A popular Spanish tourist trap is currently experiencing a major shake-up, with beach bars being closed and basic facilities like public toilets, sun loungers and equipment hire being stripped across the board. Manuel Mestre, who is Orihuela Costa's new coastal councillor, announced that visitors will have to bring along their own refreshments when visiting the beach.
The areas of Campo Amor, La Zenia, Mil Palmeras and Cabo Roig across Costa Blanca will all see major changes, with the council contracts previously allowing beach bars and sunbed rentals expired since January - with no new agreement as of yet. The Olive Press reports that Chiringuitos del Sol previously operated the contract at eleven beaches in the area for numerous years.
However, this is not the first time that holidaymakers have seen their plans disrupted by a dispute between the firm and the council. Mr Mestre reportedly told Lomas and Cabo Roig's residents' association that a new agreement would be drawn up to allow the reopening of beach bars.
Read more: Spain travel update issued by Foreign Office with important new advice for holidaymakers
The Mirror reports that he also did not rule out the possibility of food trucks coming to beaches - although none have been spotted as of yet. However, there are currently fears that the lack of services could sent the status of Orihuela Costa Blue Flag beaches to an early grave.
The Foreign Office last week issued two updates for Britons planning on Spanish holidays this summer, as millions fly from the UK yearly to make the most of cheap and cheerful fun in the sun. Although, you should be wary of the 42C extreme heat forecast for July across the Balearic Islands.
In the latest change to travel advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Friday gave new guidance on reporting crimes in Spain. It is urging tourists to stay vigilant of crime by distraction, as well as 'highway pirates' - which force foreign hire cars to stop alongside bogus police officers, who will ask you to hand over your wallet rather than travel documents.
The other change landed Wednesday (July 5), with Spain putting an end to all requirements of wearing Covid face masks. Prior, it had still been mandated to wear a mask when visiting a healthcare setting or pharmacy, despite lifting the rules from public places and public transport.
