'Panic' in Spain as beautiful city overrun by rats with British tourists warned

There are now fears of a rat plague in Alicante. (Image: Getty)

Rats have been seen swarming a beautiful Spanish city popular with British tourists, prompting fears of a potential illness outbreak as the rodents spread their germs. 

The southeastern city of Alicante has seen an influx of rats around the Plaza de San Blas area, prompting swift action from the council. 

Last week, locals complained of multiple rodent sightings around the areas green spaces that are currently under construction. 

Local government officials have been trying to get rid of them as they crowd around sewers and areas with grass and other vegetation. 

One resident posted a shocking video to social media showing rats appearing out of newly constructed walls and benches in the Plaza de San Blas development before jumping into the street.

Another person posted to videos to social media platform X showing rats climbing on trees, joking that the city should change its slogan to "Alicante: city, beach and RATS". 

A third local, Glorida Valor, warned of the "proliferation" of rats, adding that they are being caught by pets. She said "Areas next to the sports courts are attracting rats and my dog has found some."

More than 5.5 millions Brits visit the Costa Blanca each year, many of them specifically heading to Alicante. It also had a significant expat population.

The Plaza de San Blas development project started in April 2022 and has plagued the area with noisy construction, and now rats. 

It shiould have been completed in March 2023 but the original constructor announced they woud not be continuing with it, putting it on pause until April 2024. It's now set to be completed in 2025.

Alicante is extremely popular with British tourists. (Image: Getty)

The area will be completely remodelled, including new trees, pavements, benches, lighting, and a playground. 

Resident Felicidad Campillo expressed frustrations with the project that "is full of mistakes".

She said: "Nothing makes sense as it is more than two years late and it is full of mistakes. They have removed a lot of parking spaces and widened the pavements in an absurd way."