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Benidorm Holds Minute's Silence as Spain Mourns Victims of Devastating Almería Wildfire

Benidorm / 11 July 2026

Benidorm has joined communities across Spain in paying tribute to the victims of the devastating Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería, with a minute's silence held outside City Hall as the country continues to grapple with one of its deadliest wildfires in more than two decades.

The silent gathering, organised in response to a nationwide call by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), was led by First Deputy Mayor Ana Pellicer, accompanied by members of the Benidorm City Council and municipal staff.

The ceremony honoured those who lost their lives, expressed solidarity with their families and recognised the extraordinary efforts of firefighters, military personnel, police officers, medical teams and volunteers who continue working in the disaster zone.

Death Toll Continues to Rise

Spanish authorities say at least 12 people have now died, while 23 others remain missing, making the blaze one of the worst to hit Spain in recent years. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by military emergency units, helicopters and aircraft, remain on the ground battling the fire, which has destroyed thousands of hectares of woodland around Los Gallardos and Bédar in Andalucía.

Four Britons Feared Among the Dead

Among the victims are four people believed to be British, whose bodies were discovered inside a burnt-out right-hand-drive vehicle. Although formal identification is still underway, Andalusian emergency officials believe the victims were likely UK nationals based on the vehicle and other initial evidence. The UK Foreign Office is understood to be working closely with Spanish authorities and providing consular support to affected families.

Officials believe many of the fatalities occurred after residents attempted to flee the rapidly advancing flames, despite emergency advice in some areas to shelter in place or follow designated evacuation routes. Strong winds, extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C and exceptionally dry vegetation caused the fire to spread with extraordinary speed, trapping vehicles and cutting off escape routes.

National Mourning

The FEMP called on municipalities across Spain to hold a minute's silence to express "mourning, respect and solidarity" with the victims, their loved ones and everyone affected by the tragedy.

Benidorm's tribute reflected the close ties between the Costa Blanca and Andalucía, where many residents, holidaymakers and expatriates travel regularly. The ceremony also recognised the dedication of the emergency services whose rapid response has saved countless lives despite the scale of the disaster.

Fire Risk Remains Critical

The wildfire is believed to have started after a power line fell into dry vegetation, although investigations continue. Authorities have warned that ongoing heatwaves and prolonged drought have significantly increased wildfire risks across southern Spain, prompting renewed calls for vigilance during the peak summer season.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and regional leaders have expressed their condolences, while Andalucía has declared official mourning as recovery and search operations continue.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by extreme weather events across southern Europe and the importance of following emergency evacuation guidance during fast-moving wildfires.

🌴 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.