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Carlos Mazón demands from the Central Government a second runway for Alicante airport after the "record" of 10 million foreign tourists in the Valencian Community

The President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has demanded this Tuesday from the Central Government a second runway for the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport which will allow it to cope with the increase in foreign tourists visiting the Valencian Community and which are expected to exceed the "record" figure of 10 million at the end of the year.

The president has taken advantage of the presentation of the Valencian Strategy for tourism sustainability of the Generalitat Valenciana to request all the support for the tourism sector of the Valencian Community and has rejected putting "sticks in the wheel".

In this sense, Carlos Mazón has urged the central government to launch the Alicante-Elche airport master plan and to enable a second runway "that boosts the Costa Blanca as a tourist destination" and allows absorbing the increase in passengers and flights

On this subject, the president was "happy and hopeful" that by the end of the year more than 10 million foreign tourists will be expected to have visited the Valencian Community, a figure higher than that recorded before the pandemic , specifically in 2019, and which until now was the best record.

Carlos Mazón has given as an example of the tourism projection of the Valencian Community that the British company EasyJet will soon establish a base at Alicante-Elche airport from where it will launch a total of 9 new air connections with the Kingdom United, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Likewise, the president emphasized that the Council is taking the necessary measures to encourage the arrival of tourists in the Valencian Community, such as the abolition of the tourist tax "which should never have been approved and which we have succeeded in not entering into force".

First sustainable tourism autonomy

The Valencian Strategy for tourism sustainability of the Generalitat Valenciana has an endowment of 170 million distributed in 61 tourism sustainability plans in the destination. During the presentation of this initiative, Carlos Mazón explained that tourism sustainability constitutes a "destination strategy" that involves the entire Valencian Community and that is essential both to attract tourists and to keep them in the future.

On this subject, he has advanced that the Valencian Community has already started the procedures to obtain the AENOR certificate as a "sustainable tourist destination", which will make it "the first autonomous community in Spain" to obtain this qualification .

"We will conspire to once again be the most advanced, the first", said the president of the Generalitat, who has expressed his desire that the Valencian Community continues to "be a benchmark" with everyone's efforts.

Pioneer sector

During his speech, Carlos Mazón also referred to the tourism sector of the Valencian Community as "mature, extraordinarily professional, advanced and pioneering". Starting from this base, he pointed out that this sector has the obligation to go further, "to optimize, improve, innovate and offer the best" and that to do so they will have the Generalitat on their side.

The head of the Council stressed that it is essential to make a commitment to "sustainability", since not only the tourist operators or agencies demand this value, but also the tourists themselves.

Thus, Carlos Mazón has pointed out that "hospitality, competitiveness and sustainability" must always be the reference indicators for the tourism sector of the Valencian Community.

During his speech, the president also warned of the dangers posed by "tourismophobia" and pointed out that disqualifying mass tourism is "demagoguery" and that tourism must receive support in all its aspects: rural, beach , gastronomic, sports, events, etc.

During the course of the event, Carlos Mazón and the president of the Provincial Council of Alicante, Antonio Pérez, signed the document that includes the Valencian Strategy for tourism sustainability of the Generalitat Valenciana. The event was also attended by the first vice-president and Minister of Culture and Sport, Vicente Barrera; the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Nuria Montes; and the delegate of the Council in Alicante, Agustina Esteve; among others.

Decalogue of sustainable tourism

The Valencian Strategy for tourism sustainability of the Generalitat Valenciana signed this Tuesday includes ten commitments focused on promoting a tourism model based on environmental, socio-economic and territorial sustainability, promoting a green and sustainable transition, mitigating climate change and promoting the digital transition .

It also includes promoting tourism competitiveness, facilitating the development of the tourism product, improving energy efficiency, encouraging investment in the maintenance and rehabilitation of historical heritage for tourist use, defending hospitality and advocating for training and knowledge.

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA*-

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 17th–23rd August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another busy week of August, with beaches packed, nightlife in full swing and a mixture of fiestas, sport, music, family entertainment and summer activities taking place across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The biggest local celebrations continue in La Nucía, while Finestrat remains in the middle of its summer patron saint festivities. Benidorm has concerts, cinema and major music events, while the David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour brings international youth tennis to La Nucía throughout the week.

☀️ BENIDORM

🏖️ Beaches & Summer Activities

Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas remain at the heart of Benidorm's summer action, with swimming, water sports, boat trips and beach activities continuing throughout the week.

Popular activities include:

🏄 Paddleboarding and kayaking

🚤 Boat trips to Benidorm Island

🪂 Parasailing

🌊 Jet ski experiences

🏐 Beach volleyball

🏖️ Family beach activities

🌅 Sunset cruises

The giant BENIDORM letters on the Tamarindos Promenade remain a popular photo opportunity, while the city's beaches and waterfront continue to provide the perfect base for a classic August holiday.

🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski – 60 Years

The legendary Benidorm Cable Ski continues its 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades as one of Europe's pioneering cable-ski facilities.

🎶 Summer Entertainment

Benidorm's famous entertainment scene remains in full summer mode, with live tribute acts, cabaret, comedy, karaoke, DJs, rooftop venues, beach clubs and late-night shows continuing throughout the week.

The city's official cultural programme also continues with Concerts al Castell, running through Wednesday 19 August, and Cine en la Playa, which continues through Friday 21 August at Mal Pas Beach.

🎬 Cine en la Playa

The popular outdoor cinema programme continues at Playa del Mal Pas, with the 2026 series running from 7–21 August.

It's a great family-friendly option for anyone looking for something different from the usual nightlife.

🎵 Saturday 22 August – Big Music Night

Saturday brings a particularly busy night for music lovers.

🎧 Techno Flamenco Benidorm takes place at SkyFest from 6.00pm until midnight, combining electronic music, flamenco singers and live performances.

🔥 DBT Mob Fest takes over Penélope Benidorm, with a major urban-music line-up including Kidd Keo, Yung Sarria, Lil Gnar, Aleman and others.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

Albir remains a popular alternative to the busier centre of Benidorm, with its beaches, restaurants, evening atmosphere and famous coastal scenery.

🚶 Healthy & Outdoor Activities

The Albir coastline continues to be ideal for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, particularly in the cooler morning and evening hours.

The Albir Lighthouse Trail remains one of the area's must-do walks, offering spectacular views across the Serra Gelada coastline.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues during the summer season, providing adapted facilities and assistance for visitors with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the beach, coastal cycle routes, restaurants and evening entertainment around Albir.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations of the summer reaches its final two days this week.

Les Festes d’Agost run from 14–18 August 2026, with traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks-style pyrotechnic events, family activities and late-night entertainment.

📅 Monday 17 August

The celebrations continue with:

🌅 8.00am – Despertà through the town

⛪ 9.00am – Bell ringing

⛪ 10.00am – Santa Misa

🎉 12.00pm – Peña gathering at the San Rafael hermitage

🎺 1.00pm – Band entry

🎭 8.00pm – Gran Cabalgata Multicolor de Disfraces

🎶 12.30am – Gravity orchestra in Plaza Mayor

The colourful costume parade is one of the highlights of the fiestas.

📅 Tuesday 18 August – Final Day

The final day continues with traditional activities and the closing celebrations.

The 2026 programme includes the morning Despertà, religious celebrations and further festive activities, with a correfocs bringing the five-day fiesta programme to a spectacular close.

🎾 17–23 August – Tennis Europe David Ferrer

Away from the fiestas, La Nucía hosts an international junior tennis tournament throughout the week

The David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14 runs from 17–23 August at the David Ferrer facilities in La Nucía. It is a Category 2 Tennis Europe event on clay.

🏰 GUADALEST

The spectacular mountain village of Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular day trips.

Visitors can explore:

🏰 Guadalest Castle

🏛️ Historic museums

⛰️ Mountain viewpoints

🌿 Walking routes

☕ Traditional cafés

🛍️ Local shops and crafts

August is a particularly popular time to visit, although the mountain location can be considerably hotter during the middle of the day.

For a more comfortable experience, an early-morning or late-afternoon visit is recommended.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer rhythm with its historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and restaurants.

The Valor Chocolate Museum remains a popular daytime attraction, while the town's beaches and waterfront provide plenty of options for an evening stroll.

🎶 Friday 21 August

Music lovers can head to Roger's Temple in La Vila Joiosa for POP VIBES, featuring Aylenk.

The event is part of the venue's summer concert programme, with the performance scheduled for the evening and free entry advertised by the venue.

🌊 FINESTRAT

🎭 Patron Saint Festivities

Finestrat's major summer celebrations continue this week, with the Patron Saint festivities running from 15–24 August.

This means the town and surrounding areas remain particularly lively throughout the week, with traditional events, music, cultural activities and celebrations continuing through Sunday 23 August.

⚽ Monday 17 August – Local Football

Football fans have an extra option on Monday evening.

CF Benidorm face Villajoyosa CF in a pre-season friendly in Finestrat at 7.30pm.

🎨 ALTEA

Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's best destinations for a relaxed evening of culture, art, restaurants and sea views.

The historic old town, church square, galleries and waterfront remain busy throughout August.

🎨 Summer Art

Altea's summer exhibition programme continues, with art exhibitions providing an alternative to the beach during the hottest part of the day.

The town is also ideal for an evening wander through the old streets before dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.

🌉 Evening Altea

Visitors can enjoy:

🎨 Art galleries

🛍️ Artisan shopping

🍷 Old-town restaurants

🎶 Summer music

🌅 Sunset walks

📸 Views from the church square

🌴 SUMMER ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE MARINA BAIXA

Even without a major one-off event, there is plenty happening across the area this week.

🏖️ Beaches and coves

🚤 Boat trips

🏄 Water sports

🎢 Theme parks

💦 Water parks

🎿 Cable Ski

🚲 Cycling and coastal walks

🌅 Sunset cruises

🎶 Live music and nightlife

August remains peak season, so popular attractions, restaurants and evening shows can become busy — particularly from Friday through Sunday.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

Visitor numbers remain extremely high during the August peak season, so allow extra time for traffic and parking when travelling between Benidorm, Finestrat, La Nucía, Albir and Altea.

The combination of heat, dry vegetation and strong winds can also increase wildfire danger. Follow local restrictions, never light fires or barbecues where prohibited, and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

For outdoor activities, keep hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon where possible.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🎉 17 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

⚽ 17 Aug – CF Benidorm v Villajoyosa CF, Finestrat, 7.30pm

🎾 17–23 Aug – David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14, La Nucía

🎉 18 Aug – Final day of Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

🎶 19 Aug – Final Concerts al Castell, Benidorm

🎬 21 Aug – Final Cine en la Playa screening of the August programme, Benidorm

🎶 21 Aug – POP VIBES with Aylenk, Roger's Temple, Villajoyosa

🎧 22 Aug – Techno Flamenco, SkyFest Benidorm

🔥 22 Aug – DBT Mob Fest, Penélope Benidorm

🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season

🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing

🎉 La Nucía fiestas reach their finale

🎾 International junior tennis in La Nucía

⚽ Pre-season football in Finestrat

🎭 Finestrat patron saint celebrations continue

🎬 Outdoor cinema continues in Benidorm

🎶 Summer concerts continue across the Marina Baixa

🎧 Major music events in Benidorm on Saturday

♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues through summer

🎨 Altea's art, culture and old-town attractions remain popular

🌅 Beaches, sunsets and summer nightlife across the region

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The week of 17–23 August is expected to begin hot, with temperatures rising further towards the middle of the week before conditions become more unsettled later on.

AEMET's latest outlook indicates a significant increase in temperatures across Alicante province, with the hottest conditions expected around Wednesday and Thursday, followed by increasing cloud and a greater chance of showers or storms later in the week.

Visitors should:

💧 Drink plenty of water

🧴 Use high-factor sunscreen

🧢 Wear a hat during daytime activities

🌳 Seek shade during the hottest hours

🌅 Plan walks and outdoor activities for morning or evening

🔥 Take extra care because of the elevated wildfire risk

If you're attending outdoor events, check local weather and official warnings on the day, particularly towards the end of the week.

The message for this week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night — with La Nucía, Finestrat and Benidorm providing plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the Costa Blanca. 🌴☀️🎉