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Benidorm Invests Over €520,000 in Climate-Resilient Urban Space Near Levante Beach

 

Benidorm / 24 March 2026

 

The Benidorm City Council has approved a €520,503 investment to transform part of Avenida del Periodista Emilio Romero into a climate-resilient urban space, designed to reduce heat and improve conditions for residents and tourists.

 

The project will redevelop the section between Avenida de Alcoy and Avenida del Mediterráneo, close to Levante Beach, creating a pedestrian-priority zone with shade, greenery, and improved public facilities.

 

Funded through the EU-backed NextGenerationEU programme as part of the “Benidorm Vision 360” Tourism Sustainability Plan, the scheme is expected to be completed within three months.

 

Cooling the city: shade, greenery and innovation

The redevelopment will introduce a range of features aimed at tackling the urban heat island effect, including:

• Tree planting and new urban vegetation
• Shaded pergolas
• Seating and rest areas
• Misting systems to cool public spaces
• Hydration points
• New street furniture
• Accessible public toilets with inclusive facilities

 

The project also includes a full redesign of the street layout, prioritising pedestrian movement and universal accessibility, alongside upgrades to essential infrastructure such as water, drainage, irrigation, and street lighting systems.

 

Part of a wider sustainability strategy

Councillor José Ramón González de Zárate said the scheme will “improve environmental sustainability, adapt the city to climate change and enhance the quality of public space,” while reinforcing the connection between the seafront and the town centre.

 

Meanwhile, Councillor Aida García Mayor highlighted that the project forms part of a wider €6.1 million programme under the “Benidorm Vision 360” plan, which includes 16 initiatives focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, digital innovation and tourism competitiveness.

 

A response to rising temperatures

The design incorporates findings from Benidorm’s heat island study, aiming to reduce temperatures in one of the city’s busiest tourist areas. The new space is expected to provide a cooler, more comfortable environment in peak summer months, while enhancing the city’s long-term resilience to climate change.

 

The transformation of Avenida Emilio Romero is seen as a key step in Benidorm’s strategy to combine tourism development with environmental sustainability, positioning the city as a leader in climate-adapted urban design.