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The Valencian Community opens the tourist season repeating the 2024 figures.

March marks the start of the tourist season, and this is already evident in the occupancy data and the volume of open and available hotel offerings.

With over 92% of their availability open and marketed, tourist destinations in the Valencian Community have performed very similarly to 2024, repeating or approaching last year's occupancy figures.

Just one exception: Valencia, both the province and the city, are struggling to consolidate their recovery after the Dana storm, with a significant number of cancellations due to the adverse weather conditions experienced during the first two weeks of March. The city of Valencia lost almost 10 points in hotel occupancy, with this drop being particularly notable in the four-star hotel segment.
A loss of more than 23% in important markets such as Germany and the United States has been key to these results.

The province of Alicante has performed best, with hotels at 84.2% capacity in southern Alicante, 77.2% in Benidorm , and 76.3% on the Costa Blanca as a whole.

Castellón also repeats its hotel occupancy figures for 2024, with an average of almost 74% in the first two weeks. The city and province are already preparing for the Magdalena Festival (declared of International Tourist Interest), during which forecasts currently estimate peak occupancy rates of 80%.

Below, we offer a detailed analysis of hotel occupancy rates in different locations throughout the Valencian Community.

The annual hotel occupancy report prepared by BigDataHOSBEC for the following tourist destinations in the Valencian Community is now available:

Benidorm
Costa Blanca (South Alicante)
Province of Valencia (Valencia city)
Province of Castellón

You can view the full report at the following link:

Fortnightly report on hotel occupancy evolution – 1st half of March 2025

BENIDORM

Hotel occupancy in Benidorm during the first half of March 2025 reached a solid 77.2% , matching the previous year's figures, reflecting the destination's ability to sustain high occupancy levels during the low season. Looking ahead to the second half of the month, reservations already registered ("on the books") stand at 76.7%, suggesting continued tourist demand and an optimistic outlook for the end of March.

In terms of nationality, British tourism remains the largest source market, representing 47.7% of the total , followed by domestic tourism, which accounts for 35.9%. Other European markets, such as Belgium (4.2%), the Netherlands (4.1%), and Ireland (3.3%), remain relevant, albeit with a lesser impact.

By hotel category, 4-star establishments recorded 76.6% occupancy, consolidating their position as the preferred option for a significant portion of visitors. Meanwhile, 3-star hotels experienced a slight decline, with 77.8% occupancy this fortnight compared to 83.7% in 2024. These data demonstrate a growing preference for higher-category accommodations, reflecting a possible trend toward a tourist profile that prioritizes higher quality during their stay in Benidorm.

COSTA BLANCA

Hotel occupancy on the Costa Blanca (excluding Benidorm ) reached 76.3% in the first half of March , reflecting growth compared to previous fortnights and maintaining a stable trend for 2024 (77.6%). Forecasts for the second half of the month point to 71.9% occupancy, suggesting some stabilization in demand.

In terms of tourist origin, the domestic market remains the main driver of tourism in the area, accounting for 44.7% of total overnight stays . The United Kingdom follows with 10.6%, remaining the main international market, although with a smaller presence compared to its share in Benidorm. Belgium, with 8.4%, and Norway, with 7.6%, demonstrate the Costa Blanca's strong appeal to Northern European tourists, where the temperate climate plays a key role in the choice of destination.

Within this overall trend, hotels in South Alicante have posted positive performance, with occupancy reaching 84.2% in the first half of March, significantly exceeding the area average of the previous year (77.4%). This growth is also reflected in the evolution by category, where 4-star hotels reached 86% occupancy, consolidating their position as the preferred choice for visitors. With a forecast of 78.1% for the second half of the month, the area maintains a positive outlook in the run-up to Easter.

PROVINCE OF VALENCIA
Hotel occupancy in the province of Valencia during the first half of March reached 74.8% . However, the forecast for the second half of March, marked by the Fallas festival, is 66.9%, indicating a slight slowdown in bookings.

Domestic tourism remains the predominant destination, representing 53.6% of travelers, while markets such as Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom also have a significant presence. In terms of category distribution, three- and four-star hotels have recorded the best occupancy rates, reflecting tourists' preference for mid- and high-end accommodations.

In the city of Valencia, occupancy during the first half of March was 73.4% , with a forecast of 64% for the second half. The weekend of March 14-16 was particularly notable, with occupancy reaching 86.9%, demonstrating the strong tourist demand in the days leading up to the Fallas.

Even so, this year, bookings for the entire Fallas period, with a forecast of 70% for the entire period, are showing a slightly different behavior , probably conditioned by the forecast of rain for the last few days and the fact that the cremà falls during the week, which could be affecting the arrival of last-minute visitors.

Regarding the traveler profile, the domestic market remains the predominant one, accounting for 43.4% of all tourists. Among international markets, the United Kingdom stands out with 7.3%, followed by Germany with 7.5% and Italy with 7.1%, consolidating their position as the main source of foreign visitors. Tourists from France (2.8%), the Netherlands (2.4%), and Belgium (2.5%) are also present, maintaining a steady flow of travelers to the city.

PROVINCE OF CASTELLÓN

The province of Castellón recorded a hotel occupancy rate of 73.6% in the first half of March , consolidating the upward trend of recent months. The forecast for the second half of March is 70.7%, very close to the occupancy rate for these first 15 days. The domestic market is the main player, accounting for 83.2% of total visitors, confirming the strong dependence on domestic tourism. Among international markets, France stands out (4.8%), while other countries such as Poland, Italy, Germany, and Portugal have a smaller presence.

As for the forecast, the Magdalena festival , declared of International Tourist Interest, will mark a key point in hotel occupancy in Castellón de la Plana, boosting demand for accommodation in the city.

This year, the celebrations will run from March 22nd to 30th, and for the entire period, hotel occupancy is approaching 60% , with peak weekends. For the first weekend, March 21st to 23rd, reservations have already reached 70%, while for the last weekend of the month, occupancy is expected to rise to 78.3%.

The combination of tradition, fireworks displays, and concerts generates a significant economic impact on the tourism sector. Furthermore, the coincidence with the end of March and the proximity of Holy Week could lead to a last-minute surge in bookings, further strengthening hotel activity in the city.

🌴

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 10th–16th August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another huge week of summer, with beaches busy, nightlife in full swing and a packed programme of festivals, sport, culture and family entertainment across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The big talking point this week is the 12 August solar eclipse, with Benidorm and the surrounding coastline preparing for an extraordinary evening as the Moon covers almost the entire face of the Sun.

Hotels are also enjoying strong August demand. Latest regional forecasts put Benidorm's August hotel occupancy at around 92%, underlining the strength of the peak summer season.

☀️ BENIDORM

🏖️ Beaches & Summer Activities

Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas remain at the heart of Benidorm's summer action, with swimming, water sports, boat trips and beach activities continuing throughout the week.

Popular activities include:

🏄 Paddleboarding and kayaking
🚤 Boat trips to Benidorm Island
🪂 Parasailing
🌊 Jet ski experiences
🏐 Beach volleyball
🏖️ Family beach activities
🌅 Sunset cruises

The giant BENIDORM letters on the Tamarindos Promenade continue to provide one of the city's newest photo opportunities, with the installation made from recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean.

🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski – 60 Years

The legendary Benidorm Cable Ski continues its 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades as one of Europe's pioneering cable-ski facilities.

🎶 Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's famous entertainment scene remains in full summer mode, with live tribute acts, cabaret, comedy, karaoke, DJs, rooftop venues, beach clubs and late-night shows continuing throughout the week.

On Friday 14 August, BRESH takes over SkyFest Benidorm, bringing its mix of pop, reggaeton and commercial music to the city.

Sunday night also brings La Casita de Lo Perreo to KU Benidorm, with reggaeton, DJs and poolside summer entertainment.

🌞 THE BIG EVENT – 12 AUGUST SOLAR ECLIPSE

Wednesday 12 August is set to be one of the most unusual evenings of the summer.

In Benidorm, the eclipse will be partial but exceptionally deep, with approximately 99.5–99.6% of the Sun covered at maximum eclipse around 8.34pm. The Sun will remain very low above the western horizon and will set while the eclipse is still in progress.

This means the Costa Blanca will not experience totality in Benidorm itself, but the dramatic near-total eclipse should still create a striking change in the evening light.

Special eclipse experiences are being organised locally, including an e-bike tour through Benidorm, Albir and Altea, with an evening stop in Altea for eclipse viewing.

For those wanting to experience totality, specialist excursions are also being offered from the Costa Blanca towards areas where the eclipse is total.

⚠️ Never look directly at the Sun without proper certified eclipse protection.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

The Albir coastline remains a favourite for visitors looking for a quieter alternative to Benidorm.

🚶 Monday Healthy Walk

Tonight, Monday 10 August, l’Alfàs del Pi continues its weekly healthy walking programme.

The walk begins at 8.00pm from the Anchor at Racó de l’Albir beach, with Costa Blanca Balla coordinating the August routes.

No booking is required and the activity is designed to encourage exercise, wellbeing and social interaction.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues until the end of September, offering adapted equipment and assistance for people with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the famous Albir Lighthouse Trail, coastal cycling, outdoor activities, restaurants and evening entertainment.

🏰 GUADALEST

The spectacular mountain village of Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular day trips.

Visitors can explore:

🏰 Guadalest Castle
🏛️ Historic museums
⛰️ Mountain viewpoints
🌿 Walking routes
☕ Traditional cafés
🛍️ Local shops and crafts

The municipality is also continuing its work towards becoming a Smart Tourist Destination, focusing on digitalisation, sustainability and smarter tourism management.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer programme with culture and entertainment for residents and visitors.

Highlights include the historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and the Valor Chocolate Museum, alongside summer cultural activities.

On Friday 14 August, the town hosts “Manouche Melodies”, a jazz performance by Le Jazz Hot at the Auditori La Barbera dels Aragonés.

On Saturday 15 August, an outdoor screening of Imaginary Friends is scheduled at the same venue.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations gets underway this week as Les Festes d’Agost de La Nucía run from 14–18 August.

The programme combines traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks, family activities and late-night entertainment.

Friday 14 August

The festivities officially get underway with a packed programme of traditional and family activities, followed by evening entertainment.

Saturday 15 August

The programme includes:

⛪ Mass for the Feast of the Assumption
🎺 Procession
🎆 Night-time mascletà
🎶 Live music including Arre-Ak and Malifeta
🎉 Late-night festivities

Sunday 16 August

The celebrations continue with:

🎺 Despertà
⛪ Mass for San Roque
🌸 Floral offering
💃 Traditional dances
🎶 Los Manolos live
🎆 Night-time mascletà
🎮 Free gaming and family activities

The official programme confirms that the festivities continue through 18 August.

🌅 FINESTRAT

🏐 49th La Cala Beach Volleyball Tournament – 15 August

One of the Costa Blanca's great sporting traditions returns to La Cala de Finestrat on Saturday 15 August.

The 49th edition of the tournament will feature men's and women's 4x4 beach volleyball, bringing together high-level players, amateur competitors and spectators.

The tournament has become a major fixture of the summer sporting calendar and is expected to attract large crowds to La Cala.

🎭 Summer Culture

Finestrat's summer cultural programme also continues, with concerts and performances taking place around the historic village and Auditori del Castell.

On Friday 14 August, the Auditori del Castell hosts a concert by Rondalla Cordes i Veus Font del Molí and La Dolça Parranda de Tibi.

The town is also preparing for its major Patron Saint celebrations, which begin on 15 August and continue until 24 August.

🎭 ALTEA

Following the huge Castell de l’Olla fireworks spectacular last weekend, Altea returns to its summer rhythm of art, culture, music and tourism.

The historic old town remains a major attraction, with its whitewashed streets, galleries, restaurants and famous church square.

Visitors can also enjoy:

🎨 Balconades – outdoor art displayed around the old town
🛍️ Evening artisan market
🎶 Summer concerts
🍷 Waterfront dining
🌅 Sunset walks

The Balconades exhibition continues to turn balconies and façades in the old town into an open-air art gallery through August.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

With visitor numbers at their seasonal peak, enhanced policing and emergency arrangements remain in place across major tourist areas.

Following the recent fireworks incident at Castell de l’Olla, visitors are also reminded to follow official safety advice at large public events and to rely on information from local authorities and emergency services.

The high summer wildfire risk also remains an important consideration. Visitors should follow local restrictions, avoid fires or barbecues in prohibited areas and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🌞 10 Aug – Monday healthy walk, Racó de l’Albir
🌒 12 Aug – Near-total solar eclipse visible from Benidorm
🚴 12 Aug – Special eclipse experiences around Albir/Altea
🎶 14 Aug – BRESH at SkyFest Benidorm
🎭 14 Aug – Manouche Melodies, Villajoyosa
🎉 14–18 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía
🎭 14 Aug – Rondalla Cordes i Veus, Finestrat
🏐 15 Aug – 49th La Cala Beach Volleyball Tournament
🎬 15 Aug – Imaginary Friends, Villajoyosa
🎶 16 Aug – Los Manolos, La Nucía
🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across Benidorm

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season
🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing
🌞 Near-total eclipse on 12 August
🧜 Summer attractions continue across Benidorm
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues until September
🏐 La Cala hosts its 49th beach volleyball tournament
🎉 La Nucía's major August fiestas begin
🎨 Altea's summer art and cultural programme continues
🎶 Live music and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The Costa Blanca remains firmly in summer mode, with hot Mediterranean conditions expected.

Visitors should stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the afternoon and take particular care during outdoor activities.

For the eclipse, certified solar viewing protection is essential. Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable for looking at the Sun. In Benidorm, the eclipse will remain partial, despite the exceptionally high level of coverage.

The message for the week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night – and on Wednesday, look to the sky. 🌴🌞🌒