Aluminum Pergolas in Alicante: Complete Guide, Prices and Comparisons

In Alicante the sun beats down and the breeze brings salt spray, so the choice isn’t just about aesthetics. Do you live near the sea, like San Juan Playa or Torrevieja? Then think about robust profiles and finishes that hold up. Specify Qualimarine powder coating and A4 stainless steel fasteners; and, if you’d rather avoid maintenance, note this: near the sea, rinse the structure with fresh water every 3–4 weeks so it doesn’t pit. If you want adjustable shade and airflow, adjustable bioclimatic louvers are great: close them when a summer shower hits and open them to ventilate at midday. For patios in Elche or San Vicente, where the salt spray is less of a problem, a 16 mm UV-protected polycarbonate lets in light without glare. Wind? On exposed penthouses (Benidorm, Orihuela Costa) ask for posts with a 100x100 or 120x120 mm section, substantial crossbeams, and proper anchors into real concrete, because 70–90 km/h gusts are unforgiving. If you want a cooler, drier feel, insulated sandwich panels block heat better than polycarbonate; if you prefer more light, polycarbonate wins. And if you don’t want to touch the facade, there are self-supporting options with hidden drainage that keep the terrace clean.

I’ll make it clear with examples. Bioclimatic: ideal for a windy penthouse in Benidorm; rotating louvers, shade on demand, and controlled rain. A motorized bioclimatic pergola 3×4 m typically ranges between €5,500 and €9,000, the manual one €3,500–€5,000, and installation takes 2–3 days. Polycarbonate: if in your Elche patio you need light without being in full sun, 16 mm multiwall polycarbonate with UV protection works and costs approx. €1,500–€2,800 for 3×3 m; watch out for heat buildup and rain noise. Tensioned fabric: cool, light shade at a villa in Mutxamel; a microperforated (PES/PVC) fabric 580–650 g/m² breathes better and sheds the wind; budget €2,000–€3,500, with a service life of 8–10 years if you keep it clean. What to choose? If you prioritize control and wind resistance: bioclimatic. If you want brightness and a tighter budget: polycarbonate. If you’re after cool shade and a light aesthetic: fabric. For exposed areas, combine 120×120 mm posts, rigid crossbeams and chemical anchoring in concrete; you’ll avoid nasty surprises when the Levante blows.

Before you screw anything down, two questions: is there a homeowners’ association and are you on the roof? Are you going to anchor to the facade? In the city of Alicante, a Responsible Declaration is usually enough for open pergolas, but confirm with the Planning Department and your property manager. Technically, specify M10–M12 chemical anchoring in concrete, minimum 200×200×8 mm base plates and drainage to a downpipe or garden; set a minimum 2% slope toward the gutter so it doesn’t pond. On San Juan penthouses, don’t improvise: do not drill the waterproofing without penetration sleeves and elastic sealant, or the water will end up in the neighbor’s home. Maintenance: quarterly cleaning with fresh water and neutral soap (monthly if you’re right on the seafront), check fasteners once a year and lubricate louver shafts with dry silicone. If there’s polycarbonate, avoid abrasives; if there’s fabric, keep it properly tensioned and remove leaves so mold doesn’t develop. Realistic timelines: 3–5 weeks for manufacturing and 1 day for installation on a simple 3×3; bioclimatic, 2–3 days. With these four rules and quarterly cleaning, your pergola will last for years without headaches.