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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 | 27 July - 2nd Aug 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another fantastic week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly 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 weeks 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
Jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities
New Seafront Attraction

Visitors continue 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 most popular new photo spots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive family activities
Meet-and-greet sessions
Benidorm Cable Ski – 60th Anniversary

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:

Live tribute shows
Comedy and cabaret
Karaoke
Rooftop bars
Beach clubs
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

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

Things to enjoy:

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

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.

Popular attractions include:

Valor Chocolate Museum
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Seafront promenade
Artisan markets
Summer concerts
Beachfront restaurants

🏟️ La Nucía

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

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

Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:

Outdoor concerts
Local exhibitions
Evening entertainment
Family activities
Traditional markets

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities include:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Scenic countryside walks
Exploring the historic village
Relaxing at La Cala Beach
Shopping & Dining

La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:

Summer sales
Outdoor terraces
Beachfront restaurants
Family entertainment

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:

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

Summer Safety

Enhanced summer policing remains in place across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas to help keep residents and visitors safe during the busy holiday period.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography tours

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
Evening artisan markets
Family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended attraction opening hours
Beach events and water sports
Live music every night

🌴 Quick Summary

✅ Beaches at full summer capacity
🧜 Aqua Natura's Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled BENIDORM letters remain a must-see
♿ Accessible bathing service at Albir extended until September
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail welcomes walkers daily
🎨 Altea's summer arts programme continues
🎶 Live music and nightlife across the Costa Blanca
🚔 Enhanced summer policing remains in place
☀️ Peak holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of hot, sunny Mediterranean weather is forecast.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evening: 24°C–27°C

A yellow heat warning remains in place in parts of Alicante Province, with temperatures expected to peak during the afternoon. Visitors are advised to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the day and keep up to date with local weather and wildfire warnings.