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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

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 20–26 July 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 continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
Family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at major attractions
Evening artisan markets
Live music every night across the region
Beach events throughout the week

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports operating at full summer capacity
🧜 Aqua Natura's International Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled "BENIDORM" letters remain a major attraction
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting walkers
🎨 Altea's summer arts and cultural programme continues
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather is expected.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.