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Benidorm Recognised By European Commission As Model For Sustainable Waste Management

Benidorm / 9 June 2026

European Recognition For Benidorm

Benidorm has been recognised by the European Commission as an example of best practice in municipal waste management after its innovative Beach Item Reuse Points project was highlighted in the Green City Accord (GCA) 2020-2025 Report.

The recognition places Benidorm among a select group of European cities acknowledged for developing practical environmental solutions that help reduce waste, support the circular economy and promote more sustainable urban living.

The Green City Accord is a European Commission initiative that brings together mayors and local leaders committed to creating cleaner, healthier and more environmentally sustainable cities across Europe.

Beach Reuse Project Praised

The award-winning Beach Item Reuse Points scheme was launched in June 2024 and has since become one of Benidorm's flagship environmental initiatives.

The project allows tourists and beach users to leave unwanted beach equipment at designated collection points rather than discarding it.

Items commonly deposited include:

• Beach umbrellas
• Sun loungers and mats
• Inflatable toys and floats
• Buckets and beach toys
• Other reusable beach accessories

Visitors can then collect these items free of charge, extending their lifespan and preventing unnecessary waste.

Tackling The Environmental Impact Of Tourism

Benidorm welcomes millions of visitors each year, making environmental management a key priority for the city.

Environment Councillor Mónica Gómez said the initiative was specifically designed to reduce waste and minimise the environmental footprint generated by tourism.

She noted that the city's beaches are its most visited natural spaces, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every summer.

By encouraging reuse rather than disposal, the scheme supports the principles of the circular economy while helping to reduce the volume of waste entering landfill sites.

Supporting The Three Rs

The project is built around the well-established environmental principles of:

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle

Items unsuitable for reuse are collected by the beach concession operator and transferred to authorised treatment facilities for appropriate disposal and recycling.

Local officials say the scheme has helped promote more responsible behaviour among visitors while demonstrating how small actions can have a significant environmental impact.

Green City Accord Objectives

The Green City Accord was launched by the European Commission to accelerate environmental improvements in urban areas.

Key goals include:

• Reducing municipal waste generation
• Cutting landfill dependency
• Increasing recycling rates
• Promoting circular economy practices
• Conserving natural resources
• Supporting sustainable urban development

The initiative forms part of broader European efforts to improve environmental performance and help cities meet future sustainability targets.

Benidorm's Growing Green Credentials

The latest recognition adds to Benidorm's growing reputation for environmental innovation and sustainable tourism.

Over recent years the city has invested heavily in:

• Beach sustainability projects
• Smart city technology
• Energy efficiency initiatives
• Water management programmes
• Coastal conservation measures

The Green City Accord report specifically highlighted Benidorm's ability to combine its status as one of Europe's leading tourism destinations with practical environmental policies designed to protect natural resources.

Looking Ahead

City officials believe the recognition demonstrates that popular tourist destinations can successfully balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

As visitor numbers continue to grow across the Costa Blanca, initiatives such as the Beach Item Reuse Points project are expected to play an increasingly important role in reducing waste and promoting sustainable tourism.

The European Commission's acknowledgement reinforces Benidorm's position as a leader in environmental best practice and highlights how innovative local initiatives can contribute to wider European sustainability goals.

🌴 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.