Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Villajoyosa / 11 May 2026
Villajoyosa City Council has expanded its feline colony welfare programme with the distribution of 232 kilos of cat food and antiparasitic medication to authorised caretakers managing feral cat colonies across the municipality.
The initiative, coordinated through the Department of Animal Welfare, forms part of the municipality’s wider Villajoyosa Feline Colony Management Plan and supports registered volunteers responsible for monitoring and caring for community cat populations.
A total of 28 officially registered caretakers received supplies during the latest distribution, while veterinary medication was also provided to carry out two months of internal deworming treatment for cats identified within registered colonies.
94 monitored feeding points across the municipality
According to the council, Villajoyosa currently has 94 monitored feeding points across the municipality following an updated April 2026 census carried out in collaboration with local caregivers.
Councillor for Animal Welfare Carlos Soler said the programme aims to improve animal welfare standards while ensuring public hygiene and responsible coexistence in shared urban spaces.
The municipality continues to promote its TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) strategy, encouraging caretakers to maintain updated records of unsterilised cats, report new litters and notify authorities about abandoned animals or cats requiring veterinary attention.
Focus on hygiene and responsible feeding
The council has also reiterated feeding regulations designed to reduce hygiene issues in public areas.
Caretakers are instructed to use dry feed only, avoid leaving food directly on the ground and remove leftovers after feeding to minimise odours and sanitation risks.
Local officials highlighted the essential contribution made by authorised volunteers in helping control and protect feline colonies while supporting broader public health objectives.
Wider animal welfare measures
The initiative aligns with Spain’s wider animal welfare legislation under Law 7/2023, which introduced strengthened requirements for microchipping, sterilisation and responsible ownership of domestic cats nationwide.
Municipal leaders say the long-term objective is to create a balanced model that combines animal protection, public health and neighbourhood coexistence throughout the Costa Blanca community.
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
The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

Local & Spanish


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