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Benidorm expands the swimming channel on Poniente beach

The City Council has doubled its length and is addressing one of this year's Participatory Budget proposals, making it easier to swim in the safest possible conditions.

Benidorm City Council, through its Beaches and Citizen Participation Departments, has expanded the swimming channel on Poniente Beach, making it easier for swimmers and bathers to practice open water swimming under the safest conditions.

This was echoed by the Councillors for Beaches, Mónica Gómez, and for Citizen Participation, Ana Pellicer, who also noted that this initiative "was one of the proposals most voted for by citizens in the 2025 Participatory Budget" and, with it, "we continue to fulfill our commitment to residents by giving them a voice so that, together, we can make Benidorm even better."

The head of Beaches explained that "the length of this swimming channel has been doubled, which originally measured 100 meters and now, after this project, reaches 200 meters." The channel runs "parallel to the line of buoys" and "has been open to all open water swimming enthusiasts for several weeks now."

Gómez noted that "our beaches, due to their orientation and temperature, are ideal for practicing this sport year-round, especially in summer, when Benidorm's waters are most crowded with bathers and recreational vehicles. Therefore, this swimming channel facilitates the coexistence of bathers, swimmers, and vehicles in safe conditions, so that no one loses their space."

For her part, the Councilor for Citizen Participation emphasised that "among the proposals put forward year after year by Benidorm residents, those related to sport and well-being, and more specifically to the improvement of municipal facilities and spaces designated for these purposes, are gaining increasing importance; proposals that we are implementing." She also noted that in addition to the swimming channel, the Participatory Budget initiatives also included expanding calisthenics areas and improvements to the Palau d'Esports, which will soon become a reality.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Benidorm expands the swimming channel on Poniente beach

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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