Alquézar launches parking scheme to balance residents’ needs and tourism

The Town Council of Alquézar has launched an innovative parking-management scheme to improve access for residents and regulate the rising number of visitors to the historic town. The initiative establishes ten parking zones with around 400 regulated spaces for cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and people with reduced mobility. Six of these areas are reserved for residents, including those from nearby Radiquero and San Pelegrín, while the remaining four are for visitors.

Access to the town is now controlled by barriers at the main entrance, which recognise authorised vehicle registrations and redirect other drivers to designated parking areas. At secondary entry points, surveillance cameras record vehicle details, supporting enforcement and providing data on visitor flows. Parking meters have been introduced in controlled zones, and new signage and marked spaces guide drivers more efficiently.

To ensure fair use, permits distinguish between different groups of users:

• Green – permanent residents of Alquézar, Radiquero and San Pelegrín
• Orange – second-home owners
• Blue – people working in Alquézar

More than half of the expected permits have already been issued in the early stages of the rollout.

Mayor Ana Blasco acknowledged that implementing such a system is a considerable challenge but stressed its importance for balancing commnity needs with tourism demands. She thanked residents for their cooperation, underlining that the changes aim to safeguard daily life and preserve the character of one of Spain’s officially recognised “Most Beautiful Towns.”

Author: Sara Mecatti

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.