Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Benidorm, Spain – 4 July 2026
Benidorm has revealed a striking new seafront landmark that is already proving a hit with residents and holidaymakers alike – giant three-dimensional letters spelling out the city's name, created from recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean.
Installed on the popular Paseo de Tamarindos, the colourful landmark combines tourism, sustainability and environmental awareness, with the city hoping it will become one of the Costa Blanca's most photographed attractions.
The project forms part of Benidorm's wider commitment to greener tourism and the circular economy, transforming marine waste into a permanent public artwork while helping to protect the seas that have long been central to the resort's identity.
Turning Marine Waste Into A Tourist Attraction
The monumental letters have been manufactured using 170 kilograms of discarded fishing nets collected from ports across the Valencian Community.
Rather than sending the plastic waste to landfill or allowing abandoned "ghost nets" to continue damaging marine ecosystems, the material has been recycled into the new installation by environmental company Gravity Wave, a Spanish social enterprise specialising in removing ocean plastic and fishing gear from the Mediterranean.
According to the project partners, using recycled material instead of new plastic has prevented the emission of approximately 296 kilograms of CO₂, helping reduce the environmental footprint of the installation.
A New Photo Spot For Visitors
Positioned along the Tamarindos Promenade with Benidorm's famous skyline and Mediterranean coastline providing the backdrop, the letters have quickly become a popular selfie location.
Within hours of being unveiled, visitors and locals were already sharing photographs across social media, with the installation expected to join landmarks such as the Balcón del Mediterráneo and Levante Beach among the city's most recognisable visitor attractions.
Tourism officials believe the display offers visitors not only a memorable photo opportunity but also a visible reminder of Benidorm's growing focus on sustainable tourism.
Mayor Highlights Sustainability Commitment
Benidorm Mayor Toni Pérez said the project demonstrates that tourism development and environmental protection can work together.
He described the installation as more than simply a decorative feature, calling it "a living monument to the circular economy and respect for our seas."
The mayor added that the City Council continues to invest in projects that reduce carbon emissions while enhancing public spaces and improving the visitor experience.
Part Of A Bigger Green Strategy
The project has been funded through the European Union's Next Generation EU programme as part of Benidorm's Green Tourism Sustainability Plan (PSTD Verde Benidorm).
It reflects a wider strategy that includes reducing waste, lowering carbon emissions, promoting recycling and improving environmental awareness across one of Spain's busiest tourist destinations.
Benidorm has increasingly positioned itself as a leader in sustainable tourism, recently earning recognition from the European Commission's Green City Accord for its innovative beach reuse initiatives and circular economy projects.
Tackling The Problem Of Ghost Nets
Discarded fishing nets—often referred to as ghost nets—are among the most damaging forms of marine plastic pollution. Made from durable synthetic materials, they can continue trapping fish, turtles and other marine life for decades after being abandoned.
Gravity Wave now works with thousands of fishermen across Spain, Italy and Greece to recover marine plastic before transforming it into products ranging from street furniture and public art to architectural materials.
By giving discarded fishing gear a second life, projects like Benidorm's new landmark help reduce waste entering the marine environment while encouraging greater public awareness of ocean conservation.
The new installation represents another step in Benidorm's ambition to combine world-class tourism with environmental responsibility—showing that even discarded fishing nets can become one of the city's newest attractions.
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:
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:
The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.
Celebrations include:
🌿 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:
🍫 Villajoyosa
Colourful Coastal Heritage
La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.
Popular attractions include:
🏟️ 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:
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:
🌅 Finestrat
Outdoor Adventures
Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular activities:
🎭 Altea
Arts & Culture
Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:
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
📅 Coming Up
🌴 Quick Summary
🌤️ 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.

Local & Spanish


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