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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 | 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.