An up and coming Spanish seaside town renowned for its 5.5-mile stretch of golden sands and rich history has been injecting thousands into the local area
As Spain prepares for another sizzling summer with potentially record-breaking levels of tourists, one town is undergoing a huge regeneration. Rincón de la Victoria, in the province of Malaga on the iconic Costa del Sol coastline, is proving to be a big hit with holidaymakers and British expats alike. This is thanks to its 5.5-mile strip of sandy beach, unique cave formations, and vibrant nightlife.
Once a small fishing village, Rincon de la Victoria has significantly expanded over recent years – welcoming a slew of upscale hotels, bars, and restaurants. Often touted as a ‘premier tourist destination’, the area receives around 38,600 visitors a year, a number that is bound to keep on growing.
“In the past, Rincon de la Victoria’s main tourist attraction was not its beaches,” explains travel experts over at Marbesol. “Rather, it was its historical monuments like the Bezmiliana fortress, the El Cantal and Benagalbon watchtowers, the churches of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and Nuestra Señora del Carmen, as well as the caves of El Tesoro and La Victoria. Palaeolithic wall paintings discovered in the El Tesoro and Bronze Age relics discovered in La Victoria tells us that the history of this town dates way back to prehistoric times.”
Now, Rincon de la Victoria is making vast improvements to its educational centres and public spaces, to create more shaded areas. In 2024, it is reported the council invested a staggering €404,233.68 (around £339,000) to cover 3,373 square meters of new shade to try and tackle the urban heat island effect.
This occurs when human activities and built infrastructure make cities warmer than their surrounding areas. While this may not sound like a big deal, it can lead to a spike in heat-related illnesses (such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke) as well as cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. The new shade squares were also implemented in seven primary schools in the area, as well as children’s parks and educational institutions – while plans to plant 935 new trees and over 30,000 new shrubs are also in the works.
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter
The improvements follow the July 2024 heatwaves which saw blistering temperatures hit Greece Italy, Spain, Portugal, France and Morocco. Spain registered its hottest August on record, and experienced its highest temperature of 39.7C in Montoro, Córdoba.
According to Euro Weekly News, Mayor Francisco Salado said the investment was part of efforts to create a ‘more sustainable and neighbour-friendly city’. “Actions like these help combat climate change by creating shade where it’s needed most,” he added.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured