What Visitors in Costa Ballena Need to Know
If you are staying in Costa Ballena this thursday (Nov 20, 2025) you may notice unusual activity when the regional government of Andalusia carries out the largest tsunami preparedness drill ever held in Spain. The exercise involves more than 20,000 people across the province and is designed to test emergency alerts, response times, coordination between public agencies, and protection of cultural heritage.
Experts note that although a major tsunami is unlikely to strike southern Spain in any given year, it is still considered a plausible long-term risk. The region’s seismic past shows that the possibility is real enough for authorities to prepare for it, even if the chances remain small.
While the main part of the drill takes place in Cádiz city, both Rota and Chipiona – the two municipalities that Costa Ballena belongs to – will actively participate through their local emergency plans.
This means visitors may hear alarms, see emergency vehicles, or receive a message on their mobile phones. Everything is part of the simulation and there is no real danger.
When and what will happen?
📱 10:03 AM – ES-Alert message to all mobile phones
At exactly 10:03, the nationwide emergency system ES-Alert will send a loud, full-screen message to all mobile phones located near the coast, including:
- Costa Ballena
- Rota town
- Chipiona
- All surrounding coastal areas
The message will clearly state that it is a simulation.
The alert will repeat until you tap “Accept”.
Authorities ask everyone not to call 112, since it is only a drill.
What will happen in Rota and Chipiona?
Even though the large public evacuations and school exercises take place in Cádiz city, the coastal towns of Rota and Chipiona will both activate their local emergency plans.
In Rota:
- Several schools have already informed parents that they will participate.
- Additional municipal buildings may conduct internal evacuation tests.
- Local police and Protección Civil will activate communication protocols.
In Chipiona:
- As a coastal municipality, Chipiona is also part of the regional plan.
- Emergency services may run internal coordination drills.
- ES-Alert messages will be sent throughout the area, including the Costa Ballena sector situated within Chipiona’s boundaries.
For visitors in Costa Ballena, this mostly means you may hear sounds from alarms, megaphones, or emergency vehicles for a short period.
Is there any evacuation in Costa Ballena?
No large public evacuation is planned in Costa Ballena.
The drill here focuses mainly on communication systems, internal coordination, and the ES-Alert warning message. There are no designated gathering points or public movement expected in the resort area.
You can remain at your accommodation, on the golf course, at the beach, or wherever you are.
No action is required from visitors.
Why is this happening?
The exercise, called Respuesta25, is designed to simulate the effects of a major offshore earthquake similar to the one that triggered the historical Lisbon tsunami in 1755. Although such events are rare, the regional government emphasises the importance of preparation:
- Testing how fast emergency services can respond
- Ensuring communication channels work
- Teaching schools, companies, and local authorities how to act
- Improving coordination between towns along the coast
This is part of a broader commitment to strengthen safety and resilience across the region.
What should visitors do?
- Stay calm – the alert and any alarms are part of the planned exercise.
- Do not call 112 when you receive the ES-Alert message.
- Press “Accept” on your phone to silence the alert.
- Carry on with your day – hotels, golf courses, shops, and beaches remain open as normal.
If you hear sirens or see emergency vehicles, it is simply the local authorities carrying out their scheduled procedures.
In short
Costa Ballena, Rota, and Chipiona are taking part in a major safety drill, but the impact on visitors will be minimal. You may hear alarms or receive a message, but there is no real emergency, and no action is required.