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Costa Blanca tourism set for strong 2026 as flights expand and UK demand continues

Costa Blanca / 13 March 2026

Tourism across Spain’s Costa Blanca is expected to remain strong in 2026 as increased flight capacity, record visitor numbers and continued demand from British travellers drive growth across the region.

Low-cost airline expansion is playing a key role, with Ryanair announcing a major summer schedule for Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport including 580 weekly flights and new European routes, significantly increasing capacity to the destination.

Tourism officials say the Costa Blanca continues to attract strong demand from UK travellers, who remain one of the region’s most important international markets. Popular resorts such as Benidorm and Alicante continue to see steady bookings throughout the year.

The destination recorded record tourism figures in 2025, driven by improved air connectivity, major events and a growing shift towards year-round tourism.

Benidorm is also preparing for one of its busiest spring events, with thousands of visitors expected to arrive for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The resort is known for hosting one of the largest celebrations outside Ireland, with parades, live music and themed events across the city’s bars and entertainment districts.

Tourism leaders say the Costa Blanca’s mix of beaches, nightlife, gastronomy and cultural experiences continues to attract visitors seeking sunshine and value compared with rising travel costs elsewhere in Europe.

With expanded flight schedules, strong international demand and a growing calendar of events, tourism authorities believe the Costa Blanca is well positioned for another successful year in 2026.

🌴 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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Costa Blanca tourism set for strong 2026 as flights expand and UK demand continues

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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