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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 | 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.