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Benidorm supports the National Police on the 200th anniversary of its foundation

The mayor conveys his congratulations to the commissioner on behalf of the city and appreciates the daily work of the officials of this Corps as guarantors of freedom and security

A space as emblematic as El Castell de Benidorm hosted this afternoon the event commemorating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the National Police, an event organised jointly by the Benidorm City Council and the local Police Station to highlight the history of this Corps. and the work that its officials carry out daily as guarantors of security and freedoms in our country.

The mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, accompanied by the mayor of Citizen Security, Jesús Carrobles, and numerous members of the Municipal Corporation, presided over the event together with the local commissioner, Ceferino Serrano Torres. The General Director of Housing of the Generalitat Valenciana, Sebastián Fernández, has also accompanied the National Police in this celebration, along with a large representation of civil society, including the senior judge of Benidorm, Joan Francesc Vives; the chief mayor of the Benidorm Local Police, Luis Arévalo; and other members and commanders of the National Police, Civil Guard and Civil Protection; as well as representatives of business and social associations, or other municipalities in the region, among whom were the mayors of La Vila Joiosa and Callosa d'en Sarrià, Marcos Zaragoza and Andrés Molina; or the councilor of Citizen Security of Finestrat, Beatriz Quintillán.

The mayor and commissioner were in charge of starting this commemoration by reviewing the police formation, after which they received the flag of Spain and presided over its raising with solemnity and under the strains of the Spanish anthem. Next, it was the turn of the head of the local Police Station, who before giving his institutional speech wanted to publicly express his gratitude to the mayor, Toni Pérez, for the constant collaboration between the City Council and the National Police.

Ceferino Serrano also wanted to thank the municipal support in organizing this event with El Castell as the stage; as well as the congratulation, recognition and public gratitude made this Saturday by the first mayor, through a column in the newspaper with the largest provincial circulation, given his impossibility of doing so in person during the 200th anniversary ceremony by order of the Ministry of the Interior.

In it, the mayor of Benidorm conveys the city's "admiration, affection, appreciation, recognition and respect" for "the men and women who make up" the National Police, a city that feels "proud of its services." Likewise, Toni Pérez once again insisted at the end of the event on the “special role” of this Corps in a city like Benidorm and for its “attention to residents and tourists, reinforcing the security environment that the city enjoys.”

The first mayor did not want to overlook that "there have been more than 60 years of fruitful relationship since the first temporary Police Detachment arrived in Benidorm in May 1963 for a summer operation" and that he has stated that today, almost 50 years after the construction of the local Police Station on Apolo professional dignity of those who serve in it and the reality of the 21st century.”

A tribute to the national police officers who died in service during all this time and the interpretation of the anthem of this Police Force brought the celebration to an end.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Benidorm supports the National Police on the 200th anniversary of its foundation

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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