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Benidorm Cracks Down on Illegal Holiday Lets as First Fines Top €100,000

Benidorm / 16 July 2026

Benidorm City Council has issued its first fines against owners of illegal tourist accommodation, collecting more than €100,000 as the Costa Blanca resort steps up its campaign to tackle unlicensed holiday rentals.

The move comes one year after Benidorm was granted new powers to inspect and sanction tourist accommodation, making it one of the first municipalities in the Valencian Community to actively enforce the strengthened regional legislation aimed at regulating the booming short-term rental market.

The first four sanctions have now been completed, with each case originally carrying a fine of €50,001. However, the owners received a 50% reduction after accepting liability and making prompt payment, resulting in the council recovering more than €100,000 in total.

Nearly 200 Properties Investigated

According to Benidorm's Councillor for Commerce, Javi Jordá, the council has received 70 complaints concerning suspected illegal holiday lets since taking over enforcement responsibilities in mid-2025.

Those complaints have led inspectors to investigate 196 properties across the resort.

Of those:

107 properties were found to have the correct Valencian Tourist Use Housing (VUT) registration and were operating legally.
73 properties remain under investigation.
16 properties have been proposed for sanctions for operating without the required licences.
Four cases have already resulted in successful enforcement action and payment of fines.

Tougher Rules for Holiday Rentals

The crackdown follows changes introduced under Valencian Decree Law 9/2024, which significantly tightened regulations governing tourist accommodation across the region.

The legislation gives local councils greater authority to inspect, investigate and issue fines against illegal holiday rentals, while requiring tourist accommodation to meet stricter registration, planning and operational requirements. It also strengthens enforcement against properties marketed without the necessary authorisation.

Benidorm, one of Spain's busiest holiday destinations, has welcomed the additional powers as authorities seek to ensure all accommodation providers operate on a level playing field.

Protecting Residents and Legitimate Businesses

Councillor Jordá said each investigation begins following complaints from residents or communities of property owners, with Benidorm Local Police carrying out inspections before the Department of Commerce prepares the sanctioning file.

He stressed that every case follows a detailed legal process to ensure due process, meaning investigations can take several months before fines are imposed.

The City Council also submits quarterly reports to the Valencian Government detailing inspection activity and enforcement outcomes.

Officials believe the measures will help reduce unfair competition, improve standards within the holiday rental sector and address growing concerns over illegal tourist accommodation affecting residential communities.

Growing Focus Across Spain

The action in Benidorm reflects a wider trend across Spain, where regional and local authorities are introducing stricter controls on short-term holiday rentals in response to housing shortages, overtourism and concerns from residents.

The Costa Blanca remains one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. Local authorities say ensuring tourist accommodation complies with licensing requirements is essential to maintaining the resort's reputation while protecting both visitors and permanent residents.

With a further 12 enforcement cases currently progressing through the administrative system, Benidorm's crackdown on illegal holiday lets is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2026.

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA*-

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 17th–23rd August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another busy week of August, with beaches packed, nightlife in full swing and a mixture of fiestas, sport, music, family entertainment and summer activities taking place across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The biggest local celebrations continue in La Nucía, while Finestrat remains in the middle of its summer patron saint festivities. Benidorm has concerts, cinema and major music events, while the David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour brings international youth tennis to La Nucía throughout the week.

☀️ BENIDORM

🏖️ Beaches & Summer Activities

Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas remain at the heart of Benidorm's summer action, with swimming, water sports, boat trips and beach activities continuing throughout the week.

Popular activities include:

🏄 Paddleboarding and kayaking

🚤 Boat trips to Benidorm Island

🪂 Parasailing

🌊 Jet ski experiences

🏐 Beach volleyball

🏖️ Family beach activities

🌅 Sunset cruises

The giant BENIDORM letters on the Tamarindos Promenade remain a popular photo opportunity, while the city's beaches and waterfront continue to provide the perfect base for a classic August holiday.

🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski – 60 Years

The legendary Benidorm Cable Ski continues its 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades as one of Europe's pioneering cable-ski facilities.

🎶 Summer Entertainment

Benidorm's famous entertainment scene remains in full summer mode, with live tribute acts, cabaret, comedy, karaoke, DJs, rooftop venues, beach clubs and late-night shows continuing throughout the week.

The city's official cultural programme also continues with Concerts al Castell, running through Wednesday 19 August, and Cine en la Playa, which continues through Friday 21 August at Mal Pas Beach.

🎬 Cine en la Playa

The popular outdoor cinema programme continues at Playa del Mal Pas, with the 2026 series running from 7–21 August.

It's a great family-friendly option for anyone looking for something different from the usual nightlife.

🎵 Saturday 22 August – Big Music Night

Saturday brings a particularly busy night for music lovers.

🎧 Techno Flamenco Benidorm takes place at SkyFest from 6.00pm until midnight, combining electronic music, flamenco singers and live performances.

🔥 DBT Mob Fest takes over Penélope Benidorm, with a major urban-music line-up including Kidd Keo, Yung Sarria, Lil Gnar, Aleman and others.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

Albir remains a popular alternative to the busier centre of Benidorm, with its beaches, restaurants, evening atmosphere and famous coastal scenery.

🚶 Healthy & Outdoor Activities

The Albir coastline continues to be ideal for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, particularly in the cooler morning and evening hours.

The Albir Lighthouse Trail remains one of the area's must-do walks, offering spectacular views across the Serra Gelada coastline.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues during the summer season, providing adapted facilities and assistance for visitors with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the beach, coastal cycle routes, restaurants and evening entertainment around Albir.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations of the summer reaches its final two days this week.

Les Festes d’Agost run from 14–18 August 2026, with traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks-style pyrotechnic events, family activities and late-night entertainment.

📅 Monday 17 August

The celebrations continue with:

🌅 8.00am – Despertà through the town

⛪ 9.00am – Bell ringing

⛪ 10.00am – Santa Misa

🎉 12.00pm – Peña gathering at the San Rafael hermitage

🎺 1.00pm – Band entry

🎭 8.00pm – Gran Cabalgata Multicolor de Disfraces

🎶 12.30am – Gravity orchestra in Plaza Mayor

The colourful costume parade is one of the highlights of the fiestas.

📅 Tuesday 18 August – Final Day

The final day continues with traditional activities and the closing celebrations.

The 2026 programme includes the morning Despertà, religious celebrations and further festive activities, with a correfocs bringing the five-day fiesta programme to a spectacular close.

🎾 17–23 August – Tennis Europe David Ferrer

Away from the fiestas, La Nucía hosts an international junior tennis tournament throughout the week

The David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14 runs from 17–23 August at the David Ferrer facilities in La Nucía. It is a Category 2 Tennis Europe event on clay.

🏰 GUADALEST

The spectacular mountain village of Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular day trips.

Visitors can explore:

🏰 Guadalest Castle

🏛️ Historic museums

⛰️ Mountain viewpoints

🌿 Walking routes

☕ Traditional cafés

🛍️ Local shops and crafts

August is a particularly popular time to visit, although the mountain location can be considerably hotter during the middle of the day.

For a more comfortable experience, an early-morning or late-afternoon visit is recommended.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer rhythm with its historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and restaurants.

The Valor Chocolate Museum remains a popular daytime attraction, while the town's beaches and waterfront provide plenty of options for an evening stroll.

🎶 Friday 21 August

Music lovers can head to Roger's Temple in La Vila Joiosa for POP VIBES, featuring Aylenk.

The event is part of the venue's summer concert programme, with the performance scheduled for the evening and free entry advertised by the venue.

🌊 FINESTRAT

🎭 Patron Saint Festivities

Finestrat's major summer celebrations continue this week, with the Patron Saint festivities running from 15–24 August.

This means the town and surrounding areas remain particularly lively throughout the week, with traditional events, music, cultural activities and celebrations continuing through Sunday 23 August.

⚽ Monday 17 August – Local Football

Football fans have an extra option on Monday evening.

CF Benidorm face Villajoyosa CF in a pre-season friendly in Finestrat at 7.30pm.

🎨 ALTEA

Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's best destinations for a relaxed evening of culture, art, restaurants and sea views.

The historic old town, church square, galleries and waterfront remain busy throughout August.

🎨 Summer Art

Altea's summer exhibition programme continues, with art exhibitions providing an alternative to the beach during the hottest part of the day.

The town is also ideal for an evening wander through the old streets before dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.

🌉 Evening Altea

Visitors can enjoy:

🎨 Art galleries

🛍️ Artisan shopping

🍷 Old-town restaurants

🎶 Summer music

🌅 Sunset walks

📸 Views from the church square

🌴 SUMMER ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE MARINA BAIXA

Even without a major one-off event, there is plenty happening across the area this week.

🏖️ Beaches and coves

🚤 Boat trips

🏄 Water sports

🎢 Theme parks

💦 Water parks

🎿 Cable Ski

🚲 Cycling and coastal walks

🌅 Sunset cruises

🎶 Live music and nightlife

August remains peak season, so popular attractions, restaurants and evening shows can become busy — particularly from Friday through Sunday.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

Visitor numbers remain extremely high during the August peak season, so allow extra time for traffic and parking when travelling between Benidorm, Finestrat, La Nucía, Albir and Altea.

The combination of heat, dry vegetation and strong winds can also increase wildfire danger. Follow local restrictions, never light fires or barbecues where prohibited, and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

For outdoor activities, keep hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon where possible.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🎉 17 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

⚽ 17 Aug – CF Benidorm v Villajoyosa CF, Finestrat, 7.30pm

🎾 17–23 Aug – David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14, La Nucía

🎉 18 Aug – Final day of Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

🎶 19 Aug – Final Concerts al Castell, Benidorm

🎬 21 Aug – Final Cine en la Playa screening of the August programme, Benidorm

🎶 21 Aug – POP VIBES with Aylenk, Roger's Temple, Villajoyosa

🎧 22 Aug – Techno Flamenco, SkyFest Benidorm

🔥 22 Aug – DBT Mob Fest, Penélope Benidorm

🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season

🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing

🎉 La Nucía fiestas reach their finale

🎾 International junior tennis in La Nucía

⚽ Pre-season football in Finestrat

🎭 Finestrat patron saint celebrations continue

🎬 Outdoor cinema continues in Benidorm

🎶 Summer concerts continue across the Marina Baixa

🎧 Major music events in Benidorm on Saturday

♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues through summer

🎨 Altea's art, culture and old-town attractions remain popular

🌅 Beaches, sunsets and summer nightlife across the region

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The week of 17–23 August is expected to begin hot, with temperatures rising further towards the middle of the week before conditions become more unsettled later on.

AEMET's latest outlook indicates a significant increase in temperatures across Alicante province, with the hottest conditions expected around Wednesday and Thursday, followed by increasing cloud and a greater chance of showers or storms later in the week.

Visitors should:

💧 Drink plenty of water

🧴 Use high-factor sunscreen

🧢 Wear a hat during daytime activities

🌳 Seek shade during the hottest hours

🌅 Plan walks and outdoor activities for morning or evening

🔥 Take extra care because of the elevated wildfire risk

If you're attending outdoor events, check local weather and official warnings on the day, particularly towards the end of the week.

The message for this week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night — with La Nucía, Finestrat and Benidorm providing plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the Costa Blanca. 🌴☀️🎉