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Aqua Natura Benidorm Hosts Spain's Largest Ever Gathering of Mermaids and Mermen

Benidorm / 9 July 2026

Benidorm is making waves this week as Aqua Natura Benidorm welcomes the 6th International Mermaids & Mermen Convention (IMMC), bringing together performers, instructors and enthusiasts from around the world for what is now recognised as Spain's largest mermaiding event.

Running from 8 to 12 July, the five-day convention transforms the Costa Blanca resort into Europe's mermaiding capital, with spectacular underwater performances, international competitions, professional workshops and environmental activities highlighting the importance of protecting the Mediterranean Sea.

The event, organised by Sirenas Spain and Divertysub, continues to grow in popularity and further strengthens Benidorm's reputation as a destination capable of hosting unique international tourism and sporting events.

Europe’s biggest mermaiding event

Founded in 2020 as a national gathering, the International Mermaids & Mermen Convention has rapidly evolved into one of Europe's leading mermaiding festivals.

Organisers expect thousands of visitors over the five-day event, with participants travelling from countries including:

Spain
France
Germany
Switzerland
United States
China
Colombia

The convention combines aquatic performance, freediving, artistic expression and marine conservation, attracting both professionals and families.

International stars of the mermaid world

This year's convention features some of the biggest names in the international mermaiding community.

Among those attending are:

Claire La Sirène, France's first professional mermaid and director of the Paris Aquarium's mermaid team.
Ingrid Miss Mermaid, Miss Mermaid France & International 2016 and certified PADI instructor.
Capitol Merman, professional performer and Netflix collaborator.
Mermaid Germany, founder of the international Merlympics competition.
Mermaid Tanidia, founder of Geneva Mermaids.
Mermaid Zheng, CEO of Braveeer Tails.
Thessa Mermaid, academy founder and voice actress.

Visitors will also have opportunities to meet performers, watch live demonstrations and take part in specialist workshops.

More than costumes and performances

Although famous for its colourful tails and underwater shows, mermaiding has grown into an internationally recognised discipline combining:

Swimming
Freediving
Artistic performance
Water safety
Environmental education

The activity has expanded significantly over the past decade, with official training programmes, competitions and professional performers now working in aquariums, marine parks and film productions around the world.

Conservation takes centre stage

Environmental awareness remains a major focus of this year's convention.

On 9 July, participants will join an educational event at Mal Pas Beach in collaboration with Benidorm City Council's Environment Department to highlight the importance of Posidonia oceanica, the Mediterranean seagrass that plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality, protecting coastlines and supporting marine biodiversity.

The initiative aims to encourage both residents and tourists to help safeguard one of the Mediterranean's most valuable ecosystems.

Family entertainment throughout the week

The programme includes:

International mermaid performances
Posidonia 2026 Competition
Underwater exhibitions
Children's activities
Educational workshops
Environmental talks
Boat excursions
Themed evening events
Meet-and-greet sessions with professional performers

Activities are designed for visitors of all ages, making the convention one of Benidorm's most unusual family attractions this summer.

Tourism boost for Benidorm

Events such as the International Mermaids & Mermen Convention form part of Benidorm's wider strategy to diversify its tourism offer beyond traditional beach holidays.

By hosting international sporting, cultural and environmental events throughout the year, the city continues to strengthen its position as one of Spain's leading year-round tourist destinations.

With hotels, restaurants and attractions benefiting from the additional visitors, organisers say the convention also provides an important boost to the local economy during the busy summer season.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.