Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Benidorm / 9 May 2026
Benidorm’s famous Elche Park has once again been transformed into a bustling medieval marketplace as the city celebrates the 701st anniversary of the granting of its historic Charter of Settlement by Admiral Bernat de Sarrià in 1325.
The popular Medieval Market, organised by the Independent Association of Merchants (AICO) with support from Benidorm City Council, officially opened this week and will continue throughout the weekend, attracting residents, tourists and families from across the Costa Blanca.
Nearly 70 stalls and live medieval entertainment
Stretching across Elche Park and Alcalde José Such Ortega Street, the market features almost 70 artisan, craft and food stalls inspired by medieval Spain.
Visitors can enjoy:
The market remains open daily from 11am until 11pm.
Official opening led by city representatives
The opening ceremony was attended by Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez, local councillors, festival queens Laura Ivars and Carmen Guillem, their courts of honour, and Comissió de Festes president Ramón Cano.
A medieval parade and live dance performance accompanied the official tour of the market stalls, creating a lively atmosphere in the city centre and drawing large crowds of visitors and holidaymakers.
Boost for tourism and local business
The annual event has become one of Benidorm’s most important cultural weekends outside the summer high season, helping to support local businesses, restaurants and tourism in the old town area.
Local organisers say the market combines history, commerce and entertainment while celebrating Benidorm’s origins long before it became one of Europe’s leading holiday destinations.
The Medieval Market closes on Sunday evening before returning again next year.

Overview
This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:
Weekly markets and street trading
Live music in bars and small venues
Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)
Small cultural events and exhibitions
Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm
BENIDORM – Events and Activity
Markets and street life
Cultural activity
Nightlife and entertainment
Overall feel
Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.
ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere
Live music
Sea activities
Overall feel
Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.
ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity
Markets
Live music
Cultural venues
Overall feel
Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.
LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus
Markets
Sports activity
Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events
Overall feel
Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.
FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle
Markets
Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods
Beachfront activity
Entertainment
Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events
Overall feel
Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment
Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed
Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life
La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused
Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

Local & Spanish


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