Home

Brought to you by Shine Design

Cool Playlist

Local & Spanish

‹ Back

Benidorm Named Finalist in European Green Cities Awards 2028

Benidorm / 7 July 2026

Benidorm has been shortlisted as one of just three finalists for the prestigious European Green Leaf Award 2028, reinforcing the Costa Blanca resort's growing reputation as one of Europe's leading sustainable tourism destinations.

The recognition, announced by the European Commission, places Benidorm alongside Chiclana de la Frontera in Spain and Estarreja in Portugal in the race for the 2028 Green Leaf title, which celebrates smaller cities demonstrating outstanding environmental leadership, innovation and quality of life. A total of 27 cities from across Europe entered this year's competition.

European recognition for sustainable tourism

The European Green Leaf Award recognises towns and cities with populations between 20,000 and 100,000 that are leading the way in environmental sustainability while improving life for residents and visitors alike.

Benidorm's selection reflects years of investment in sustainable urban planning, efficient resource management and environmental innovation despite welcoming millions of tourists every year.

The city has become an increasingly high-profile example of how a major tourism destination can balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Why Benidorm impressed the judges

According to the European Commission's independent panel of experts, Benidorm performed particularly strongly across several key sustainability indicators, including:

Efficient water management and conservation.
Climate change adaptation strategies.
Reduced carbon emissions despite high visitor numbers.
Green infrastructure to combat the urban heat island effect.
Sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives.
Protection and expansion of green spaces.
Air quality improvements and environmental governance.

The judges highlighted Benidorm's ability to manage one of Europe's highest tourist densities while continuing to improve its environmental performance.

Sustainability at the heart of Benidorm

The latest recognition follows several recent environmental initiatives undertaken by the city, including:

Installation of giant 'Benidorm' letters on Tamarindos Promenade made from recycled fishing nets recovered from ports across the Valencian Community.
Expansion of circular economy projects such as the city's Beach Item Reuse Points.
Continued investment in water recycling, one of the highest reuse rates in Spain.
Ongoing improvements to green public spaces and sustainable mobility.

These projects form part of Benidorm's wider Green Tourism Sustainability Plan, supported through European funding.

Financial and international benefits

Winning the European Green Leaf Award would bring more than international prestige.

Successful cities receive €200,000 in European funding to help deliver further environmental projects and gain access to an influential European network of sustainable cities, increasing opportunities for investment, innovation and environmentally focused tourism.

Final presentations in October

The final stage of the competition will take place on 7–8 October 2026 in Guimarães, Portugal, the current European Green Capital.

Representatives from each finalist city will present their environmental strategies, governance models and future sustainability plans before an international jury.

The winners of the European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards 2028 will be announced during the awards ceremony on 8 October.

Growing international reputation

Benidorm has increasingly positioned itself as a model for sustainable tourism, demonstrating that a city renowned for its beaches, skyline and hospitality industry can also lead the way in environmental innovation.

If successful in October, the award would further strengthen Benidorm's international profile as one of Europe's most sustainable holiday destinations.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family 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 periods 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 and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are 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 newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ 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 exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.