Cabo Roig cliff path reopening stalled again despite council takeover
Orihuela Council now officially owns the Aguamarina pedestrian path and is “committed” to reopening it
Most Orihuela Costa residents were probably hoping for the best while expecting the worst, and unfortunately, they haven’t been disappointed. The reopening of the blocked Aguamarina path along the Cabo Roig cliff walk has hit another snag, despite now being officially owned by Orihuela City Council.
The council completed the expropriation process this Tuesday August 12, signing the occupation act that confirmed it as the full owner of the section of promenade connecting Calle Levante in Cabo Roig with the Aguamarina calisthenics park. Representatives from the Bellavista community, the former owners, did not attend the signing.
But in practice, the path remains blocked at both ends and its reopening depends on a court approving municipal aid for the work. The walls and gates that have closed the passage since December 2021 are still standing.
The issue has been dragging on for years and the blocked path means that walkers enjoying the coastal path have to detour around the tiny strip of land in front of the Bellavista houses, which adds more than 15 minutes to their journey.
Speaking at the locked gate this week, a council spokesperson said that "in the face of the community's refusal to facilitate access," it has "chosen to act with the utmost prudence and responsibility, requesting judicial assistance so that the opening is carried out with all legal guarantees and in an environment of absolute safety for all parties."
The closure dates back to December 2021 when a court recognised the section as private property. In 2013, the community built a wall blocking the passage.
Between 2015 and 2021 the council reopened it, but a later ruling sided with the residents due to procedural irregularities and lack of ownership, and it was blocked off again.
Disagreements over valuation prolonged the expropriation process. The council valued the 200-square-metre section of path, about 60 linear metres, at €9,113, while the property owners wanted €3 million. In April 2025, the Provincial Expropriation Jury set the fair price at €26,180. On July 11, the Bellavista community rejected the council's deposited check.
Despite this latest setback, Orihuela City Council remains "committed" to reopening the promenade, stating that "the action will always be carried out in accordance with the law, guaranteeing both the protection of the residents and the defence of the general interest."
Once the court approves its demolition, €60,000 has been allocated to pull down the barrier and remodel the path for public use while preserving the privacy of nearby residents.
Image: Unidos X La Costa
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