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The Generalitat begins joint work with Andalusia to strengthen control of the illegal supply of tourist homes

The Minister of Tourism held a first meeting with the general director of Tourism of Andalusia, Francisco Montes Worboys, at the ITB Fair in Berlin.
Nuria Montes has stressed the need to carry out a modification of the current regulations “that allows us to put a stop to this unfair competition that is so damaging to the regulated tourism sector.”

The Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Nuria Montes, has highlighted the implementation of joint work with Andalusia to try to strengthen control of the illegal supply of tourist homes in the Valencian Community. In this way, its intention is to take as a reference the new decree that the Andalusian Government has recently approved and which establishes that town councils may limit the maximum number of tourist homes.

Specifically, Montes has already had a first meeting with the general director of Tourism of the Junta de Andalucía, Francisco Montes Worboys, at the recent edition of the ITB fair in Berlin, where they shared their concern about this problem.

In this sense, he has stressed the need to carry out a modification of the current regulations "that allows us to put a stop to this unfair competition exercised by those who market their homes illegally and which is so detrimental to the regulated tourism sector", therefore that “we must share information, data and strategies with other communities like Andalusia to be able to unify regulations and combat this problem that affects us all.”

For this reason, the councilor plans to attend on Monday, March 18, a conference to be held in Seville on the 'New regulations for housing for tourist use in Andalusia' where, in addition to analyzing and transferring the various provisions that have been modified in regarding housing for tourist use, will have the participation of the Emeritus Magistrate of the Supreme Court, Rafael Valverde, who will explain the European and national jurisprudential framework in this matter.

🌴 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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The Generalitat begins joint work with Andalusia to strengthen control of the illegal supply of tourist homes

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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