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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 | 27 July - 2nd Aug 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another fantastic week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest weeks of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity, with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

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

Visitors continue flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's most popular new photo spots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive family activities
Meet-and-greet sessions
Benidorm Cable Ski – 60th Anniversary

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:

Live tribute shows
Comedy and cabaret
Karaoke
Rooftop bars
Beach clubs
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting thousands of visitors with spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things to enjoy:

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

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.

Popular attractions include:

Valor Chocolate Museum
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Seafront promenade
Artisan markets
Summer concerts
Beachfront restaurants

🏟️ La Nucía

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes
Summer Cultural Programme

Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:

Outdoor concerts
Local exhibitions
Evening entertainment
Family activities
Traditional markets

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities include:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Scenic countryside walks
Exploring the historic village
Relaxing at La Cala Beach
Shopping & Dining

La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:

Summer sales
Outdoor terraces
Beachfront restaurants
Family entertainment

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

Summer Safety

Enhanced summer policing remains in place across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas to help keep residents and visitors safe during the busy holiday period.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography tours

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
Evening artisan markets
Family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended attraction opening hours
Beach events and water sports
Live music every night

🌴 Quick Summary

✅ Beaches at full summer capacity
🧜 Aqua Natura's Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled BENIDORM letters remain a must-see
♿ Accessible bathing service at Albir extended until September
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail welcomes walkers daily
🎨 Altea's summer arts programme continues
🎶 Live music and nightlife across the Costa Blanca
🚔 Enhanced summer policing remains in place
☀️ Peak holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of hot, sunny Mediterranean weather is forecast.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evening: 24°C–27°C

A yellow heat warning remains in place in parts of Alicante Province, with temperatures expected to peak during the afternoon. Visitors are advised to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the day and keep up to date with local weather and wildfire warnings.