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Costa Blanca Defies National Downturn as Hotel Occupancy Reaches 72.6% in Early February

Valencian Community / 23 February 2026

Hotel occupancy across the Valencian Community closed the first half of February 2026 at 72.6%, delivering a strong performance in what remains the off-season. While most Spanish destinations are experiencing a downward correction compared to 2025, the Costa Blanca has emerged as the clear exception — driving tourism growth in an otherwise contracting national market.

Across Spain, February began with lower occupancy figures than the previous year, mirroring January’s trend. However, the Costa Blanca (excluding Benidorm) recorded a historic performance, surpassing 75% occupancy, consolidating its position as one of Spain’s most resilient winter sun destinations.

Costa Blanca Leads the Way

The Costa Blanca reached 75.2% occupancy, more than four percentage points higher year-on-year. The area’s diversified positioning — particularly its strength in sports tourism and mid-stay European segments — has been key to this success.

The British market continues to play a fundamental role in this growth. Alongside the UK, Belgium, Nordic markets (especially Norway), Poland, France and the Netherlands all posted gains, while the share of the domestic Spanish market decreased significantly. This growing internationalisation has strengthened resilience during a period of national correction.

Southern Alicante recorded 69.3% occupancy, slightly below 2025 levels, reflecting its stronger reliance on domestic demand.

Forward bookings for the second half of February remain strong, with 73.7% already confirmed on the Costa Blanca, suggesting a stable close to the month.

Benidorm: Stable and Supported by the UK Market

Benidorm closed the first half of February at 72.5% occupancy, slightly below last year (-1.7 points).

The United Kingdom has now become the leading source market, accounting for 41.5% of total occupancy, surpassing the domestic Spanish market (40.5%). The Netherlands and Belgium remain stable, while Ireland saw a decline.

Despite a modest correction, Benidorm remains highly resilient thanks to its international infrastructure and loyal British customer base. Confirmed bookings for the second half of February already stand at 73%, indicating stability for the remainder of the month.

Wider Regional Context

Other provinces recorded moderate adjustments:

Province of Valencia: 71% occupancy
City of Valencia: 71.2% (matching 2025 levels)
Province of Castellón: 69.1%

The decline across several destinations is primarily attributed to a contraction in the domestic market. Weather alerts, travel disruption following the recent train accident, and a sombre national atmosphere have influenced travel decisions, particularly among short-haul and proximity markets where postponements are easier.

Nevertheless, an average occupancy approaching 73% during the off-season demonstrates the Valencian Community’s strong structural demand and international appeal.

Statement from Nuria Montes, General Secretary of HOSBEC

“The Costa Blanca has once again demonstrated its strength and international positioning, particularly in diversified European markets. In a context of national correction, maintaining nearly three out of every four hotel beds occupied in February is a very positive result.”

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🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Costa Blanca Defies National Downturn as Hotel Occupancy Reaches 72.6% in Early February

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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