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Finestrat establishes CECOPAL to coordinate preventative measures in anticipation of severe winds today and over the weekend

The Mayor of Finestrat, Nati Algado, chaired a meeting this morning of CECOPAL (Municipal Operational Coordination Centre) to organise preventative measures in response to forecasts of strong wind gusts today and over the weekend.

The meeting brought together security, emergency and technical services to coordinate resources and ensure a rapid response to any potential incidents.

At present, the most significant incident has been the closure of the CV-758 road since 3:00pm yesterday in both directions. The closure allows Red Eléctrica, Spain’s national electricity grid operator, to carry out work to secure elements of a high-voltage power line that posed a risk of falling. Work is ongoing and the road remains closed.

Traffic is currently not possible between Finestrat and Benidorm, nor between Benidorm and Finestrat via Vía Terra Natura/Waste Treatment Plant. The road is expected to reopen once works are completed, anticipated around midday today.

Mayor Nati Algado visited the site yesterday to assess progress first-hand and ensure residents in affected areas, particularly around La Tapià Marraix, are kept informed.

Other incidents resulting from recent strong winds include fallen branches blocking roads, displaced roof tiles and overturned refuse containers.

The CECOPAL meeting was attended by the Councillor for Security, Beatriz Quintillán; First Deputy Mayor, Víctor Darío Llinares; Councillor for the Environment, Estela Álvarez; and heads of the municipal departments for Security, Technical Services, Social Services, Civil Works, Urban Planning, Education and Sports, among others.

The Mayor stated:

“At 8:15am yesterday we formally established CECOPAL. Although we are currently under a yellow weather alert for wind, forecasts indicate that conditions are expected to worsen today and over the weekend, with gusts potentially exceeding 100 km/h. We urge residents to exercise maximum caution and take appropriate self-protection measures: avoid parks, gardens, wooded areas and construction sites; keep away from windows, walls and roofs; and follow official information channels to minimise risk.”

At 11:45am the weather alert level was raised from Yellow to Orange.

Preventative measures agreed by CECOPAL include:

Closure of parks, dog parks, playgrounds, gardens and all municipal outdoor facilities (including the cemetery and recreational areas).
Suspension of outdoor classes, outdoor sports and activities in the La Foia sports area. This includes the interior of the sports pavilion.
A ban on lighting fires. Cigarette ends and matches must be fully extinguished.

In addition:

School classes will continue, but playground use during breaks is suspended.
Travel and outdoor activities should be avoided where possible.
Swimming is prohibited at the beach.
Additional areas may be closed if deemed necessary by the Local Police.

Residents are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and consult official communication channels for weather updates and safety information.

🌴 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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Finestrat establishes CECOPAL to coordinate preventative measures in anticipation of severe winds today and over the weekend

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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