Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Guimarães, Portugal / 9 January 2026
Benidorm has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and climate resilience by taking part in the opening events of Guimarães’ year as European Green Capital 2026, held this week in Portugal.
A delegation from Benidorm, led by Mayor Toni Pérez, participated in a series of high-level institutional meetings aligned with the European agenda for sustainable and green cities. These meetings brought together political leaders and municipal representatives from across Europe to strengthen cooperation on environmental, climate and social challenges.
Benidorm’s participation reinforces its position within the network of European destinations committed to sustainability. In 2025, the city was recognised by the European Commission as a Pioneer Green Destination for Smart Tourism and was selected as one of the four finalist cities for European Green Leaf 2027.
The programme began on Thursday in Águeda, during the official European Green Leaf ceremony, where Benidorm was recognised as a Green Ambassador as part of the Green Ambassadors Programme. The initiative highlights the role of cities as key actors in implementing environmental policies at both local and European levels.
On Friday, the delegation attended the Opening Ceremony of Guimarães 2026, which marked the formal start of the European Green Capital year. The event gathered mayors, institutional representatives and political leaders from across Europe.

Mayor Toni Pérez said:
“Our participation symbolises the shared commitment of European cities to delivering the European Green Deal, promoting sustainable urban policies and strengthening cooperation between territories to address climate, environmental and social challenges.”
The Mayor also congratulated Águeda and Guimarães on their European recognition:
“Both cities demonstrate a genuine commitment to a more sustainable, innovative and people-centred development model. From Benidorm, we extend our sincere congratulations to their municipal teams and citizens for this important achievement, which places Portugal at the heart of the European green agenda.”
Mr Pérez underlined the importance of inter-city collaboration and thanked both host cities for their hospitality:
“It has been an honour to share experiences with other European cities committed to the green transition. Águeda and Guimarães are not only leaders in sustainability, but also outstanding examples of cooperation, dialogue and European spirit.”
Benidorm’s presence at these international forums forms part of its ongoing European Green Leaf 2027 candidacy and its active role within the European Green Cities Network, in line with the European Union’s objectives on sustainability, innovation and quality of urban life.
The delegation also included Mónica Gómez, Councillor for the Environment, and Leire Bilbao, Managing Director of the Visit Benidorm Foundation.
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
Cultural activity
Nightlife and entertainment
Overall feel
Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.
ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere
Live music
Sea activities
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
Live music
Cultural venues
Overall feel
Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.
LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus
Markets
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
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

Local & Spanish


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