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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 | 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.