

Papa Noel, we have some questions. Letters written in Spain before the New Year.
Every December in Spain, the same thing happens. Adults discuss gifts, prices, and traffic jams, while children calmly sit down, grab a piece of paper, and write letters to Papa Noël that the whole country then laughs at. Because while adults ask for "a little more patience," children ask for specifics. For example, one child in northern Spain asked Papa Noël not for a car or a PlayStation, but simply: "For Daddy to swear less in traffic jams." The mayor's office published th
Dec 21, 20252 min read


Another suspect in the case of a man's death during a robbery has been taken into custody in Torrevieja.
A court has ordered the remand of another suspect in the death of a man in Torrevieja, who died after being dragged by a car during a robbery, according to judicial and police sources. According to the investigation, the crime occurred during an attempted theft of a mobile phone. The prosecution alleges that the victim was caught in the vehicle, causing the car to move, resulting in serious, fatal injuries. The man died as a result of his injuries. One of the suspects had pre
Dec 21, 20251 min read


Police have dismantled a cocaine distribution network in Torrevieja and Almoradi.
In the municipalities of Torrevieja and Almoradi, Spanish National Police officers have completed a large-scale investigation and arrested an organized group involved in local cocaine distribution. This was announced in an official press release. The operation was launched after receiving numerous reports that several individuals were systematically supplying drugs to redistribuidores (intermediaries) who then sold them on the streets of Torrevieja and Almoradi. The investiga
Dec 21, 20251 min read


Poaching off the coast: More than 100 illegal octopus traps seized in Pilar de la Horadada
Guardia Civil officers seized over 100 illegal octopus fishing gear in the coastal area of the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada. The operation was part of routine monitoring of fishing regulations and the protection of marine ecosystems. According to official information, the discovered gear did not comply with current legislation: it was installed without permission, lacked mandatory identification, and posed a threat to the sustainability of marine life. Such devices,
Dec 21, 20251 min read


A trip to the Sierra Nevada for skiing and snowboarding is being organised for young people in Torrevieja.
The Torrevieja Municipal Department of Youth Affairs has announced a winter trip to the Sierra Nevada ski resort. The trip is scheduled for the weekend of March 6-8, 2026, and is designed for skiing and snowboarding. According to Youth Affairs Councilor Domingo Paredes Ibáñez, the trip is organized by the Youth Information and Animation Center (CIAJ Torrevieja) and is primarily aimed at young people aged 16 to 35, but participation is also open to people of other ages and fam
Dec 20, 20252 min read


In Torrevieja, the reurbanization of the Torreta III district has been approved for 9.6 million euros.
Torrevieja City Council has granted final approval for a large-scale reurbanization project in the Torreta III residential area. The total budget for the project is €9.6 million, making it one of the municipality's largest infrastructure investments in residential areas in recent years. The project aims to comprehensively renew the urban environment in this area of detached housing and address decades of accumulated infrastructure problems. What is Torreta III? Torreta III
Dec 20, 20252 min read


Torrevieja approved a Low Emission Zone (ZBE) at its full Plenary session, with launch planned for 2026.
The Torrevieja City Council formally brought the long-delayed Low Emission Zone (Zona de Bajas Emisiones, ZBE) to a plenary session and approved its final implementation in 2026. The ZBE project will cover more than one million square meters of the city center and aims to reduce air pollution and improve residents' quality of life by restricting access to high-emission vehicles. During the discussion, city officials emphasized that the implementation of the ZBE will not only
Dec 20, 20251 min read


Torrevieja: Events calendar from December 19
In the run-up to Christmas and New Year, Torrevieja enters the most dynamic period of its social and cultural life. From December 19, the city hosts concerts, street events, parades, exhibitions and large public celebrations organised by the municipality, community organisations and private venues. Below is a consolidated calendar of key events taking place in the city centre and coastal areas through January 5. Events Calendar in Torrevieja (from December 19, 2025 to January
Dec 19, 20252 min read


📸 Photos of the winning Christmas window displays from the 2025 Window Dressing Competition in Torrevieja
Today, the winners of the Window Dressing Competition were announced. However, in this day and age, images are everything , and many readers of our website were wondering why they couldn't enjoy the beauty of the city's best Christmas window displays. That is why our photojournalist has travelled this route and we are sharing with you the photographs of the Christmas window displays that won the top five prizes . I position: Laura Paredes Pharmacy II position – Piolín Nurse
Dec 18, 20251 min read


Torrevieja strengthens parking enforcement and offers new parking solutions
Residents and visitors of Torrevieja are facing a number of changes related to car parking in the city centre. Municipal services remind drivers of the current rules while also offering new parking options — including a large parking facility near the port.(Parking in Torrevieja: https://www.torreviejactual.com/gestion-de-la-ciudad-3 ) Regulated parking on Ramón Gallud In the central area of Torrevieja, on Ramón Gallud Street , regulated parking with a time limit is in place:
Dec 18, 20253 min read


Torrevieja announces the results of its Christmas window display competition
Torrevieja's Christmas shop windows once again became part of the city's cityscape and festive spirit this year. The municipality announced the results of the 22nd Concurso de Escaparatismo Navideño 2025—a traditional competition that not only encourages the creativity of local entrepreneurs but also literally makes the city's streets warmer and brighter. Dozens of retail and service businesses participated in the competition. A jury of representatives from trade associations
Dec 18, 20252 min read


The Valencian Community has recorded an increase in traffic and tourism during the Christmas holidays.
In the lead-up to the Christmas holidays, the Valencian Community is experiencing a noticeable increase in transport and tourism activity. According to preliminary data from the regional traffic department of the Valencian Community, traffic volume on key highways in Alicante Province has increased by an average of 15-20% in recent days compared to normal December levels. Public transport has also seen an increase in passenger traffic. The regional operator, TRAM d'Alacant,
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Christmas under the palm trees: La Zenia prepares for Europe's biggest Christmas beach party
One of the most unusual Christmas events on the Costa Blanca is just a week away. Starting at 10:00 AM on December 25th, Playa Cala Bosque (La Zenia) beach in the Orihuela Costa district will once again host the traditional Christmas beach party , which is considered the largest of its kind in Europe. Every year, the event attracts thousands of participants—regional residents, foreign residents, and tourists. Estimates in previous years have placed the number of people on th
Dec 17, 20251 min read


A near-tornado was recorded in Vega Baja during a thunderstorm.
Atmospheric vortex formation during a thunderstorm in Vega Baja del Segura. Photo: Antoñita Almodóvar In one of the municipalities of the Vega Baja del Segura region, during the passage of a powerful thunderstorm front, local residents observed a swirling atmospheric phenomenon visually resembling a tornado or waterspout. A photograph capturing this episode, taken by Antoñita Almodóvar and published on social media, subsequently sparked a lively discussion among residents of
Dec 17, 20252 min read


Charities have stepped up their Christmas fundraising efforts for vulnerable families.
In December, several municipalities in the Vega Baja del Segura region stepped up charitable initiatives aimed at supporting low-income families, the elderly, and single residents. Food and gift collection campaigns are timed to coincide with the Christmas season and are carried out with the participation of local associations, social services, and volunteers. Almoradí In Almoradí, several community organizations, including Cáritas Parroquial de San Andrés and local volunteer
Dec 17, 20252 min read


Alicante-Elche Airport: Record passenger traffic and increased operational load
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport continues to strengthen its position as a key aviation hub in eastern Spain. According to official reports from operator Aena, approximately 18.63 million passengers passed through the airport between January and November 2025, exceeding the 2024 record and representing growth of approximately 8.5% compared to the previous year. The total number of operations also increased by approximately 8.4% to over 116,900 flights, including intern
Dec 17, 20252 min read


The Guardia Civil shut down a network of illegal cannabis clubs in Vega Baja and arrested 17 people.
As part of a large-scale operation to combat organized crime, the Guardia Civil completed an investigation and shut down six illegally operating cannabis clubs. The operation, dubbed "Ácido-23," resulted in the arrest of 17 people and a significant seizure of narcotics. According to law enforcement, the clubs formally presented themselves as cannabis associations, but in reality, they operated as illegal drug distribution points for commercial gain. Progress of the operation.
Dec 17, 20252 min read


Storm Emilia in Vega Baja: Weather forecast and impacts for the coming days
The Vega Baja del Segura region remains under the influence of the Emilia atmospheric depression, which brought intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and increased climate risks on December 16. According to meteorological and emergency services, the weather episode remains active and requires increased public attention. Consequences of the severe weather on December 16 On December 16, Vega Baja and other areas of Alicante Province recorded significant downpours—up to 50 liters of
Dec 17, 20252 min read


'Ferry from Hell': Storm Emilia batters the Baleària, damaging dozens of cars
Strait of Gibraltar, December 15, 2025 — Storm Emilia struck the Baleària ferry Ciudad de Mahon, en route from Algeciras to Ceuta, turning the short sea voyage into a three-hour nightmare for hundreds of passengers. Due to unexpectedly severe seas, the captain was forced to abort the voyage and return to the port of departure. The incident occurred late Saturday evening. The ship encountered waves up to 4 meters high and force 7 winds. Eyewitnesses and viral footage on social
Dec 16, 20251 min read


Alicante's AP-7 motorway now completely toll-free: Trial ends with impressive results
The Spanish Council of Ministers has given final approval to the complete abolition of tolls on the Alicante AP-7 road, making it a free alternative for all users. This decision ends a pilot program launched in July 2024, which offered a 100% discount on tolls. Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated that the liberalization of the AP-7 is based on a thorough analysis that demonstrated significant benefits for society and the environment. The primary objective was to reduce cr
Dec 16, 20251 min read


Torrevieja is stepping up its commitment to sport: in 2025, the city will support dozens of tournaments and sporting initiatives.
Torrevieja continues to steadily strengthen its status as one of the Costa Blanca's sporting hubs. The municipality has officially confirmed the allocation of subsidies for sporting events and the development of sporting activities in 2025, supporting the city's clubs, associations, and federations. As Diana Box Alonso, the city's sports councilor, stated, the new subsidy program is not a one-time measure, but rather part of a long-term strategy to develop sport and promote a
Dec 15, 20252 min read


The Alicante prosecutor's office has demanded a five-year prison sentence for a law enforcement officer for disclosing official information.
The Alicante Provincial Public Prosecutor's Office has requested a five-year prison sentence for a former law enforcement officer accused of unauthorized access to official databases and subsequent disclosure of confidential information to third parties. The prosecution believes the defendant's actions constitute the crime of disclosing official secrets and violating data protection regulations. According to the prosecution, the agent, who served in a unit responsible for acc
Dec 15, 20251 min read


Car fire on CV-941 in Pilar de la Horadada: rapid extinguishment
On December 14, 2025, emergency services extinguished a car fire on the CV-941 road in the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada. The call came in the morning; units from the Bomberos de Torrevieja arrived, contained, and completely extinguished the fire. The vehicle's occupants were able to escape before the fire spread. No injuries were reported; damage was material. According to the service, two fire brigade teams (2 dotaciones) from the Torrevieja Fire Department were depl
Dec 15, 20251 min read


Fighting Bullying: San Juan Bautista School Wins Valenciano Council Award for Anti-Bullying Project
Colegio San Juan Bautista in Torrent, Valencia, received the Valencian Council of Schools' award for its educational project "Dime, Andrés," aimed at preventing bullying and developing students' skills to recognize and respond to bullying. The project was developed by the students themselves with the support of teachers and, according to the school, helped 87% of participants better understand how to identify bullying situations and where to seek help. The award comes amid th
Dec 15, 20251 min read


