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Benidorm bars packed as Cheltenham Festival fever hits the Costa Blanca

Benidorm / 10 March 2026

Benidorm is once again experiencing a surge of British visitors as thousands of racing fans descend on the Costa Blanca resort to follow the Cheltenham Festival, which runs from today, Tuesday 10 March, to Friday 14 March.

The famous four-day horse racing meeting, held annually at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, is one of the biggest events in the British sporting calendar. However, many fans are choosing to watch the action from the sunshine of Benidorm rather than making the trip to the racecourse itself.

Across the resort, bars and sports venues are preparing for large crowds throughout race week, with giant screens and projectors set up to broadcast every race live from the UK. Many venues along the famous entertainment district are opening early each afternoon to accommodate the race schedule, with terraces and pubs expected to be packed with racing fans.

Local businesses say the festival provides a welcome boost to tourism during early spring. Hotels, bars and restaurants report increased bookings as visitors combine watching the races with enjoying the resort’s beaches, restaurants and nightlife.

The growing trend has even earned the resort the nickname “Costa del Cheltenham,” as thousands of British and Irish visitors gather each afternoon to follow the races while enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

Tourism officials say the event highlights the strong connection between the Costa Blanca and British holidaymakers, with Benidorm continuing to attract large numbers of visitors year-round.

While the races themselves take place hundreds of miles away in England, during festival week the atmosphere in Benidorm rivals that of the racecourse, as punters gather daily to cheer on their selections and enjoy one of the biggest weeks in the racing calendar.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Benidorm (main hub this week)

Skyline Benidorm Film Festival (ongoing)
One of the biggest events this week, with screenings, talks and industry events
Elvis tribute show – Monday (27 April)
“From Memphis to Benidorm” live at Benidorm Palace
Spring cultural programme
Theatre, concerts and exhibitions across the city

Vibe: lively but not peak summer yet, good mix of locals and tourists.

Altea & Albir / Alfaz del Pi

Live music and concerts all week
Regular performances across venues and beach bars
Wide programme of cultural events including art and comedy

Vibe: relaxed, arts-focused, plenty of smaller live events.

Villajoyosa & Altea area (tours & experiences)

Guided tours and experiences

Village tours, food tastings and coastal excursions

Good range of cultural and local experiences running daily

Best for visitors looking for something different from nightlife.

Finestrat

Main upcoming event (next big one)

“Tornem als 90 – Finestrat Remember Festival” (coming soon)
Big 90s & 2000s music festival at La Foia sports comples
Takes place 9 May
DJs, food trucks, large tent + full day event
This is the next major event locals are gearing up for.

Local culture & activities

Casa De Cultura De Finestrat
4.4•Cultural center
Regular cultural programme

This is where most weekly local events happen.

La Nucía

Local cultural and sports activities
Preparations underway for upcoming major events in May

Vibe: quieter, more community-focused this week.

Across the Costa Blanca (general)

More concerts, exhibitions, markets and outdoor activities
Food tourism and day trips increasing across the region

Quick Picks (best things to do)

Film festival in Benidorm
Elvis show at Benidorm Palace
Food tours and village visits (Altea and Villajoyosa)
Live music in Altea and Albir
Nightlife in Benidorm and Finestrat

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Benidorm bars packed as Cheltenham Festival fever hits the Costa Blanca

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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