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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)

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

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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