Costa Blanca Information - Page 2 of 5

Climate – Weather On The Costa Blanca

October 29, 2021 (updated January 27, 2023) Published by LGC

The Costa Blanca Climate

A renowned tourist destination in Spain’s easternmost region, the Costa Blanca is located in the Valencian Community and is one of the country’s most popular coastal locations. Approximately one-third of the coastlines of both Alicante and Valencia are comprised of the Costa Blanca. Along the Costa Blanca, there are a number of major and little beach destinations to choose from. These resorts are some of the most well-known in the world.

In terms of climate, the Costa Blanca has a Mediterranean climate, which is the most constant climatic type in Spain. In general, rainfall is modest throughout the year, and the Costa Blanca enjoys long stretches of sunlight. Temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, as well as temperatures below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), are uncommon in this section of the nation. During the winter, the impact of the Mediterranean Sea heats the area, resulting in moderate and dry conditions throughout the region. Having hills and mountains increases this impact since they hinder warm air from traveling into the interior and cold air from reaching the shore.

Weather Conditions on the Costa Blanca

Those residing in Northern Europe will find the climate on the Costa Blanca to be among the most pleasant that can be found within easy reach of their homes. It takes only two and a half hours to fly to Alicante from most major airports in the United Kingdom. Known as the ‘White Coast,’ the Costa Blanca is a 250-kilometer stretch of Spanish coastline stretching from Denia in the north to Cartagena in the south, and is home to a number of popular tourist destinations. The Costa Calida is the southernmost portion of the Costa Blanca and is comprised of the region known as the Costa Calida.

The Costa Blanca between June and September.

Summer on the Costa Blanca is generally the sunniest month of the year, with brilliant sunshine on the ground for an average of 72 percent of daylight hours, or 11 hours each day. From June to September, the Costa Blanca has a relatively sunny environment with minimal danger of rain, making it a popular tourist destination. While the winters are cooler and cloudier than the summers since this is when most of the region’s yearly rainfall occurs, daytime temperatures regularly reach at least 15°C in January and there are 5 hours of sunlight on most days. Beginning in mid-March, the weather steadily improves, with an extra hour of sunlight per day added every month until July, when it reaches a maximum of 11 hours. In addition, the maximum daytime temperatures climb progressively from 20°C to 40°C throughout the course of these months as well.

Costa Blanca – Hottest Month

On the Costa Blanca, August is often the warmest month. Heat and low humidity combine to produce temperatures that can exceed 40 degrees Celsius during the day. July and August are forecast to have daytime temperatures in the low thirties Celsius, with high thirties Celsius temperatures on rare occasions. Readings of the air temperature are taken in the shade, and the results are presented here. Outside of the shade, temperatures can quickly rise by another 15°C to 20°C. Throughout the peak months of July and August, temperatures and humidity are often high during the day, which may be uncomfortable for certain tourists. To be sure, the heat is usually alleviated by chilly onshore breezes that blow down the coast.

When it’s sweltering outside, it’s much hotter indoors throughout the summer. Towards the middle of August, water temperatures have reached their highest point, which is approximately 25 degrees Celsius. This is still significantly lower than the surrounding air temperature, providing a nice and refreshing difference in temperature. Good weather on the Costa Blanca normally lasts until the end of October, although the summer drought begins in the middle of September and continues until the end of October, with some days seeing rain. Though temperatures in the evenings drop significantly, the daily highs stay in the twenties Celsius.

Costa Blanca Rainfall

Averaging 76mm of rainfall every month, October is often the wettest month on the Costa Blanca. Ten days of severe rain are normally expected in October. Most of the rainfall in the Costa Blanca, as on the rest of the Mediterranean, occurs between October and December in the winter season. There is the least amount of rainfall in Spain in the Costa Blanca and Costa Almeria, which are located in the south-east. Annual rainfall in coastal regions is normally in the range of 300 to 400 mm (in millimetres). The quantity of rain that falls, on the other hand, might vary substantially from year to year, depending on the weather. One day in September 1997, the city of Alicante received approximately 300mm of rain, although just 110mm of rain occurred for the whole year of 1995.

High winds may be an issue in the winter, especially in areas where there are mountains that are set back from the shore. The predominant wind blows from the east off the sea in the summer and from the west off land in the winter, funneling down valleys and onto the shore. In the winter, the main wind comes from the west off the land. In the coldest months of January and February, temperatures might fall below zero degrees Celsius at night, although they normally stay above 5 degrees Celsius during the day.

A few weeks before the end of January, the arrival of almond blooms signals the beginning of the end of the winter’s grip. Although the weather will be damp and windy during the months of February and March, conditions will gradually improve as the daylight hours increase. If you compare it to all of the nations to the north, the weather on the Costa Blanca offers something different in terms of sunlight and warmth almost every month of the year. In the winter, temperatures are rarely below freezing, while in the summer, there is almost always sunlight.

Prepare for the Weather in the Costa Blanca

Light cotton clothing is appropriate for daytime temperatures from May to the end of October, but evening temperatures will dip below 15°C in May and October, needing the addition of an extra layer. However, if the wind does not blow too hard, it is feasible to sit in the sun in a cotton shirt in any month between November and March if the temperature is not too high. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a necessary from the beginning of June until the end of August, when UV levels are particularly high.

Costa Blanca AirBnB Tips 2021

September 18, 2021 (updated September 18, 2021) Published by LGC

Advice on Using AirBnB in the Costa Blanca

Airbnb is now a household name, with more than two million homes listed in more than 100 countries across the world. You will almost certainly discover the perfect accommodation for your travels in the Costa Blanca, Spain, or even within your own nation. When it comes to renting an Airbnb, there are a variety of benefits. We’ve included a short list of some of the more significant ones below.

What Exactly is Airbnb?

Airbnb is an acronym for Air Bed and Breakfast, which is a type of lodging. The entire concept was conceived in 2008, when a big conference was being held in San Francisco and there was insufficient housing space in traditional hotels and hostels to accommodate everyone. Airbnb has grown into a massive corporation that provides lodging in 191 countries. While the firm does not really own any lodging properties, it acts as a broker, connecting the owners of various properties with people who are looking for accommodations. They now have more than 2,000,000 properties under their control.

So, what exactly is the appeal of Airbnb? Individuals may post (as owners or landlords) and book lodgings through the firm, which describes itself as a “trusted” community marketplace for people to use (as renters). Rooms, suites, cottages, flats, houseboats, yachts, and, yes, even castles are among the many different types of lodgings available to guests.

The host (the person who has posted the accommodation for rent) might be located anywhere in the globe, and doing so is completely free of charge. He may upload photographs (with optional captions) of the property to rent as well as his profile so that prospective renters can learn more about him before making a decision to arrange a rental with him. In addition, he should offer the rental prices (it is entirely up to him how much he will charge), his rental terms (such as the minimum number of nights required, check-in hours, and so on), and his contact details.

The guest or renter can go straight to the Airbnb website, but they must first register in order to be able to reserve any rooms on the website. Airbnb provides a search box where travelers may enter their criteria, such as location, price range, size, number of rooms and amenities, as well as specific phrases such as “beachfront property,” in order to locate available lodgings on the platform. This will filter out all of the available options, and the results will only include the options that the renter is specifically looking for.

As a guest, you have the ability to contact the host via email or cell phone (depending on the information supplied) to ask questions regarding the rental agreement even before you make a reservation. A built-in form in Airbnb allows you to communicate with your host by asking them any inquiries. You can book your Costa Blanca accommodation by clicking on the BOOK IT button and entering your credit card or PayPal details.

Guests pay an additional fee of 6-12 percent on top of their reservation to cover the costs of Airbnb’s customer assistance and host guarantee services. This price is charged only when the host accepts and confirms the reservation request from the guest. In order to pay processing costs, hosts are paid a fee of 3 percent for each reservation. In some places, value-added taxes (VAT) may also be levied against both the hosts and the guests. Furthermore, if you pay in a currency other than the one used by the host, your payment will be subject to the fluctuations in Airbnb’s exchange rates, which are unpredictable.

Price of an AirBnB

The cost of staying at an Airbnb is a compelling enough argument to prefer it over a hotel. Even after including in taxes and cleaning costs, an Airbnb is generally substantially less expensive than most hotels in the same area. If you’re trying to save money on an international vacation, renting lodging through Airbnb is a fantastic place to start your search.

Live Your Life Like a Local

Instead of booking a hotel room on the Costa Blanca, opting to stay in an apartment or a house provides a far more real experience. It seems much more like your home away from home on the Costa Blanca than it does like a hotel. Staying at an Airbnb implies that you are temporarily residing in the same neighborhood as the residents. It also implies that you should buy where the locals do, dine at neighboring eateries, and even perform basic tasks such as putting the garbage out are your duty. When you stay in a hotel, especially one of the large international chains, you will never have the same sense of authenticity. Some hosts may also volunteer to tour you about and provide recommendations for places to visit, restaurants to try, and the finest places to buy.

It’s as Though You’re at Home.

After instance, why would you want to remain in a cramped hotel room that is just a few of metres wide when you can stay in a two-bedroom apartment or even an entire house? The average size of an Airbnb is significantly greater than that of a hotel room. They also include facilities such as a kitchen where you can prepare and cook, a living area where you can sit back and relax, and a laundry room where you can do your laundry, among others. The only amenities available in a hotel are no kitchen facilities, an absurdly overpriced mini bar, and the need to spend extra money on laundry services.

Experience the Comforts of Your Own Home

Airbnbs will be able to provide something that hotels will never be able to provide: a full house experience. The benefits of renting an Airbnb include having access to a fully supplied kitchen, numerous bedrooms and bathrooms, a home office, a fence around the yard, a pool and more. Staying in a location with a fully-stocked kitchen allows you to save money by preparing meals at your leisure. This also gives you the opportunity to eat more healthfully.

Discover the Authentic Costa Blanca Lifestyle.

You will have the choice of living in an apartment or a house in a town where there are relatively few visitors to see. Hotels are typically clustered together, resulting in a dense concentration of visitors in the surrounding neighborhood, causing businesses and restaurants to become touristic and costly.

When you book a stay at an Airbnb on the Costa Blanca, you will have the opportunity to live the experience like a local. On top of that, you may ask your Airbnb host any questions you have about the region, including where they dine, shop, and anything else you might be interested in.

Tip: By living like a local, you will be able to save money because tourist regions tend to have higher prices than other places. When you live like a local, you may have a dinner for a third of the price, and not only that, but your meal will be cooked from a cuisine that the local Spanish people have most likely been preparing for hundreds of years as well.

Conserve your funds

For many years, the pricing of Airbnbs against hotels have been compared, and Airbnb has always came out on top when it comes to being more inexpensive than hotels. You get more bang for your buck when you buy in bulk. You typically receive more space, facilities, rooms, and other advantages when you choose Airbnb versus a hotel, which makes it a worthwhile investment.

Child and Pet-Friendly Environment

The fact that they are pet-friendly is another another major selling point for Airbnbs. In many cases, the backyard will be completely fenced in. Many homes will also include playgrounds in the backyard, swimming pools, and other entertaining spaces for children and dogs to enjoy. The use of Airbnb is mandatory if you travel regularly with dogs or children.

The AirBnB App and Website

It is one of my favorite aspects of Airbnb because their app and website are so user-friendly. The process has been simplified to the point where even someone who is not technologically savvy may simply book an Airbnb stay. Your dates may be entered, as well as criteria (such as bed and breakfast or pets). You can also message the host ahead of time to ask them particular questions before arriving. In addition, you will be able to read evaluations written by past visitors.

Also included is an extensive rating system that displays the Airbnb’s rating for cleanliness, communication, value, and a variety of other factors.

Tip: I only stay in Airbnbs that have at least five ratings and at least four stars, which is what I recommend. I don’t want to be the test subject for a whole new Airbnb experience.

Airbnb’s are in High Demand.

The disadvantage of utilizing Airbnbs is that they might get fully booked very quickly. However, given the fact that there are 3 million postings globally, I do not believe this is a widespread issue. Many of my Airbnb stays have been pre-booked the night before, and I’ve never experienced any difficulty in locating a place to stay with positive reviews. For this reason, it’s critical to plan ahead of time, particularly during busy travel seasons.

Tip: As soon as you become aware of an upcoming trip, reserve your spot as soon as you are able. As a result, you will have access to the greatest alternatives at the most competitive rates accessible.

AirBnB Hosts have the Right to Cancel.

The truth of Airbnb is that hosts can cancel their reservations at any moment. Hosting companies will never do this since they know it will negatively effect their ratings and reviews. However, if you choose a host that has done it previously or has no reviews, it is possible that it will happen..

There will be fewer “additional” benefits.

If you appreciate the extra benefits that come with staying at a hotel (such as meal service, a pool, a spa, a gym, daily cleaning, or a front desk receptionist), then an Airbnb may not be the best choice for your vacation rental. But bear in mind that many Airbnbs do have some of these amenities and more; all you’d have to do is look for certain filters where it says “filters” to see whether your preferred option has them (easy I know).

Tip: If you speak a language other than English, you may filter out specific languages while looking for a place to stay. Simply selecting “host language” from the filter drop-down menu would be sufficient.

The AirBnB Experience

AirBnB has improved the whole visitor experience, and traditional hotels are beginning to feel the heat as a result. Here’s what makes AirBnB unique, and how it will improve your trip experience as a result. AirBnB is similar to Uber in that it allows customers to rate and review services, rather than simply the service providers that are listed on the site.

AirBnB is a service that I enjoy. In particular, I enjoy the fact that you may frequently find yourself staying in odd tiny side-streets. I appreciate how affordable it can be, as well as how clear the price is. It’s great that there are measures in place to remove incompetent hosts and visitors from the system. As a service, it illustrates how technology may be integrated with travel in order to make the entire experience more convenient and enjoyable.

To be sure, there are some advantages to staying in a hotel that aren’t reproduced by AirBnB, and I’m well aware of that. When staying in a hotel, there is generally a member of staff on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is the option to order room service, and most hotels will allow you to check out later if necessary.

The most effective approach to become acquainted with local people and their culture is to be hosted directly in their homes. Airbnb is a fantastic option for any tourist who wants to save money while also experiencing something new and different. Airbnb connects travelers with hosts from all over the globe who are willing to charge a fee for the use of their rooms, homes, or flats. If you haven’t seen this concept before, you should certainly have a look at this alternative. We were likewise captivated by the prospect of such a possibility.

At Airbnb, you can put your trust in us.

Because the foundation of Airbnb is trust, it is critical that you complete your profile as completely as possible. If you submit Airbnb with as much information as possible about yourself, the more credible you will appear to Airbnb and the hosts. The high trustworthiness of the whole system is ensured by the mutual references provided by visitors and hosts once they have completed their accommodations, as well as by the use of several automated mechanisms.

What is the Airbnb Process?

After you have completed your reservation, you may begin browsing for accommodations. There are three different sorts of rooms, much as in hotels.

Shared room– this choice provides you with the opportunity to sleep on a sofa or in a bed in a shared room.
Private room– because you have the entire room to yourself, this type of lodging is almost as good as staying in a traditional hotel.
Home or apartment rental – this choice is more like renting a house or apartment rather than staying in a hotel room. You are welcome to utilize the entire flat, including its furnishings and equipment.

Booking a Room on AirBnB

If you want to get the most out of the service, you should book the houses on a computer first for easier browsing and then download the phone app for more mobility when traveling. You may look for houses that are available in specific areas, dates, room kinds, or price ranges. There are also a plethora of filters available to help you focus your search. Before making a reservation, you may message the host to ask any questions. Viewers can choose from a large number of photographs of the space.

Be aware that your credit card will be debited when you make a reservation. As a result, if you book 31 homes in a single night, you will receive an unusually high credit card charge from the hotel.

The AirBNB Application

The software is really convenient. It will notify you when the time for your reservation is approaching. You will be prompted to check in the following morning through the app. It has a messaging section, which allows you to communicate with the hosts in the same way that you would text them. In addition, the app will SMS you to notify you that you have a new message in your inbox. It will provide you with driving instructions to the listing. It will remind you to go back over the areas where you stayed once you have finished your visit.

Tip: Using the search term “pets permitted,” you may narrow down the results to just include establishments that are pet-friendly.

Conclusion:

I’m not sure which is safer: staying in an Airbnb or a hotel. It’s possible that it works both ways. With both Airbnb and a hotel, someone else has access to your property and may come and go as they choose. Which is more secure: being a hotel employee or being a homeowner? I honestly don’t know. I just slept with my bear spray next to me at all times.

Keep an eye on your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself safe. All in all, I would strongly recommend using the Airbnb service. It has provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime! The peculiarity of the lodgings provided by Airbnb brought an entirely new unanticipated dimension to the vacation. You will be able to arrange an unforgettable Airbnb vacation if you follow the advice I have provided, no matter where you are going or how much time you have available.

Benidorm During Covid

July 19, 2021 (updated September 13, 2021) Published by LGC

Benidorm Beach Helpers

Benidorm has introduced its squad of 58 ‘beach helpers,’ who will aid in keeping the resort’s beaches COVID-free until mid-September. The Valencian Community’s ‘Safe Summer’ program will give information and help to unemployed persons under the age of 30. It’s a repetition of last year’s program, with €4.5 million invested to recruit a thousand workers to cover the 71 coastal communities in the Valencia area.

The Benidorm team officially begins work with local personnel, thanks to a €376,000 grant from the regional government and Benidorm council. The personnel will explain tourists how the beaches have been split into COVID-safe zones and offer facts regarding capacity restrictions and other health safety issues.

Benidorm Beach Parcels

Benidorm has divided up Poniente and Levante beaches into 5,000 13ft x 13ft cordoned off plots, with a maximum of four persons permitted in each square, in an attempt to entice British tourists back. There will even be a green zone designated for those over the age of 70.

Bathers may use an online system to reserve a spot on Levante or Poniente beaches, as the local government strives to manage capacity and assure safety. The reservation is for that tiny place, and you’ll definitely have to wait two or three days to obtain a spot there, but it’s not like that all down the coast.”

Bathers will be able to preserve social distance while enjoying the sun thanks to the areas that have been developed. Face masks are not required on the beaches, however they must be worn when approaching the beach. Businesses that typically rent out water floats, jet skis, as well as snack bars, appear to be closed.

Benidorm Beach Patrols

Meanwhile, beach patrols have been increased by local police to protect the safety of people enjoying the weather. The beaches are patrolled by police to keep an eye on social distancing. At the beach’s entrances, monitors tally the number of visitors and clean the pathways. In Benidorm, everyone who is out in public must hide their face at all times, with the exception of beaches and when people are eating and drinking.

The Spanish Police – Structure and Organization

June 30, 2021 (updated September 13, 2021) Published by LGC

The Police in Spain

Spain has a high police officer-to-population ratio and three police forces, each with overlapping and frequently conflicting tasks, despite the government’s plans to merge the three forces to improve coordination and make better use of skills and resources.

Local municipal police (polica municipal/local or guardia urbana), national police (policia nacional), and the civil guard are the principal forces (guardia civil). The Basque Country (where they wear red berets) and Catalonia (the Mosses d’Esquadra) are two autonomous territories that have their own police forces.

Other Spanish Police

In addition to guarding Spanish ambassadors and embassies abroad, Spain has an elite special operations organization (Grupo Especial de Operaciones/GEO) tasked with combating terrorism and coping with other extreme crises. Other ‘police’ forces include armed guards (vigilantes jurados) employed by banks and security corporations, and port police (polica de puerto) in sea ports, whose jurisdiction is limited to the property of the local junta del puerto.

Police Complaints In Spain

If you need to contact the police in an emergency, dial 091 for national police or 062 for the civil guard in select towns. The municipal police are normally reached by dialing a local number, while dialing 092 may connect you to the local police station or relay your message.

Local police station phone numbers are included at the front of telephone directories. If you lose something or are a victim of theft, you must report it to the local police department and file a complaint in person (denuncia). If you wish to file an insurance claim, you must normally do it within 24 hours. The report form may be printed in English or Spanish, and you will receive a copy with an official stamp from your insurance carrier.

If you don’t speak Spanish, you should go with a native Spanish speaker, albeit in some tourist destinations, you can file a complaint in a variety of languages. You can also file a complaint online (http://www.policia.es) or by phone (902-102 112). You’ll be given a number to take to the local police station after 10 a.m. the next day and within 72 hours of filing your complaint. When you arrive, provide the official your phone number and you’ll be handed a signed and stamped copy of the complaint.

Telephone and internet complaints are given priority, which saves you from having to wait in line for hours at the police station. If you’re reporting a violent crime or can identify a culprit by name, you can’t lodge a complaint over the phone or on the internet.

Few things can be more perplexing to newcomers to Spain than the various Spanish police units that exist around the country, each of which wears a distinct uniform and operates in a different area from the others!

Most people recognize the Guardia Civil because of their green uniforms and black tri-corner hats (when on ceremonial duty). What about the other cops? Who are they and what do they do? In fact, you might wonder (as many others do!) if the Guardia Civil is still the fearsome guards of Spain’s Francoist past, ready to knock on your door at any minute and whisk you away to some dark dungeon.

The Guardia Civil, the Policia Nacional, and the Policia Local are the three forces that make up the Spanish police force. I say ‘basically’ because the Basque Country, Catalonia, and Navarra all have their own regional police forces, which all take the role of the Policia Nacional in these areas. The following are the three main forces:

The Guardia Civil

The civil guard patrols Spain’s highways and rural regions, frequently in pairs on motorcycles, and deals with traffic accidents. They also serve as immigration officers and border guards, and they fight crime with helicopters. Instead of a police station, villages frequently have barracks (cuartel). The civic guard is a military group that, in the past, was led by a general, but this is no longer the case. They wear avocado-green uniforms and olive-green caps, which have taken the place of the black patent-leather tricorn hats, which are now exclusively worn on ceremonial occasions. They have a reputation for being one of the most efficient police forces in the world, as well as for being honest and courteous.

To all intents and purposes, the Guardia Civil is a traditional police force that operates in the same manner as any other modern European country’s police force. They have all of the resources, powers, and resources of a regular police force, and they are well-liked in Spain for their high degree of discipline and professionalism. In peacetime, they act under civil authority and have no extraordinary powers, despite the fact that they are a military unit (with military ranks).

Importantly, the Guardia Civil’s mandate is to police rural areas and cities with populations of less than 20,000 people. As a result, they do not function in cities with populations over 20,000 people. If you are the victim of a crime or require police assistance in a rural area of Spain, you must contact the Guardia Civil, who will handle the investigation.

In normal conditions, the Guardia Civil protects roughly 40% of the Spanish population, but this number jumps to around 65 percent during the summer vacation season, when many ‘urbanites’ flee to the seaside and the countryside.

Policia Nacional

The detested “armed” police ( polica armada) were “replaced” by the national police. The polica armada was once despised and feared, but the national police force is today regarded as “very popular.” They’re stationed in cities with populations of over 20,000 people and deal with major crimes including theft, rape, and muggings, as well as crowd control. When they’re armed with submachine guns, they also guard embassies, railway stations, post offices, and army bases in most towns and cities. A police station ( comisara de polica) houses the national police, and many of them have a foreigners ( extranjeros) department that deals with issues like residency permits. In metropolitan areas, plain clothes police officers (cuerpo superior de polica) are also present.

The Policia Nacional wears black uniforms with white shirts most of the time, but they can also be seen in blue military-style uniforms. They are a traditional police force, similar to the Guardia Civil, except they are entirely civil, with civil (rather than military) ranks. If you are the victim of a crime or require police assistance in a city, you must go to them – and only the Policia Nacional will respond to (or investigate) a crime in a municipality of 20,000 or more people.

The Local Police

Last but not least, there’s the Policia Local. This is a force that is responsible to the elected Mayor and is recruited, paid, and managed by local town halls (Alcalde). The Policia Local responds to minor offences in blue uniforms with white shirts. The Policia Local is primarily responsible for local authority enforcement, as well as urban (city, town, or village) traffic regulation and any accompanying infractions. Crimes are not investigated, and any major situation is passed up to the Guardia Civil or the Policia Nacional, depending on the demographic region.

In towns with a population of more than 5,000 people, the municipal police are affiliated to the local town hall. They patrol in white or blue automobiles and wear blue uniforms with white-chequered bands on their caps and sleeves. Minor crimes such as traffic control, property protection, civil disturbances, and the enforcement of municipal regulations are dealt with by municipal police. Municipal police departments in large cities frequently have multilingual offices, and some towns have mounted police. They are the most empathetic police force in Spain. Local police in resort regions frequently understand English and spend the most of their time dealing with inebriated (mainly British) tourists during the summer. For a variety of offenses, on-the-spot fines are issued. Local police in other places, on the other hand, might be a law unto itself and aren’t afraid to use unlawful means. Almost all Spanish police officers are armed, while village Policia Local officers are not always.

In general, all three Spanish police forces have been efficient, understanding, and accurate. They do, however, appear to adopt a “no nonsense” approach to trouble and should never be addressed violently. However, I have always found them to be kind and willing to help when I needed it. This is especially true of the Policia Local, who always seem to be nice.

In actuality, the Spanish police are a credit to the country and operate in the same manner as any other police force in Western Europe. This is true for both the National Police and the Civil Guard. So, if you wish to relocate to Spain, you can trust the Spanish police and the safety they provide.

Finally, if you are in Spain and require police assistance, you should:

Important Numbers:

Call 112 in case of a general emergency.

Call 902 102 112 to report a crime.

062 Guardia Civil

National Police: 091

Local police number: 092

UK To Spanish Drivers License Exchange

June 26, 2021 (updated September 13, 2021) Published by LGC

Valid Drivers License in Spain

All valid EU (European Union) and EEA (European Economic Area) driving licenses are valid in Spain if the possessor is of legal age to drive.

EU licenses can only be renewed in the nation where the holder resides. In addition, the terms of their residency country’s license will apply. This means that if a driver with a license from another EU or EEA country lives in Spain, they must renew their license every ten years if they are under the age of 65, and every five years if they are over 65. When an EU/EEA license is renewed in Spain, it is effectively converted into a Spanish EU license. Several EU countries grant lifetime licenses, but they will only be good for five or ten years in Spain. Fines may be imposed on those who do not renew their licenses. The driver’s license must be renewed within two years of the driver’s formal arrival in Spain.

Those who move to Spain for the first time must exchange their license for a Spanish one. Spain can now verify the health and ability of foreign drivers in the country under the new rule. All European Union countries, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, are included in the EEA.

The EU license used by a foreign resident in Spain is subject to all Spanish license regulations. These are some of the conditions:

the duration of the license’s validity
medical examinations are required
taxes to be paid

Penalties and Restrictions

If a driving infraction happens, Spanish authorities have the authority to demand the holder of a license from another EU country to change their license to a Spanish one in order to erase points.

Within six months of arriving in Spain, foreign drivers from the EU must register with the traffic authority. Details must be registered with the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) of their place of residence’s Central Register of Drivers and Minor Offenders (Registro Central de Conductores e Infractores). To demonstrate mental and physical fitness, applicants must undertake a medical examination at an Authorised Drivers Check Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado). They will be held to the same standards as Spanish drivers.

Addresses and EU Drivers Licence

While it is perfectly lawful to use an EU-issued license until it expires, changing the address on the EU license to a location outside of the issuing country is not possible. The address on the license is generally considered within the laws to be from the issuing country and may not be the drivers’ actual living address.

A driver’s license issued by the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA) can be exchanged for a Spanish license. When a driver’s license has no expiration date or has been expired for more than 15 years, it can be renewed two years after establishing residency.

An application must be sent to the applicant’s province’s Provincial Traffic Headquarters, along with a completed application form provided by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters.

Documents Required For UK – Spanish License Exchange

Form of application (PDF in Spanish)
Identification proof (passport original and copy)
Proof of residency (Certificate of Registration in the Central Aliens Register – NIE number)
To be exchanged is a valid driver’s license (original and photocopy)
Two pictures taken recently (32 by 25 mm)
A written declaration declaring that the applicant’s driving privileges have not been revoked or suspended.
The applicant must sign a written declaration declaring that he or she does not hold another driving license of the same class in another nation.
€28.30 is the fee (2020 rate)

The DGT and the Ministry of Interior both have guides on how to exchange a license. The license will need to be renewed on a regular basis. When the possessor is under the age of 65, a regular Spanish driving license for a private automobile or motorcycle is valid for ten years, after which it must be renewed every five years. The DGT maintains a list of countries with which Spain has a reciprocal driving license exchange agreement.

Appointments With The DGT

If you applied for a redemption, replacement, or extraordinary renewal of a British driving license before December 31, 2020, you will be able to get your permit back under the same terms before BREXIT. In person, at the Headquarters or Traffic Office, where the preceding request for extraordinary redemption will be submitted. You will be able to schedule your appointment three business days after completing your application and during the first six months of 2021.

The appointment must be sought at the Headquarters or Traffic Office where you submitted your redemption request, with the ‘Type of procedure’ set to ‘Office procedures’ and the ‘Area’ set to the area of your head office referring to drivers. On the day of your appointment, you must come to our offices in person and produce all of the needed documentation. A pre-check will be performed to ensure that the request was submitted on time.

At your appointment, you will be required to present your UK driving license to the Spanish Traffic Authority. They will issue you with a temporary driver’s license (‘autorización temporal para conducir’) to use while your Spanish driver’s license is processed. This document is only valid in Spain; it is not valid anywhere else.

You can swap your driver’s license in a province other than your own. You can also appoint a representative (such as a registered ‘gestor’) to carry out the process on your behalf. If you hold a foreigners’ identity number and live in Spain but have not yet registered as a resident, you may be entitled to file an application for exchange (NIE). You must, however, bring a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) to your appointment in order to complete the license exchange.

Whether or not your UK driver’s license has been verified for exchange by the end of 2020, you will be eligible to drive in Spain until 31 October 2021. On the Spanish Traffic Authority’s website, you may find detailed information on the specific measures for UK license holders (use the option in the top-right hand corner to translate pages to English). Future procedures for the exchange and recognition of UK licenses are still being worked out.

Baleària LNG-Powered Fast Ferry Begins Service Out Of Denia

May 7, 2021 (updated September 13, 2021) Published by LGC

New Fast Ferry

Baleària, a Spanish ferry company, has launched a new service with the fast-ferry Eleanor Roosevelt, which is powered by liquefied natural gas. The Eleanor Roosevelt, dubbed “the most inventive and sustainable fast ferry in the Mediterranean,” began service in the Balearic Islands on May 1. Te new ferry’s route is to be
Dénia – Ibiza – Palma.

Fast Ferry Construction

The final phase of the vessel’s construction has been completed at the Armon shipyard in Gijón. On April 27, the LNG-powered Eleanor Roosevelt set sail from the Armon shipyard in Gijón, bound for Dénia. The new super-sized ferry has dual engines that can operate on both LNG and diesel. The Eleanor Roosevelt, according to Baleària, will be the world’s longest fast ferry. It has a length of 123 meters and a width of 28 meters. It can accommodate 1,200 passengers and has 500 meters of truck and car lines.

The Armon shipyard in Gijón started work on this environmentally friendly fast ferry in December 2018. With the support of the Valencian engineering firm Cotenaval, this company managed the project and applied the systems engineering. The design was done by the Australian firm Incat Crowther, and the engines, propulsion system, and gas plant were made by the Finnish company Wärtsilä. The channel tests were done by the Norwegian Marintek-Sintef institute, and the classification was done by Bureau Veritas. The naval architects Oliver Design and the interior designer Jorge Belloch are responsible for the architectural and interior design.

Fast Ferry Features

The Eleanor Roosevelt becomes the fleet’s seventh natural-gas-powered vessel. Baleària also claimed that it is the world’s first LNG-powered fast ferry. The vessel will “fly” 400 nautical miles without refueling thanks to the two LNG tanks. In dual-fuel (LNG/diesel) mode, the range is increased to 1,900 nautical miles. The vessel’s building would cost €90 million ($106.2 million) according to the operator.

Why Eleanor Roosevelt?

The Eleanor Roosevelt, was named after this journalist, gender equality activist, and defender of the civil rights of African and Asian Americans, as well as Second World War refugees, is the name of Baleària’s new ship. Roosevelt is notable for being the first president of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, as well as one of the architects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As part of its contribution to one of the Sustainable Development Goals, equity and female empowerment, this vessel pays homage to pioneering women in their respective fields.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdXS6rz2SzQ[/embedyt]

Category: Costa Blanca Information