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l’Alfàs del Pi / 26 February 2026
The Costa Blanca X Miles has already attracted more than 120 registered runners for its 16th edition, just weeks after entries opened. Organisers have also confirmed that registration is now open for the 7th edition of the 5 Miles race.
Paco Soliveres, President of the El Faro Athletics Club in l’Alfàs del Pi, announced the strong early response, highlighting the event’s continued growth year after year. The 2026 race, taking place on 19 April, will feature key changes, including a revised course and the return of the popular 5-mile distance.
This year, the X Miles returns to its original and much-loved route along the full length of Albir Beach, including the iconic 800-metre Walk of Stars. With previous construction work now completed, runners will once again enjoy uninterrupted views along this spectacular stretch.

Starting and finishing at the l’Alfàs del Pi Municipal Sports Centre, the 16-kilometre course winds through the stunning Serra Gelada Natural Park, widely regarded as one of the most scenic race settings in the province.
The reintroduced 5 Miles option offers a more accessible challenge for runners not yet ready to tackle the full 10-mile distance. Participants will follow the same start as the main race before turning at the Albir anchor and heading back towards the sports centre, finishing with the iconic climb to the lighthouse — the symbolic heart of the El Faro Athletics Club.
Renowned for its demanding elevation changes, the X Miles remains one of the toughest races on the Costa Blanca. After multiple climbs and descents, runners face a final uphill kilometre that seasoned participants describe as a true leg-tester.
Full race information and registration details are available at:
www.xmillascostablanca.es

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

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