Villena is preparing for its moment in the cinematic spotlight after the city’s iconic Castle of Atalaya was selected as a filming location for a major international production. The project is expected to bring both cultural and economic benefits to the area while further strengthening Alicante Province’s growing reputation as a destination for film and television productions.

Film Fortress takes centre stage

Villena is set for a starring role on the big screen after producers of the international film People of the Book selected the city’s Castle of Atalaya as one of its key filming locations.

The historical drama, based on the bestselling novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks, is being filmed across several locations in Alicante Province as part of a production with an estimated budget of €18 million.

The story connects modern-day Sarajevo with events dating back to 15th-century Spain, making Villena’s medieval castle an ideal backdrop for the project.

With its impressive fortifications, historic character and commanding position overlooking the surrounding landscape, the Castle of Atalaya has long been regarded as one of the most important medieval landmarks in the province.

Growing reputation for film and television

Local officials believe the production will further strengthen Villena’s growing reputation as a destination for film and television projects.

Its combination of historic architecture, natural landscapes, and proximity to Ciudad de la Luz studios has already attracted interest from production companies looking for authentic and visually striking locations.

In recent years, Alicante Province has become increasingly popular with filmmakers thanks to its varied scenery, favourable climate and well-developed production infrastructure. From coastal settings and mountain landscapes to historic towns and castles, the region offers a wide range of filming opportunities.

The project is also expected to bring economic benefits to the area, with film crews using local accommodation, restaurants and services during filming.

Opportunities for local residents

Alongside production, casting directors are seeking hundreds of extras for scenes being shot across Alicante Province.

Applications are open to men and women of all nationalities, although organisers are looking for people whose appearance suits the film’s historical setting.

The search for extras offers local residents the chance to become part of an international production while gaining first-hand experience of a professional film set.

Filming will continue across several locations in the province until mid-July, with Villena’s Castle of Atalaya set to play a prominent role in bringing this historical story to life on screen.

Torrevieja is welcoming the summer season with two major attractions now open to residents and visitors. The long-awaited opening of Paseo del Mar marks a significant transformation of the city’s waterfront, while the reopening of the municipal outdoor swimming pools provides a popular and affordable way to stay active during the warmer months. Together, the developments offer even more reasons to spend time enjoying one of the Costa Blanca’s most popular coastal destinations.

Harbour reborn with the opening of Paseo del Mar

After years of construction, delays and anticipation, Torrevieja has finally unveiled one of its most ambitious waterfront projects.

Paseo del Mar officially opened on Thursday, June 11, welcoming visitors to the new shopping and leisure complex built alongside the Dique de Levante in the heart of the harbour.

The development forms part of an investment of more than €100 million designed to reconnect the city with its seafront and transform a previously inaccessible area into a new destination for residents and tourists.

Although the centre is opening in phases, visitors can already enjoy a wide range of restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities. Well-known names including McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Foster Hollywood, Saona, Sibuya and Brasa y Leña have already opened, while Ozone Bowling and the cinema are expected to become major attractions throughout the summer.

Around 30 commercial units are planned in total, with further businesses expected to open in the coming months.

One of the biggest attractions, however, may be the location itself. Positioned directly beside the marina, Paseo del Mar offers great views across the harbour.

The underground car park is already operational, although work continues on some surrounding public areas and walkways.

Summer Splash returns to the city

Torrevieja’s outdoor municipal swimming pools have now reopened for summer.

Visitors will once again have access to two pools, offering a convenient option for exercise, leisure and family outings throughout the season.

The 25-metre pool and leisure pool will operate on extended summer schedules, with morning and evening opening times designed to help visitors avoid the hottest part of the day.

Standard entry costs just €3. Reduced admission is available for €2, while regular users can take advantage of a 20-visit pool and gym pass for €40. Discounted passes are available for eligible groups.

More reasons to visit Torrevieja this summer

The reopening of the pools and the launch of Paseo del Mar highlight Torrevieja’s continued investment in facilities for both residents and tourists.

With new dining, entertainment and shopping options now available on the waterfront, alongside affordable sporting and leisure facilities, the city is well positioned for another busy summer season. As visitor numbers continue to grow across the Costa Blanca, these new and improved attractions are expected to become popular destinations for locals and holidaymakers alike.

For more information about Paseo del Mar, visit paseodelmartorrevieja.com. Information about pool tickets and passes is available through the Torrevieja Sports platform.

The Costa Blanca’s coastline continues to attract attention for all the right reasons, with international recognition for its beaches arriving at the same time as local volunteers work to preserve the area’s natural environment. From glowing praise in a major travel publication to a successful community clean-up effort in Orihuela Costa, recent events highlight both the appeal of the region’s shores and the importance of protecting them for future generations.

Coastal gems recognised by National Geographic

The Costa Blanca has received another boost after National Geographic highlighted Alicante Province as home to some of Spain’s finest beaches and coves.

The internationally respected travel publication recently included several Alicante locations in a feature showcasing outstanding coastal destinations around the country.

While many of the lesser-known coves featured are found in the north of the province, the recognition is good news for the entire Costa Blanca, which continues to attract visitors from across Europe thanks to its coastline, climate and beach facilities.

Among the beaches mentioned were Playa de San Juan and Playa de Muchavista, both praised for their long stretches of sand, clear waters and excellent facilities.

The recognition comes as the Costa Blanca prepares for another busy summer season, with beaches across the region once again expecting large numbers of visitors.

Many beaches in Costa Blanca South continue to hold Blue Flag status, recognising high standards of cleanliness, safety, accessibility and environmental management.

Tourism remains one of the region’s most important industries, and endorsements from publications such as National Geographic help keep the Costa Blanca firmly on the radar of international travellers.

Community action protects the coastline

More than 40 volunteers rolled up their sleeves on June 9 at La Caleta in Orihuela Costa to help protect the coastline during a community clean-up that removed 38 kilos of rubbish from the beach and seabed.

The environmental initiative brought together 42 volunteers, including 19 divers, 23 land-based helpers and seven children, all working towards the same goal of preserving the area’s natural beauty.

The clean-up focused on both the shoreline and the waters beneath the surface. Divers reported that the seabed was generally in good condition, with surprisingly little waste found underwater.

One of the day’s most memorable moments came when volunteers discovered a small octopus sheltering among discarded waste on the seabed. The animal was carefully rescued and returned safely to its natural habitat, highlighting the impact litter can have on marine life.

Preserving a valuable natural resource

Participants also used the event to raise awareness about the importance of posidonia oceanica, the protected seagrass often found washed up along Mediterranean beaches.

Although sometimes mistaken for waste, the plant plays a vital role in preventing erosion, stabilising sand and maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems.

Organisers praised the commitment shown by everyone involved, proving that small community actions can make a big difference in preserving the Costa Blanca’s coastline for future generations.

Together, the two stories demonstrate why the Costa Blanca continues to be recognised as one of Spain’s most attractive coastal destinations. While international praise helps attract visitors, local conservation efforts ensure the beaches, coves and marine environments that make the region so special remain protected for years to come.