The five Blue Flags at Arenales del Sol, Carabassí, El Altet, La Marina, and Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo have been renewed by the Elche City Council.

Tourism Councillor Irene Ruiz expressed her enthusiasm for the awards’ renewal, emphasising that “Elche’s beaches are the stars once again this year.” She also emphasised that this distinction underscores the quality, management, services, and safety that all of the beaches provide.

Annually, the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC) awards blue flags as one of the quality and environmental certification distinctions. This designation is based on a variety of criteria, including environmental management, water quality, swimmer safety, beach services, and environmental information and education.

Although the Ministry of the Interior’s most recent data indicates a slight decrease in crime in Spain during 2024, the Crime Report also documents an increase in certain serious crimes, including intentional homicides and completed murders, which have increased by 4.5%, and sexual assaults with penetration, which have increased by 6.7%.

In comparison to the conventional crime rate, this amounts to 41.0 crimes per thousand inhabitants. Additionally, the report offers a detailed analysis of the various offences and the number of reported cases in each municipality. Statistics in the province of Alicante set it apart.

In 2024, the city of Alicante in the Valencian Community province was the municipality with the highest crime rate, with a total of 20,577 cases recorded. Following it are Torrevieja with 8,337, Elche with 8,132, and Benidorm with 5,167. Nevertheless, it is crucial to bear in mind that the provincial capital has a significantly higher population than the remainder of the municipality.

Kidnapping is one of the most egregious crimes in this region. In the province of Alicante, there were 8 of the 13 cases that occurred throughout the Valencian Community. Alicante reported three cases, Benidorm reported one, Calp reported one, Pilar de la Horadada reported one, Crevillent reported one, and Torrevieja reported one.

The province reported a total of 1,145 cases of narcotic trafficking. Last year, Benidorm reported 171 cases of this form of crime, making it the second most notable town after Alicante, which reported 352 cases. There are also villages and cities where fewer than 10 cases have been reported, including Calp (2), Ibi (3), Sant Joan d’Alacant (4), Novelda (4), Villajoyosa (6), Almoradí (7), Mutxamel (7), Alcoy (8 cases), Petrer (8), and San Vicente del Raspeig (9).

The province has a total of 1,008 transgressions against sexual freedom, as listed in the Interior Ministry report. This category encompasses sexual assault and abuse that involves penetration, with a total of 222 cases reported last year. Villena, Petrer, and Ibi are among the municipalities that have not recorded any cases. However, Alicante, Elche, and Benidorm have higher numbers: 52, 30, and 19 cases, respectively.

A special Gala to commemorate Europe Day 2025 is being organised at the International Auditorium by the Department of the Presidency and the Department of International Residents of the Torrevieja City Council. The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra Ensemble will be responsible for the institutional portion of the event, which will include the European Union anthem. Additionally, the Gala will feature performances by several local performers, including Zhanel and the group Sincopa (all from Ukraine), who will entertain us with Eurovision songs. Siempre Disco Remember will conclude the Gala, featuring a medley of tracks from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

The 7:30 p.m. gala is scheduled to take place at the Torrevieja International Auditorium this Friday, May 9th. Tickets are available for free with an invitation and can be reserved and downloaded from culturatorrevieja.com.

The Torrevieja City Council will provide a complimentary transport service from Calle Faleria to the International Auditorium, which will depart at 6:30 p.m. and return at the conclusion of the event.