Alicante Residents Embrace New Postiguet Beach Despite Closure

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it hasn't stopped Alicante residents and tourists from strolling along the new Postiguet breakwater and the recently created sandy area, despite the ongoing construction. The project, executed by the General Directorate of Coasts to replace the old breakwater, was completed last Tuesday. Although the area remains fenced off, it hasn't deterred its use.

Dozens of people are exploring the rock walkway that starts from the sand and ends in an L-shape. The novelty has attracted many curious visitors at sunset, a time when many take the opportunity to walk or jog by the sea. The 178 meters extending into the water are a draw for those who venture to walk along the edge.

The Cocó area has also started being used as a beach. This space, which previously had separate access to the sea, has been integrated with Postiguet, gaining meters of shoreline. Although the construction area is initially cordoned off with police tape that even extends into the water, this barrier hasn't stopped bathers from seeking the front row.

As soon as the machinery was removed, this new stretch of beach caught everyone's attention. On one side, the brand-new white rock breakwater; on the other, the former Cocó beach, which was initially transformed into a lagoon and gradually filled with sand.

It is expected that marine dynamics will redistribute the sediment. For now, the shoreline has extended, and one must walk several meters for the water to reach above the knees.

This project not only halts the progressive loss of sand that the popular Alicante beach suffers but also gains between 205 and 240 meters of stable surface. Additionally, the well-known Cocó area has improved in swimming safety, while other issues are resolved: the recreational area is isolated from the stormwater outlet at the end of the beach, and water quality in that sector is improved.

The works were completed last Tuesday, two months ahead of schedule. However, this will not affect the location change that the Alicante City Council had already planned for the Hogueras fireworks. This year, for the first time, they will be launched from the flying promenade of the port.

The council had to urgently find a new location, as the works affected the traditional shooting site at Cocó beach. Now, despite the early completion of the works, it's not possible to revert the decision. "If we had been informed, we might have drafted the contract differently," lamented the government spokesperson and Councillor for Festivities, Cristina Cutanda.