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Benidorm Bullring Set for €15m Transformation into Cultural and Youth ‘Open Arena’

Benidorm / 9 April 226

The town’s bullring is set to be transformed into a major cultural, leisure and youth hub under a €15 million regeneration project confirmed by Benidorm City Council.

The scheme, known as the “Benidorm Open Arena”, will see the ageing structure and its surrounding area redeveloped into a modern multi-purpose public space, combining culture, community use and youth facilities. The proposal is due to be presented at an extraordinary plenary session as the council prepares to launch the tender process.

€15 Million Investment with EU Support

The project has secured €6.4 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Integrated Action Plans for Local Entities (EDIL), with the remaining investment covered by municipal resources.

Mayor Toni Pérez described the initiative as “an ambitious project” that will deliver new spaces for culture, knowledge, entertainment and community life, while also improving connections between key neighbourhoods.

Transforming a Historic Space

At the heart of the project is the full rehabilitation of the bullring, which will be converted into a flexible venue capable of hosting concerts, cultural performances, sporting events and community activities. The redevelopment reflects a wider trend in Spain of repurposing traditional venues for modern public use.

Three-Part Regeneration Plan

The “Benidorm Open Arena” will be delivered through three key elements:

Arena Live: Transformation of the bullring into a multifunctional cultural, social and sporting venue

Arena Joven: Creation of a modern, inclusive youth centre focused on training, leisure and participation

Arena Meeting: Urban regeneration works to improve connectivity between Els Tolls, Foietes-Colonia Madrid and the town centre via l’Aigüera

These improvements aim to better integrate the site into the city while enhancing accessibility between densely populated districts.

Technical Complexity and Delivery

Due to the current condition of the structure — including potential issues such as corrosion,

internal cracking and deterioration — the council will adopt a combined design-and-build tender process. This approach allows construction solutions to be adapted as work progresses, ensuring safety, efficiency and reduced financial risk.

Officials say this method is essential given the technical uncertainty involved, as many structural issues can only be fully identified during the rehabilitation process.

Governance and Additional Measures

In line with EU funding requirements, a fraud risk self-assessment committee has been established to oversee the correct management of funds and ensure transparency throughout the project.

Alongside the Open Arena plans, the same plenary session will also address a new regulated parking contract, including blue zone management, towing services and the introduction of green and orange parking zones.

A Strategic Step for the City

The redevelopment is being positioned as a key investment in Benidorm’s future, helping to diversify the town beyond tourism by strengthening cultural infrastructure, supporting young people and improving urban connectivity.

Key Facts

Total investment: €15 million
ERDF funding: €6.4 million
Transformation of Benidorm bullring
New cultural, events and sports venue
Creation of a youth centre
Improved connectivity between neighbourhoods

🌴 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.