Glass curtains are a system of tempered-glass panels with no vertical framing that fold concertina-style to enclose a terrace without losing the view or natural light. The average price on the Costa Blanca is €280 to €450 per square metre installed, putting the total cost of a typical terrace enclosure (8-12 m²) between €2,500 and €5,500. It is the most elegant way to convert an open terrace into a year-round usable space while keeping the outdoor feel that defines the Mediterranean lifestyle.
On the Costa Blanca, with over 300 days of sun, frequent coastal breezes, and temperatures that allow outdoor living from March to November, glass curtains solve the main problem of open terraces: the wind. This guide covers how they work, what they cost, what permits you need, and the step-by-step installation process.
How do glass curtains work?
Glass curtains consist of individual tempered-glass panels 10 mm or 12 mm thick, suspended from an upper aluminium track. Each panel typically measures 60 to 100 cm wide with a maximum height of 260 cm (some systems handle up to 310 cm).
Folding system
- Upper track: An anodised aluminium guide fixed to the ceiling or lintel. Panels slide laterally along this track.
- Lower track: Either a guide recessed into the floor or a simple profile the panels rest on. Some systems use only the upper track (no lower guide), which improves accessibility.
- Concertina folding: Panels rotate 90° and stack against each other at one end of the opening, taking up minimum space (each folded panel occupies about 10-12 cm of width).
- Partial opening: You can open just some panels for controlled ventilation without opening the whole enclosure.
Glass types
| Glass type | Thickness | Thermal insulation | Acoustic insulation | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear tempered | 10 mm | Basic | 28-30 dB | Standard |
| Clear tempered | 12 mm | Basic-medium | 30-32 dB | +10-15% |
| Tempered with solar control | 10 mm | Medium (40% heat reduction) | 28-30 dB | +20-25% |
| Laminated (double-sheet) | 5+5 mm | Medium | 35-38 dB | +30-40% |
| Double glazing | 6+cavity+6 mm | High (60% heat reduction) | 38-42 dB | +60-80% |
For Alicante we recommend 10 mm tempered glass with solar-control treatment. Solar control reduces heat transmission by 40%, which makes a huge difference in July and August when the outdoor temperature exceeds 35°C.
How much do glass curtains cost in Alicante?
Price depends on the chosen system, glass type, height, installation complexity, and whether the opening has irregular shapes.
Price per square metre (installed)
| System | Price per m² | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €280-350 | 10 mm tempered glass, upper and lower tracks, no lock |
| Mid-range | €350-420 | 10 mm glass with solar control, upper track, lock, reinforced hinges |
| Premium | €420-550 | 12 mm or laminated glass, no-lower-track system, multipoint lock, premium finishes |
Sample total prices
To give you a concrete reference, these are the approximate costs for typical enclosures in Alicante apartments and penthouses:
| Project | Opening dimensions | Glazed surface | Estimated price (mid-range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small balcony | 3 m × 2.2 m | 6.6 m² | €2,300-2,800 |
| Apartment terrace | 4 m × 2.5 m | 10 m² | €3,500-4,200 |
| Penthouse terrace (one side) | 5 m × 2.5 m | 12.5 m² | €4,400-5,300 |
| Penthouse terrace (two sides) | 5 m + 3 m × 2.5 m | 20 m² | €7,000-8,400 |
| Villa terrace | 6 m × 2.8 m | 16.8 m² | €5,900-7,100 |
Note: prices include VAT, on-site measurement, custom manufacturing, and installation. They do not include preparatory building work (such as levelling the floor or reinforcing the parapet).
What permits do you need to enclose a terrace with glass curtains?
This is one of the most important points and where most questions arise. Rules vary depending on your situation:
Community of owners (your building’s HOA)
- Required in most cases. Enclosing a terrace modifies the building façade, which is a common element. You need approval from the community of owners’ meeting (“junta de propietarios”), normally a 3/5 majority of owners and participation quotas.
- Exception: if the community previously approved a standard enclosure type that all owners can install, a notification may be enough.
- Tip: bring a formal proposal to the meeting with images of the system, a glass sample, and a written commitment that the installation is reversible (glass curtains can be removed without leaving damage to the façade).
Council licence (town hall)
- Prior notification or “declaración responsable”: in most Costa Blanca municipalities, glass curtains are considered a removable element that does not count as enclosed built area. They are usually processed as minor works with a prior notification.
- Licence cost: €50 to €300, depending on the council.
- Typical paperwork: site plan, materials description, written commitment that the system is removable and does not alter the structure.
- Important warning: some Costa Blanca councils (especially in tourist zones) are stricter. Always check before installing. See our planning permission guide for pergolas and awnings for the seven main councils.
Urban planning rules
- Local urban plan (PGOU): check that your terrace allows enclosure under the urban planning rules for your zone. In general, glass curtains are not considered fixed enclosures and have lighter regulation than aluminium or PVC windows.
- Listed buildings: if your building has any heritage protection grade, you’ll need specific authorisation from the regional Heritage department (“Patrimonio”).
Our recommendation: before buying, check with your property administrator (“administrador de fincas”) about the community’s position, and call your council’s urban planning department. We advise you through the whole process.
What does the installation process look like step by step?
Step 1: Technical visit and measurement (day 1)
A technician visits your terrace to:
- Take precise opening measurements (width, height, plumb deviations, level differences).
- Assess the parapet condition (will it support the system’s load?).
- Check the plumb and level of the ceiling (tracks need reasonably flat surfaces).
- Determine the opening direction and the stacking point.
- Advise on the best glass type.
Step 2: Custom manufacturing (2-4 weeks)
Panels are made to measure in the factory:
- Tempered glass cut to exact dimensions.
- Tempering at 620°C (tempered glass is 4-5 times stronger than standard glass).
- Edge polishing and safety bevelling.
- Drilling for hardware.
- Custom-made aluminium track.
Step 3: Opening preparation (if needed)
Sometimes preparatory work is required before installation:
- Floor levelling: if the level difference exceeds 5 mm, a levelling layer is applied. Cost: €100-300.
- Parapet reinforcement: if the wall isn’t solid enough. Cost: €200-500.
- Drip-edge installation: to drain any water that may filter through the lower track. Cost: €50-150.
Step 4: Installation (4-8 hours)
The installation itself is relatively quick and clean:
- Upper track fixing to the ceiling or lintel with stainless-steel screws (every 40-50 cm).
- Lower track fixing to the floor or parapet (if the system requires it).
- Panel hanging one by one onto the upper track.
- Hinge and roller adjustment for smooth sliding.
- Lock and end-stop installation.
- Function test: opening, closing, full folding.
- Fine-tuning: panel alignment, pressure adjustment.
Step 5: Handover and demonstration
The installer explains:
- How to open, close and fold correctly.
- How to clean the panels and tracks.
- What to do if a panel jams.
- Warranty and after-sales contact.
What are the advantages of glass curtains?
Unobstructed views
Unlike aluminium or PVC enclosures, glass curtains have no vertical frames to break up the view. The sense of transparency is total. On the Costa Blanca, where many terraces have sea or mountain views, this is a deciding factor.
Maximum natural light
Clear tempered glass lets through more than 85% of natural light. Your enclosed terrace still feels like a bright outdoor space, not just another room.
Wind protection
Glass curtains eliminate the air currents that make many Costa Blanca terraces uncomfortable, especially:
- Poniente days: gusts of 50-80 km/h (the dry westerly wind) turn the terrace into an inhospitable place. With curtains closed, you can use the space without the buffeting.
- Afternoon coastal breezes: pleasant in July, but a nuisance in March or November when temperatures drop.
- Inter-building wind tunnels: very common in coastal urbanisations.
Noise reduction
A 10 mm glass enclosure cuts outside noise by 28-30 decibels. That matters if your terrace faces a busy street, the N-332 motorway, or a beachfront promenade in high season.
Controlled greenhouse effect (in winter)
From November to February, closed glass curtains create a greenhouse effect that can raise the terrace temperature 8-15°C above outside. In January, when outside temperature on the Costa Blanca is around 10-12°C, your enclosed terrace can sit at 20-25°C with no heating.
Increased property value
A terrace enclosed with glass curtains is perceived as additional liveable space. According to local property valuers, it can increase your home’s value by 5-12% depending on terrace size and installation quality. On a €150,000 apartment with a 10 m² terrace, the value uplift (€7,500-18,000) far exceeds the investment (€3,500-4,500).
Furniture protection
Direct sun, rain, salt air, and Saharan dust (“calima”) deteriorate terrace furniture quickly. With curtains closed, your outdoor furniture lasts 3-4 times longer.
What are the limitations?
It’s important to be transparent about what glass curtains do not do:
They are not airtight
Glass curtains are not windows. There is a 2-3 mm gap between each panel that allows natural ventilation but also lets in:
- Water during heavy rain with side wind: drops can penetrate between panels. Premium systems minimise this with brush seals, but don’t eliminate it completely.
- Fine dust: Saharan “calima” can partly enter.
- Air: there is permanent residual ventilation, which is an advantage in summer (prevents overheating) but a drawback on the coldest winter days.
Condensation
On cold winter mornings (January-February) it’s normal for condensation to form on the inside of the glass. It clears as temperatures rise, but you’ll need a cloth to wipe it off if you want to keep the transparency.
They don’t count as habitable area
For cadastral and planning purposes, a terrace enclosed with glass curtains generally does not count as enclosed built area (because it’s a removable system). This is good news (no extra IBI council tax), but it means you can’t sell it as a “room” on a property deed.
Excessive heat in summer
Without complementary sun protection, a south- or southwest-facing glass-curtain terrace can hit 45-50°C in July and August. You must combine the curtains with an awning, a pergola, or solar-control glass.
How do you combine glass curtains with pergolas?
This is the premium combination that maximises terrace use across all 365 days of the year:
Bioclimatic pergola + side glass curtains
- The pergola covers the top with adjustable louvres, regulating light and protecting from rain.
- The glass curtains close the sides, blocking wind and creating a fully sheltered space.
- Result: an outdoor lounge with full control over sun, rain, wind, and temperature.
- Indicative price (4 × 3 m): €7,000-12,000 (pergola) + €3,000-5,000 (glass curtains for two sides) = €10,000-17,000 total.
Retractable awning + front glass curtains
- The awning provides overhead shade when extended.
- The glass curtains at the front block wind when the awning is retracted.
- Result: a more economical solution than the above, with partial rain protection (only when the awning is extended).
- Indicative price (4 × 2.5 m): €1,500-2,500 (awning) + €3,500-4,500 (curtains) = €5,000-7,000 total.
See more combination options on our bioclimatic pergolas page.
How do you maintain glass curtains?
Maintenance is minimal but important to ensure smooth operation for years:
Glass cleaning (every 2-4 weeks)
- Use standard glass cleaner with a microfibre cloth or squeegee.
- On the Costa Blanca, salt air and Saharan dust dirty the glass faster than inland. Clean after every “calima” episode.
- Don’t use abrasive scourers or metal scrapers - they can scratch tempered glass.
Track cleaning (every 3 months)
- Vacuum or blow out the dust and sand that accumulates in the upper and lower tracks.
- Wipe with a damp cloth.
- If panels start sliding stiffly, apply a thin coat of silicone spray to the upper track.
Hinge and roller check (annually)
- Confirm all hinges turn smoothly.
- Check that track rollers don’t make noise.
- If a panel doesn’t close properly, adjust the regulation screws (the installer shows you how at handover).
Wear-part replacement
- Rollers: every 8-12 years. Cost: €15-30 per panel.
- Sealing strips: every 5-8 years. Cost: €5-10 per linear metre.
- A broken panel: if a panel breaks (accidental knock, object impact), it can be replaced individually without dismantling the system. Cost: €150-350 per panel, depending on size and glass type.
What specific benefits do they bring in Alicante’s climate?
Extended terrace season
- Without glass curtains: the terrace is comfortable from May to September (5 months).
- With glass curtains: the terrace is comfortable from February to November (10 months), and usable even on sunny December and January days.
- Gain: 5 additional months of use, which justifies the investment economically in 3-4 years if you consider the cost per day of use.
Poniente protection
The Poniente westerly is the great enemy of Costa Blanca terraces. Hot, dry, and with gusts that can reach 80 km/h, it makes any open terrace unliveable. Closed glass curtains block the wind completely while keeping views and light.
Lower energy bills
By creating an additional air buffer between outside and the home interior, glass curtains reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer (when combined with sun protection). Studies by Spain’s energy efficiency agency (IDAE) estimate energy savings of 10-20% on heating and cooling for homes with properly ventilated glazed terraces. To maximise the saving, combine them with high-efficiency PVC windows.
Salt-air and Saharan-dust protection
Salt air corrodes metal furniture and degrades textiles within months. The “calima” deposits an abrasive dust layer on every surface. With curtains closed, your terrace is protected from both, drastically reducing furniture maintenance.
Is now the right time to enclose your terrace?
If you live on the Costa Blanca and have a terrace you don’t use as much as you’d like because of wind, winter cold, or occasional rain, glass curtains are probably the highest-return investment you can make in your home. With an investment of €3,000-5,500 you double the time you use the terrace and increase the property value by more than you’ve spent.
See all options on our glass curtains page or request a free no-obligation quote. We visit your terrace, take measurements, and present a detailed proposal within 48 hours.
