Alicante breaks Semana Santa records as tourism tops 90%

Alicante has closed this year’s Semana Santa with streets full, terraces busy, and a steady flow of visitors that could be felt from the coast to the historic centres. The 2026 Easter period has not only brought strong activity, but has marked one of the best performances on record for the province.

Record occupancy across Alicante province

Across the province, hotel occupancy rose above 82%, with many areas exceeding 90% at peak times. These figures place this year among the strongest Semana Santa periods ever recorded locally. The combination of good weather, strong domestic travel, and continued international demand contributed to a surge in last-minute bookings and longer stays. Coastal destinations led the growth, but the high demand was not limited to traditional hotspots. The consistency of bookings throughout the week, rather than just peak days, was one of the key indicators of this year’s strength.

Torrevieja and Orihuela drive local impact

In Torrevieja, the effect was immediate and visible. Restaurants, cafés and bars operated at near full capacity, with terraces filled from midday into the evening. The city’s large international community helped maintain activity beyond the main holiday moments, creating a steady rhythm of demand across the entire week. Accommodation levels remained high, with many establishments reporting occupancy close to or above 90%.

Meanwhile, Orihuela saw thousands of visitors drawn to its Semana Santa processions. Recognised as being of International Tourist Interest, these events filled the historic centre and generated strong footfall for local businesses. Hotels and rental properties across Orihuela Costa and the Vega Baja area followed the same trend, with occupancy levels between 85% and 90%.

Tourism spreads beyond the coast

The impact extended further inland, where rural accommodation across the Valencian Community approached 87% occupancy. This reflects a broader pattern of visitors exploring quieter destinations alongside coastal areas, helping distribute tourism more evenly across the region.

A strong start to the season

For local businesses, the week delivered a clear boost. Hospitality, retail, transport and leisure services all benefited from increased footfall. Early estimates suggest that tourism revenue has matched or exceeded previous highs, reinforcing Alicante’s position as a reliable destination at the start of the spring season. With figures already reaching record levels in April, Semana Santa has set a strong tone for the months ahead, offering confidence for businesses preparing for the summer period.