Costa Blanca (Spain) - Tourism and water management
Water scarcity and water stress
978-3-14-100890-6 | Page 107 | Ill. 6
Overview
Albir and Benidorm are two holiday resorts on the Costa Blanca in the Spanish province of Alicante. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, the Costa Blanca is a popular holiday destination for tourists from Spain and the whole of Europe. With the onset of mass tourism in the 1960s, the region experienced major changes. While Benidorm developed into one of the largest high-rise settlements in Europe, in Albir the emphasis was placed on the construction of holiday homes and apartments. With the large number of tourists and accommodations for them comes high water consumption, for example by pools. The diagram in 106.5 shows just how much more water is needed for the tourist industry compared to the water use of permanent residents.
Albir
Albir has a 600 metre long and approximately 100-metre-wide beach (Playa de Albir), made up of fine shingles. Adjoining it to the south is the maquis-covered Sierra Helada Natural Park, crossed by footpaths and cycle paths. At right angles to the beach is the Calle de los Múicos, which is faced on both sides by hotel buildings of up to six stories. South of this district are numerous urban developments. These settlements, which are typical of Spain, were built as planned, self-contained complexes for recreational purposes. They consist of apartment buildings and holiday homes with generously laid out grounds and swimming pools.
Albir
Albir has a 600 metre long and approximately 100-metre-wide beach (Playa de Albir), made up of fine shingles. Adjoining it to the south is the maquis-covered Sierra Helada Natural Park, crossed by footpaths and cycle paths. At right angles to the beach is the Calle de los Múicos, which is faced on both sides by hotel buildings of up to six stories. South of this district are numerous urban developments. These settlements, which are typical of Spain, were built as planned, self-contained complexes for recreational purposes. They consist of apartment buildings and holiday homes with generously laid out grounds and swimming pools.
