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Benidorm's accessible beaches are transformed into 'smoke-free spaces'

The City Council is considering extending the initiative to other spaces such as parks or gardens

As a result of the collaboration agreement signed between Benidorm City Council and the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), the areas of Accessible Beaches in Levante and Poniente have been transformed into 'smoke-free spaces', as announced today by the Councillor for Beaches, Mónica Gómez.

The councillor recalled that in Spain, smoking is the cause of the death of “around 60,000 people”. It is therefore the “responsibility” of the public administration “to ensure the well-being and health of citizens”.

The aim of this action is to “create an environment free of harmful tobacco smoke” by warning of the danger that exposure to tobacco smoke poses for smokers, “and also for passive smokers.”

The Accessible Beaches areas of Benidorm have the necessary infrastructure and adapted services so that people with functional diversity can enjoy the sea and sand without barriers. They promote equality and social inclusion. Now they also advertise that they are 'smoke-free spaces'.

To this end, the City Council has published posters advertising the event and indicating that it is a “healthy initiative to prevent cancer”. It also encourages citizens who support this type of initiative to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #RespiroLibre and the AECC hashtag #TodosContraElCáncer.

Mónica Gómez explained that the agreement with AECC will go beyond the creation of 'smoke-free spaces' on the Accessible Beaches and, from the Department of Health coordinated by Ana Pellicer, they are "studying the expansion of the initiative or other municipal spaces". She also stressed that "soon", the Department of Parks and Gardens, directed by José Ramón González de Zárate, "will create El Moralet spaces where tobacco is avoided and healthy habits are promoted".

"It is about raising awareness and disseminating among citizens the need to prevent smoking and the services that help people to quit a habit that causes enormous damage and affects patients and their families," the councillor concluded.

🌴 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's accessible beaches are transformed into 'smoke-free spaces'

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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