The history of this beautiful part of Spain, where so many people now choose to spend their holidays and others buy a villa and make it their home, has had some darker moments in the past. The Spanish Civil War tore through Spain, leaving its mark on the Costa Blanca.
The civil war split the Costa Blanca, with Alicante supporting a Republican stronghold because of the number of working-class citizens with left-wing feelings. However, some of the richer coastal towns and rural areas were more in favour of Franco’s Nationalist faction. This causes division among families and communities, truly disrupting the usually idyllic, relaxed Spanish way of life.
The Republican government tried to defend the Costa Blanca with military fortifications being erected I haste along the coast in case the Nationalists invaded from the sea. Militia made up of both volunteers and regular soldiers were formed to help defend the region. International brigades brought volunteers from several countries to fight fascism in Spain.
Alicante was a crucial port and became a target for the Nationalists, and the city endured endless air strikes throughout the war. In March of 1939, a major offensive was launched against the city, culminating in the Battle of Alicante. Although the local Republicans were outnumbered and had few weapons, they put up a valiant fight but, were eventually forced to surrender. This marked the end of Republican resistance in Costa Blanca.
The war left a scar on the Costa Blanca, thousands of lives were lost, families were torn apart, and the economy suffered; After the Nationalists claimed their victory, a period of repression followed. Many Republicans faced imprisonment or execution.
The popularity of this area has now returned, attracting both tourists and people who would like to move here and buy a property Costa Blanca. However, the regions history and war-torn past should be remembered and there are several memorials and museums commemorating and honouring those who fought in the war. They remind us of the human cost of conflict and the importance of fighting for both freedom and democracy. One person honoured in Alicante was a Welshman named Archibald Dickson. He was a British sea captain who rescued thousands of Spanish Republicans in March 1939. He defied orders and evacuated nearly 2,600 refugees from Alicante on his cargo ship Stanbrook, saving them for Franco and his troops.
Those who are interested in the history of the Costa Blanca and the areas involved in the Spanish Civil War might also be interested in visiting the historical archives in Alicante and a preserved bomb shelter, which gives an idea of how civilians had to live during the air-raids on Alicante.
The war effected the whole of the Costa Blanca region and the coastal towns of Calpe, Moraira, Javea and Denia saw some of the political division mentioned previously. The fishing folk were more likely to lean towards Republicanism, while the wealthy landowners and those already connected to the early tourist industry were more in favour of Franco’s Nationalists, which caused strained relations. Tourism was, of course, disrupted by the war and many restrictions to trade and disruptions to transport links also badly affected the local economy. The fear of living on the coast and being an easy target of Nationalist warships, in addition to the air raids, led to food shortages and immense fear throughout the daily lives of the locals. Inland, the disruption of trade routes caused problems for the agricultural areas of the Jalon Valley, who would have found it difficult to sell the grapes, raisins, almonds, and olives grown there and some production may have been difficult because of limited supplies.
The peace of this beautiful region has now thankfully been restored, the economy has grown and many once again flock here to enjoy the warmth of both the weather and the people. If you are amongst those who would like to buy a house in the Costa Blanca to enjoy its beauty on a more regular or permanent basis, then please do contact Hamiltons Real Estate (formally Hamiltons of London), We love this area of Spain and would love to show it to you.
Information written in 2024 by your Hamiltons Real Estate team.
