We've compiled the latest data from the leading weather websites to bring you an overview of what you can expect if you're living in Cabo Roig, or planning a visit to this part of Spain in the new year.

Typically, January is the coldest winter month on the Orihuela Costa – both December and February are statistically warmer, and both November and March are noticeably more so.

On the bright side, with the shortest day of the year behind us, days are getting longer as we head toward the summer months, with earlier sunrises and the sun setting past 18:00 toward the middle of January. The average Spanish day is still almost a full two hours longer than at more distant northern European latitudes.

There's more good news when it comes to sunshine too, with an average of 6 hours of warm sunny weather per day. And as average daytime temperatures creep past 16°c, there are greater chances of “real feel” temperatures exceeding a very pleasant 20°c each day.

Of course, you will need a jacket if you want to enjoy evenings out at local bars, bistros and restaurants. An average overnight low of just 6°c feels positively arctic, but temperate and dry daytime conditions still make the Orihuela Costa an excellent choice of winter sun destination.

January tends to be dry, and historic annual averages suggest January will bring just 4 days of rain to the region. Typically, you should expect significantly less rainfall than the preceding four months, and around half the rain expected by some Northern European locales.

But everything's relative, and Berlin in Germany expects 15 rainy days in January, Stockholm in Sweden averages 18 days of rainfall, and even the upscale Italian city of Milan usually experiences 9 wet days during January.

Swimming pools are out-of-bounds to all but the bravest or most foolhardy, and the Mediterranean Sea is now at its coldest, maintaining an average water temperature of just 15°c.

Seawater temperatures will remain subdued and won't show a measurable increase until April, so a wetsuit is highly recommended for water sports at this time of year.

Average weather and temperatures for Cabo Roig in January

Spanish winters are thankfully short and mild, and with the worst winter weather behind us, summer is only around the corner. Meantime, let's hope we can look forward to a beautiful month on the Orihuela Costa this new year.

You can find the full weather forecast and average weather data for this part of the South Costa Blanca in Spain from the Holiday Weather website.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Alexander Pichlmayr / LaZenia.com

How many bank holidays are there in Spain? Usually, each municipality of Spain is permitted to have 12 bank holidays each year. That includes 8 national “red days” set by the Spanish government, 2 regional holidays set by the provincial government, and 2 local holidays set by the municipality.

However, 2026 will offer 13 weekday bank holidays in Spain, including 9 national holidays, 2 Valencian Community public holidays, and 2 local holidays approved by the local town hall of Orihuela.

Some businesses, shops, shopping centres, and public offices will close or have reduced hours, so it's important to note the dates of Spain's public holidays.

This guide lists bank holidays in the Orihuela Costa area for the forthcoming year to ensure you don't miss out on anything important.

An introduction to Costa Blanca public and bank holidays

The central Spanish government sets the national holidays every year, although Spanish bank holidays often differ between regions. While each region observes the national holidays in Spain, additional regional bank holidays are set by autonomous governments – at a provincial and local level.

Bank holidays in Spain that fall on weekends are sometimes replaced with alternate days (usually the following Monday) if the regional government chooses. However, alternate days have not always been granted, depending on how many public holidays occur in the year.

Generally, regional Spanish holidays coincide with large Spanish festivals and can be a spectacular time to visit a new locale and try authentic Spanish food.

However, many of Spain's festivals are world-famous, and accommodation often fills up quickly. If your travel plans coincide with a Spanish national holiday, booking accommodation and making restaurant reservations early is important.

Many businesses also close during the national and regional holidays in Spain. Locally, Zenia Boulevard and other shops observe many of the annual public holidays, meaning shopping centres can be closed on bank holidays.

Public holidays for Orihuela Costa in 2026, what is a red day?

National bank holidays and important regional public holidays in the Costa Blanca are sometimes called “Red days” locally. On a “Red day” almost all businesses will close, and your shopping choices will be limited.

Bars and restaurants don't normally close on a public bank holiday in Spain, but making reservations during typically busy seasonal periods such as Christmas might be difficult. It's not unusual for restaurants to announce their Christmas menus around September, so it's always best to plan ahead.

Find out if Zenia Boulevard is open today, check out this article detailing the opening and closing times for the shopping centre during the year.

Or take a look at our article on 24-hour shops, late-night and bank holiday shopping in Orihuela Costa. The feature provides detailed information about retail outlets that offer residents and visitors out-of-hours shopping, complete with Google Maps from your location in Spain – handy for late arrivals or shopping on Sundays.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

In this article, we'll explore the structure of the education system, the types of schools available in Orihuela Costa, and the legal and social facets that all parents need to know about before making decisions about their children's schooling in Spain.

What are the ages for school in Spain?

Education in Spain is compulsory between ages the ages of 6 and 16 years. There isn't a minimum age for starting school voluntarily, and many parents choose to enrol their children in a preschool education centre.

Infant Education (Educación Infantil)
The earliest years of the Spanish education system are divided into two parts: the first, for children under 3 years old, and the second, for children between 3 and 6 years.

Primary Education (Educación Primaria)
Primary education is an educational stage that includes six academic years for children between 6 and 12. These studies are carried out in an Early Childhood and Primary Education Center (Centro de Educación Infantil y Primaria, or “CEIP”).

Secondary Education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria)
The Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) stage includes four course years for children between the ages of 13 and 16 years. Secondary education is divided into two parts: one cycle of three years and one final academic year.

Upon completing their secondary education, students who have achieved the basic skills and objectives of the stage will obtain the title of Graduate in Compulsory Secondary Education (Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, or “GESO”).

Is education free in Spain? Are schools free?

State education is free for all children aged 6 to 16 years. Infant Education between the ages of 3 and 6 years is provided free of charge in the Valencian Community.

However, in all cases, parents or students are expected to meet schooling costs, such as purchasing school supplies and textbooks required to complete academic stages.

Private schools in Orihuela Costa

Some parents consider that the experience of the local education system is a valuable aspect of living abroad, providing a unique cultural experience, enabling them to make friends more easily, and fostering a rapid uptake of the Spanish language.

However, all children are unique, and some parents might prefer to look at options for private education in Spain.

Typically, private education in Spain offers several advantages:

• A familiar national curriculum and instruction style.
• Reduced, or in many cases, eliminated language barriers.
• Smaller class sizes with a better pupil-teacher ratio.
• Personalised tuition from allocated teachers.
• Maintaining high standards of discipline.
• A higher degree of parental involvement.

On the other hand, Spanish state schools typically offer several advantages:

• Direct and immediate social integration within the local community.
• Less costly, state schools are fully-funded by central and regional government.
• A better choice of extracurricular and after-school activities.
• Comprehensive services such as school meals and bus transport.
• Larger, more comprehensive purpose-built facilities.
• No admission examination.

Additionally, annual admission fees for private education in this part of the South Costa Blanca range from €4,500 to €8,000 each school year. Parents will need to balance the advantages of each educational environment with the financial commitment required by the private school system.

Follow this link for more information about the private school system in Orihuela Costa, and a complete list of the private schools in the South Costa Blanca region.

Public state schools in Orihuela Costa

Here's a list of all Spanish state schools in the local area, with Google Maps and contact information.

CEIP Colegio Público Playas de Orihuela

Public-funded Valencian government state school offering primary education in Spanish to children of all nationalities.

• Location: Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa
• Education stages: From 6-12 years
• Website: portal.edu.gva.es
• Tel: +34 966 904 215

GOOGLE MAP | EMAIL | FACEBOOK

CEIP Los Dolses

Public-funded Valencian government state school offering primary education in Spanish to children of all nationalities.

• Location: Los Dolses, Orihuela Costa
• Education stages: From 6-12 years
• Website: portal.edu.gva.es
• Tel: +34 966 904 210

GOOGLE MAP | EMAIL | FACEBOOK

CEIP Colegio Público Romualdo Ballester

Public-funded Valencian government state school offering primary education in Spanish to children of all nationalities.

• Location: Los Altos, Torrevieja
• Education stages: From 6-12 years
• Website: portal.edu.gva.es
• Tel: +34 965 290 155

GOOGLE MAP | EMAIL | FACEBOOK

IES Playa Flamenca

Public-funded Valencian government state institute offering secondary education in Spanish to children of all nationalities.

• Location: Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa
• Education stages: From 12-16 years
• Website: portal.edu.gva.es
• Tel: +34 966 748 385

GOOGLE MAP | EMAIL | FACEBOOK

The school system and education in Orihuela Costa

With its structured approach and diverse schooling options, the Spanish education system strives to provide a comprehensive education programme to all children.

The focus on not just academic excellence, but also extracurricular and personal development, ensures that students are well-prepared to face the life challenges ahead.

Ongoing reforms and a commitment to school improvement signify Spain's dedication to nurturing a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and skilled future generation.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Asociacion Help Vega Baja was established more than 45 years ago with a vision to address the various needs of the local community and expatriates living in the region.

Over the years, it has grown significantly, adapting to the changing needs of the community it serves. This growth has been fuelled by the dedication of a team of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The charity's services are multifaceted, designed to cater to a wide range of needs, and completely free of charge at the point of delivery.

One of its primary services is providing invaluable advice and information to those facing various challenges, from health and legal issues, to navigating local bureaucracy.

This guidance is often an essential lifeline for expatriates adjusting to life in Spain, and local residents seeking assistance.

Help Vega Baja charity in San Miguel de Salinas

The community team, led by Michele and Richard, comprises 18 volunteers, including a welfare team with a background in the caring profession. They provide critical home visits, assistance with government benefits applications from abroad (such as Attendance Allowance), and emotional support to anyone who needs it.

Help Vega Baja works in partnership with other charities and organisations, including Cruz Roja and the Association of Movers and Shakers, a charity dedicated to supporting people with neurological diseases in the Costa Blanca area.

The charity forms a vital contact point between relatives, often assisting and intervening when younger siblings, often in their home country, have issues with their parents living alone on the Costa Blanca. The team can help family members navigate the often complex administration processes here in Spain.

Additionally, Help Vega Baja operates a charity shop. This initiative raises funds for their activities and serves as a central community hub. The shop offers clothing and fashions, household items, and an extensive range of equipment for hire suited to people with physical challenges and mobility issues.

Digitally connected, the community team have embraced social media to spread their message of support across the South Costa Blanca area.

Their Facebook page receives a substantial number of messages from people seeking support each year, and they received 152 requests for help via Facebook Messenger in 2023 alone.

A membership with money-saving benefits

Help Vega Baja encourages community involvement through membership and volunteering. For a nominal annual fee of €10, members can enjoy various benefits while supporting the charity's mission :-

• Free interpreting service (up to 120 €)
• 50% discount on mobility equipment hire
• Free legal consultation (up to 30 minutes)
• 30% discount at Specsavers opticians
• Preferential rates on funeral services

The San Miguel charity also recently announced a new agreement with Clínica SanySa in Almoradi to grant Help Vega Baja members a 10% discount on various medical treatments.

Specialities include general medicine, radiology, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, gynaecology and obstetrics, psychology, aesthetic medicine and dermatological follow-ups, traumatology and nursing.

Alternatively, volunteering to work with Help Vega Baja offers a chance to give back to the community, meet new people, and develop new skills.

The social side of life in Spain

On the third Tuesday of each month, the charity holds a support and awareness session at the civic offices in Ciudad Quesada. The free monthly sessions take place from 11:00 until 13:00 in association with Rojales town hall.

Help Vega Baja organise social events throughout the year, including a monthly Friendship Lunch and Coffee and Chat afternoons in different venues across the local Costa Blanca region.

Loneliness can be a difficulty for many, and these events provide an invaluable opportunity for people to connect with others socially, form friendships, and meet new people.

Learn more about becoming a charity member or apply online. Alternatively, check out their website and discover more about Help Vega Baja, their mission, and the vital services they deliver in Spain every day.

Looking for holiday ideas and inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa this year, or join the La Zenia Community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: Help Vega Baja / LaZenia.com

It's a question that's often asked in the Community Group, so we've compiled the latest data from the leading online weather websites to bring you an overview of what you can expect if you're living in Campoamor, or planning to visit family and friends during the forthcoming festive month.

Despite the recent lack of rainfall, typically, December is the wettest winter month on the Orihuela Costa – only the autumn months of October and November generally experience more rain, with October ranking as the wettest month of the year overall.

But everything's relative and it's not all bad news. The area registers an average monthly rainfall of just 37 mm, with an average of just 5 days out of the 31 in December experiencing some rain, so you won't need to use an umbrella that often.

Compared with more northerly climes, Berlin in Germany expects 16 rainy days in December, Stockholm in Sweden averages 18 days of rainfall, and even the (usually sun-soaked) upscale French Riviera resort of St Tropez usually experiences 9 wet days and 50 mm of rain during December.

There's more good news when it comes to sunshine too, with an average median of 6 hours of warm sunny weather per day. And don't forget, an average daytime air temperature of 17°c can seem positively tropical, as direct sunlight can add an additional 9°c on top making the “real feel” exceed a very pleasant 25°c.

However, make no mistake – evenings can be chilly with average overnight temperatures falling to just 7°c. December is the second-coldest month in Campoamor, with only January trumping the month for the coldest average daily temperatures.

Overnight frost can occur in December, but it's a thankfully rare occurrence, and you'll need your heating on in your apartment or villa every evening to feel suitably comfortable during December.

You will need a winter jacket or a coat during the early evenings, but daytime walks along some of the Orihuela Costa's finest beaches should definitely be on your to-do list for the month, and they're a wonderful way to enjoy some of the best views our area has to offer.

December brings the shortest days of the year to the northern hemisphere. The sun rises around 8:10 and it does not set until around 17:45 (CET), meaning that the average Spanish day is still a good hour longer than at more distant northern latitudes.

Average weather and temperatures for Campoamor in December

Swimming pools are out-of-bounds to all but the bravest or most fool-hardy, and the Mediterranean Sea maintains a water temperature of 17°c. A mere 8°c below its late-August high temperature of 25°c, but a wet suit is required for water sports at this time of year.

If you are prepared before you travel and pack some winter essentials for the evenings and cooler days, December is an excellent time to visit Campoamor. The (usually) turbulent months of September and October are far behind, and with the community at one of the quieter times of the year, visitors will experience the full beauty of this Mediterranean area.

Spanish winters are thankfully short and mild, and with the passing of the shortest day on 22nd December days start to become longer, and it becomes clear that summer is never too far away.

You can find the full weather forecast and average weather data for Campoamor and our part of the South Costa Blanca in Spain from the Holiday Weather website by clicking here.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

Spanish national holidays are busy periods, particularly if a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday as workers will often take a “Puente” (a bridge) holiday of four days. Unusually this year, the Easter period in 2022 will offer a long weekend stretching to five complete days.

It´s important to note the dates of Spain´s public holidays because on some of these days businesses, shops, shopping centres, and public offices will close or have reduced hours.

To ensure you don´t get caught out or miss out on anything important, this guide puts together a list of bank holidays in the Orihuela Costa area for the forthcoming year.

An introduction to Costa Blanca public and bank holidays

The national government in Spain sets the Spanish national holidays each year, although Spanish bank holidays differ between each of the regions. While each city observes the national holidays in Spain, additional regional bank holidays are set by the local autonomous governments.

Bank holidays in Spain that fall on weekends are sometimes replaced with alternate days (usually on the following Monday) if the regional government so chooses. However, alternate days have not always been granted, and it depends on how many public holidays occur in any one year.

In general, regional Spanish holidays coincide with large Spanish festivals and can be a spectacular time to visit a new locale and try authentic Spanish food. However, many of Spain´s festivals are world-famous, and accommodation often fills up quickly. It´s important to book accommodation and make restaurant reservations early if your trip falls over a Spanish national holiday.

Many businesses also close during the national and regional holidays in Spain. Locally, Zenia Boulevard and other shops observe many of the annual public holidays, meaning shopping centres can be closed on bank holidays.

Public holidays for Orihuela Costa in 2022, what is a red day?

National bank holidays and important regional public holidays in the Costa Blanca are called “Red days” locally. On a “Red day”, almost all businesses will close and your shopping choices on these days will be limited.

Bars and restaurants don´t normally close on a red day, but you may find that making reservations during typically busy seasonal periods such as Christmas might be difficult. It´s not unusual for restaurants to announce their Christmas menus around September, so make sure you plan ahead.

If you want to check if Zenia Boulevard is open today, check out this article detailing the opening and closing times for the shopping centre during the year.

And check out our article on 24-hour shops, late-night and bank holiday shopping in Orihuela Costa. The feature provides detailed information about retail outlets that offer residents and visitors out-of-hours shopping, complete with Google Maps from your location in Spain – handy for late arrivals or shopping on Sundays.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com