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Altea approves €300 IBI aid scheme to support vulnerable residents in 2026

Altea / 4 May 2026

Altea City Council has confirmed a new round of financial aid to help residents cover their property tax (IBI), reinforcing its social support measures ahead of the 2026 billing period.

The scheme, approved earlier this year, is designed to ease the financial burden on households most affected by rising living costs across the Costa Blanca, with applications opening from May 15 to June 15, 2026.

Who the scheme is for

The aid programme has a strong social focus and is aimed at:

Residents aged 65 and over
Social Security pensioners
Long-term unemployed individuals
Families facing financial or social vulnerability

Eligible family units also include:

Large families
Single-parent households
Victims of gender or sexual violence
People with disabilities of 65% or more
Individuals in situations of dependency

How much support is available

The grant can cover up to 100% of the IBI bill, with a maximum payment of €300 per application.

This direct financial support is intended to ensure that essential housing costs remain manageable for those most in need.

Key requirements

To access the subsidy, applicants must:

Be officially registered at the property (empadronado)
Be the holder of the IBI bill, or responsible for payment under a rental agreement
Meet income limits based on household size

How to apply

Applications can be submitted:

In person at municipal offices
Online via the council’s electronic headquarters
Application period: May 15 to June 15, 2026
Documentation needed

Applicants will need to provide:

ID (DNI or NIE)
Bank account details
Income tax return or certificate from the tax authorities
Proof of IBI payment

Additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances.

Council statement

Councillor for Social Welfare, Anna Lanuza, said the initiative reflects the council’s commitment to social justice and protecting vulnerable residents, ensuring that financial hardship does not jeopardise access to primary housing.

Wider context

Similar local aid schemes have been introduced across parts of Spain as municipalities respond to cost-of-living pressures, particularly affecting pensioners and low-income households. In tourist areas like Altea, where housing costs can fluctuate seasonally, targeted support such as this is increasingly seen as essential.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Altea approves €300 IBI aid scheme to support vulnerable residents in 2026

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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