Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Madrid / 31 Jan 2026
Spain’s Valencian Community recorded the fastest growth in the country’s services sector in November, with turnover rising 7.2% year on year, regional data showed on Friday.
Figures published by the Valencian Institute of Statistics (IVE) showed the increase between November 2024 and November 2025 outpaced the national average growth of 4.4%.
Growth was broad-based across services, with the strongest annual gains recorded in hospitality, up 10.2%, followed by retail trade at 10.1% and transport and storage at 9.5%, the data showed.
The performance placed the Valencian Community first among Spain’s autonomous regions in terms of annual growth in the services turnover index for the month.
Regional Economy Minister José Antonio Rovira said the figures confirmed the strength of the services sector and reflected the impact of policies aimed at supporting economic activity and employment.
“The data show that our economy is strengthening, with key sectors such as hospitality, trade and transport continuing to generate opportunities for businesses and workers,” Rovira said.
The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.
With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.
☀️ Benidorm
Beaches & Summer Activities
Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.
Popular activities include:
New Seafront Attraction
Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.
International Mermaids & Mermen Convention
Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.
Visitors can enjoy:
The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.
Celebrations include:
🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi
Nature & Coastal Walks
The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.
Things To Do:
🍫 Villajoyosa
Colourful Coastal Heritage
La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.
Popular attractions include:
🏟️ La Nucía
Medieval Market Returns
One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:
La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.
Sport & Family Activities
Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:
🌅 Finestrat
Outdoor Adventures
Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular activities:
🎭 Altea
Arts & Culture
Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:
The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.
Coastal Experiences
📅 Coming Up
🌴 Quick Summary
🌤️ Weather Outlook
Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.
🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C
Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Local & Spanish


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