Local & Spanish

Althaia Beers Wins Prestigious Repsol Sun, Boosting Costa Blanca Food & Drink Scene

Altea / 27 March 2026

Craft brewery Althaia Beers has been awarded a coveted Repsol Guide Sun, cementing its reputation as one of the most distinctive food and drink destinations on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

The recognition from the Repsol Guide highlights establishments offering authentic, high-quality experiences, with Althaia’s brewery taproom concept singled out for blending craft beer, local gastronomy, and live cultural events in a single venue.

Located in Altea, the brewery’s taproom — open to the public from Friday to Sunday — has become a popular meeting point for both locals and international visitors, including tourists from the UK exploring the Costa Blanca.

A Unique Mix of Beer, Food and Culture

The award recognises Althaia’s distinctive approach, combining:

On-site brewed craft beers using local ingredients
A food offering focused on regional and artisan produce
A cultural programme of live music, often showcasing original artists

This multi-experience format has helped transform the venue into a standout gastronomic and cultural hub, setting it apart from more traditional bars and restaurants.

Growing Reputation in Spanish Craft Beer

Founded in 2014, Althaia Beers has built a strong reputation for quality and sustainability, earning over 40 national and international awards for its beers. The Repsol Sun recognition further strengthens its standing within Spain’s rapidly growing craft beer scene.

CEO Mayte Pardo described the award as recognition of the brewery’s broader vision: creating a space where visitors can enjoy not just beer, but a full cultural and social experience.

Appeal for UK Visitors

For UK tourists visiting the Costa Blanca, the award highlights a lesser-known, authentic alternative to traditional nightlife, offering a more local, experience-led option combining food, drink, and live entertainment.

As demand grows for sustainable and experience-based tourism, venues like Althaia are helping to reshape the region’s appeal beyond sun-and-beach holidays.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Althaia Beers Wins Prestigious Repsol Sun, Boosting Costa Blanca Food & Drink Scene

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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