Villajoyosa to monitor sand loss on its beaches with new control system

The beaches of Villajoyosa are set to benefit from a new sand-loss monitoring system, designed to track erosion and improve long-term coastal management along this stretch of the Costa Blanca....

January 30, 2026 2 Mins Read

The beaches of Villajoyosa are set to benefit from a new sand-loss monitoring system, designed to track erosion and improve long-term coastal management along this stretch of the Costa Blanca.

The initiative, promoted by the local council, will introduce a technological system capable of measuring how much sand is lost or displaced over time, particularly after storms or periods of rough sea conditions. The aim is to gain accurate, real-time data that will help authorities take preventive action, rather than relying on costly and reactive emergency interventions.

A growing concern along the Costa Blanca

Sand loss has become an increasingly visible issue across much of the Costa Blanca, especially following heavy rainfall, strong easterly winds, and episodes of coastal flooding. Recently, councils have been forced to repeatedly replenish beaches with imported sand, often at significant public expense and with limited long-term success.

By monitoring erosion patterns in detail, Villajoyosa hopes to move towards a more sustainable and cost-effective model, reducing both environmental impact and financial strain on local budgets.

Data-driven coastal management

The monitoring system will collect information on changes to beach profiles, allowing technicians to identify when and where sand displacement is occurring. This data can then be used to plan targeted interventions, assess the effectiveness of previous regeneration works, and support funding applications to regional or national authorities.

While the project is being rolled out in Villajoyosa, it is being closely watched by other coastal municipalities, where similar problems affect tourism, accessibility, and long-term environmental resilience.

Lessons for other coastal towns

For towns further south, including Torrevieja and other parts of the Vega Baja, the project highlights the growing need for proactive coastal planning as climate patterns become more unpredictable. Accurate monitoring may prove essential in protecting beaches not just as leisure spaces, but as natural barriers against flooding and storm damage.

If successful, Villajoyosa’s approach could serve as a model for other seaside towns looking to balance tourism, environmental protection and public spending more effectively.