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Altea turns to “firefighter sheep” to protect Sierra de Bernia from wildfires

Altea / 7 May 2026

Altea is once again using an increasingly popular Mediterranean wildfire prevention method: targeted grazing by so-called “firefighter sheep.”

For the third consecutive year, the town council has launched a preventative grazing programme in the Sierra de Bernia, using around 150 native Guirra sheep to naturally clear dry vegetation before the peak summer fire season begins.

Natural firebreaks in high-risk areas

The flock, owned by local shepherd Joan Ripoll “Vixac,” is being deployed around the Calces Pine Forest area — a popular hiking zone and environmentally sensitive part of the Bernia mountains.

Officials say the sheep reduce wildfire risk by consuming dry undergrowth and creating natural firebreaks that help slow the spread of flames during extreme heat and wind conditions.

The approach is increasingly being adopted in parts of Spain, Portugal, Greece, and southern France as authorities look for lower-impact alternatives to heavy mechanical clearing.

Combining tradition with climate adaptation

Altea’s Environment Department says the initiative is designed not only to reduce fire danger, but also to restore traditional land management practices that have declined in recent decades.

Experts have repeatedly warned that abandoned rural land and unmanaged vegetation are major factors behind the growing intensity of Mediterranean wildfires linked to climate change.

By reintroducing grazing, municipalities can:

Lower vegetation density naturally
Improve biodiversity
Reduce erosion and environmental damage
Maintain historic rural landscapes
Protecting heritage as well as forests

As part of the project, the council has also restored the historic “sester” shelter along Camí del Forat — a traditional dry-stone livestock refuge once used by shepherds in the area.

The restoration was carried out using traditional construction techniques and partly funded through support from the Alicante Provincial Council.

Rising costs despite environmental benefits

Local officials say maintaining the programme now costs around €8,000 annually, including livestock transport and upkeep, with some funding gaps requiring direct municipal support.

Despite this, the council argues the long-term environmental and economic benefits far outweigh the costs, especially when compared with the damage caused by major summer wildfires.

Growing model across the Costa Blanca

Controlled grazing projects have become increasingly common across inland areas of the Costa Blanca, where hotter summers and prolonged drought conditions continue to increase wildfire risk.

Altea’s “firefighter sheep” initiative is now being viewed as a model of how traditional rural practices can play a modern role in climate resilience and sustainable land management.

🌴 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 turns to “firefighter sheep” to protect Sierra de Bernia from wildfires

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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