Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Benidorm / 8 August 2026
Benidorm is set for a major transformation of its famous coastline after the Valencian Government announced an international design competition for a new seafront project costing almost €50 million.
The ambitious scheme aims to create a continuous pedestrian route along Benidorm Bay, linking the city's Levante and Poniente waterfronts and strengthening the connection between the resort, its beaches and the Mediterranean.
The announcement was made in Benidorm by Vicente Martínez Mus, Valencia's Regional Minister for Environment, Infrastructure, Territory and Recovery, alongside Benidorm Mayor Toni Pérez and other regional officials.
International competition
The Generalitat plans to invest €3.8 million in the international competition, which will seek proposals combining architectural quality, sustainability, landscape integration and technical feasibility.
The winning team will be commissioned to develop the detailed project, prepare the environmental impact assessment and oversee the future works. Second and third prizes will be worth €30,000 and €20,000 respectively.
The competition is expected to be launched before the end of 2026, with around three months allowed for submissions and a winning design expected during the first quarter of 2027.
A long-awaited solution for Gemelos 28
One of the most significant elements of the project is its proposed solution to the long-running planning and coastal issues surrounding the Gemelos 28 towers.
The development has been at the centre of a legal and planning dispute for more than two decades. The new waterfront proposal is intended to provide a solution compatible with coastal protection, public access and the future regeneration of the area.
The scheme could also avoid the need for a costly demolition process that has previously been discussed in relation to the towers.
A new landmark for the Costa Blanca
The Generalitat says the project is intended to become an international reference for sustainable coastal regeneration, combining public space, landscape and architecture while improving pedestrian access along one of Spain's best-known resort coastlines.
For Benidorm, the completed waterfront would provide a more seamless experience for residents and visitors, while potentially creating new opportunities for leisure, tourism and public activities.
The project forms part of a wider Valencian strategy to create a more accessible and connected coastline, with the long-term ambition of improving coastal routes between Pilar de la Horadada in the south and Vinaròs in the north, where technically and environmentally feasible.
Benidorm Mayor Toni Pérez has welcomed the initiative, which could become one of the most significant urban and coastal regeneration projects in the city's modern history.
With millions of visitors arriving in Benidorm every year, the proposed waterfront transformation is being presented as an investment not only in the city's tourism infrastructure, but also in its long-term quality of life and relationship with the Mediterranean.

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.
Visitor numbers continue to climb as August reaches its peak, with hotels across the region approaching full occupancy ahead of the 12 August Total Solar Eclipse, which is expected to attract thousands more visitors to the Costa Blanca.
☀️ 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:
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:
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:
🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi
Nature & Coastal Walks
The accessible bathing service at Racó de l'Albir Beach remains available until 30 September, with trained staff and adapted equipment helping visitors with reduced mobility enjoy the sea safely.
Things to enjoy:
🏰 Guadalest
Recently strengthening its commitment to becoming a Smart Tourist Destination, Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's must-visit inland attractions.
Explore:
🍫 Villajoyosa
Colourful Coastal Heritage
La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.
Popular attractions include:
🏟️ La Nucía
Sport & Family Activities
Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:
Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:
🌅 Finestrat
Outdoor Adventures
Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular activities include:
La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:
🎭 Altea
Arts & Culture
Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:
🌞 Solar Eclipse Countdown
Hotels across Benidorm and the Costa Blanca are nearing capacity ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August, with tourism officials expecting one of the busiest weeks of the summer.
Visitors planning to stay for the eclipse are advised to book accommodation, restaurants and excursions as early as possible.
🚔 Summer Safety
Following another successful week with enhanced policing, additional patrols remain in place across beaches, promenades, nightlife areas and tourist hotspots.
The high wildfire risk also remains in force across much of Alicante Province. Visitors are reminded not to light fires or barbecues in rural areas and to report any signs of smoke immediately by calling 112.
📅 Coming Up
🌴 Quick Summary
🌤️ Weather Outlook
Another week of classic Mediterranean sunshine is expected.
🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C
Warm sea temperatures make conditions ideal for swimming and water sports, although visitors should stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon. Local authorities also continue to monitor wildfire conditions, with restrictions possible in some natural areas if the fire risk increases.


Local & Spanish


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