher Waste Charges

Alongside the planning changes, Altea has introduced a separate waste collection charge for tourist accommodation.

Properties operating as holiday rentals will now pay an annual waste collection fee of €364, reflecting their classification as commercial activity rather than private residential housing.

The council says the measure ensures businesses contribute fairly towards municipal services used by visitors.

Part Of A Wider Trend Across Spain

Altea's decision reflects a growing movement across Spain, where local and regional authorities are introducing stricter controls on tourist accommodation amid rising concerns over housing affordability.

Cities including Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca and several municipalities across the Canary and Balearic Islands have all introduced measures ranging from licence caps and zoning restrictions to outright bans on new holiday rentals in some districts.

The issue has become increasingly prominent as Spain experiences record tourism levels, with many residents arguing that the rapid expansion of short-term rentals has reduced the supply of long-term housing and pushed up property prices.

Sustainable Tourism The Goal

Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular destinations, attracting visitors with its historic old town, Blue Flag beaches, marina and cultural events.

Council leaders insist the new regulations are designed to support sustainable tourism rather than restrict visitors, ensuring the town remains an attractive destination while protecting quality of life for year-round residents.

The Town Hall has also launched an online interactive map allowing property owners and investors to check which areas remain eligible for new tourist accommodation licences under the updated planning rules.

Officials say the ordinance provides a long-term framework that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability and access to housing for local people.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.