Orihuela invests in a safer future with enhanced security and heritage restoration

Orihuela is looking to the future on two fronts this summer, with new initiatives designed to protect both residents and its rich historical heritage. While Orihuela Costa is strengthening police patrols and emergency services ahead of the busy holiday season, plans are also moving forward to uncover the secrets of the historic Alcazaba Castle through a major archaeological research project that could pave the way for greater public access.

Summer security for residents and visitors in Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa will benefit from increased police patrols, emergency resources and surveillance technology this summer as the council launches a reinforced seasonal safety operation.

The enhanced deployment has been designed to cope with the significant rise in population during the holiday season, when thousands of tourists and second-home owners arrive on the coast.

Police patrols will be strengthened throughout the day, with additional officers specifically deployed during the evening and early hours, when the highest number of incidents are typically reported.

The operation also includes extra patrol cars, police motorcycles, surveillance drones and jet skis, allowing officers to respond quickly to incidents both on land and along the coastline.

Emergency services are also being reinforced. A dedicated Civil Protection and emergency team will remain based in Orihuela Costa throughout the summer, backed up by additional personnel from Orihuela whenever required.

A new emergency response vehicle has also joined the fleet. Equipped with a larger water tank, it will allow crews to tackle small fires more effectively while waiting for firefighters to arrive.

Additional staff have been recruited to support the emergency service, while Civil Protection volunteers will assist at major events and provide extra cover during busy periods.

Castle secrets uncovered at Orihuela’s Alcazaba

Orihuela is preparing to unveil more of its past following the launch of a major archaeological research project at the historic Alcazaba Castle.

The initiative aims to enhance our understanding of one of the most important defensive sites in the province of Alicante and lay the groundwork for its future restoration and opening to the public.

Municipal archaeologist Silvia Yus Cecilia is collaborating with Pedro Jiménez Castillo, principal investigator at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), on the project, which will include the first scientific archaeological investigations carried out at the hilltop fortress.

The work will encompass detailed studies, archaeological excavations and monitoring, as well as conservation measures to protect any structures discovered during the process.

Since the Alcazaba Castle is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC), the project must obtain approval from the heritage authorities of the Valencian Community before excavations can begin.

The site presents significant technical challenges due to its location in the Orihuela mountains, but researchers believe the study could provide valuable new information about the construction, development and strategic role of the fortress throughout the centuries.

The results will help define future plans to restore, interpret and ultimately open a larger part of the castle complex to the public.