Chaotic road congestion on the AP-7 highway due to mass tourism at popular Costa Blanca destinations

Chaotic road congestion on the AP-7 highway due to mass tourism at popular Costa Blanca destinations

In the heart of July, the Costa Blanca region witnessed a series of traffic jams that caused significant delays on the AP-7 motorway. On July 26, several kilometres of congestion were reported, particularly near the Benissa junction towards Calpe and Gata de Gorgos, as well as at the Denia exit.

The AP-7 motorway, a key route to several popular coastal towns in the Costa Blanca, has been under pressure during peak holiday periods. With July and August being the busiest months for tourism, the motorway has seen an influx of vehicles, including those heading to local fiestas, open-air concerts, and cultural events like the upcoming Swan Lake ballet at the Auditori Teulada Moraira.

The congestion was so severe that cars lined up for several kilometres at the Denia exit in an attempt to leave the motorway. Video footage captured the congestion, which has become a common sight during the summer season.

The traffic delays have highlighted the need for effective traffic management strategies, especially during peak holiday periods and special events. While specific event-related strategies were not detailed in the search results, the current strategies focus on improving infrastructure, ensuring tunnel safety, enforcing traffic laws, and managing toll charges.

One of the recent developments is the reopening of the AP-7 tunnel in Pilar de la Horadada (km 772), which was closed following a serious accident. The tunnel's reopening has helped restore traffic flow on a heavily used section of the motorway.

New traffic laws have also been implemented since January 2025, including fines and penalty points for unsafe driving behaviors such as using phones while driving, not maintaining proper distance, and dangerous parking. Additionally, in traffic jams on motorways, drivers are required to create an emergency corridor for first responders, reducing prolonged blockages.

There is ongoing public discussion about toll charges on the AP-7 and A-7 motorways, with calls to reduce toll fees to encourage drivers to use toll roads and alleviate congestion on parallel free routes. Despite recent increases in usage since the pandemic, high toll costs are seen as a deterrent for some drivers, which can contribute to congestion on alternative routes.

Authorities recommend that travellers plan their journeys in advance and consider avoiding peak hours to reduce congestion. As the summer continues, roads in the Costa Blanca are expected to remain busy, with thousands of tourists making their way to holiday destinations across the region.

Despite the traffic chaos, the Costa Blanca remains a popular destination for visitors due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant towns, and cultural and leisure activities. Our publication provides the latest news about Europe and Costa Blanca North, keeping you informed about the region's developments.

[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]

1. With the peak tourism season in full swing, many travelers are flocking to the Costa Blanca, not just for its picturesque beaches, vibrant towns, and cultural activities, but also for its real estate opportunities, as they seek to upgrade their lifestyles in this idyllic setting.
2. To complement their new homes in the Costa Blanca, some travelers are also on the lookout for luxurious cars and may even be willing to travel long distances for the perfect acquisition, contributing to the ongoing traffic on the AP-7 motorway.

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