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Guadalest Strengthens Smart Tourism Ambitions with Invat·tur Partnership

El Castell de Guadalest / 29 July 2026

One of the Costa Blanca's most iconic inland destinations is taking another step towards the future after El Castell de Guadalest reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a Smart Tourist Destination (STD) through closer collaboration with the Valencian Institute of Tourism Technologies (Invat·tur).

Officials from Invat·tur met with Guadalest Town Hall to review current projects, identify future priorities and explore new ways of using digital technology and data to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the village's unique heritage.

The initiative forms part of the Valencian Community's wider strategy to help tourism destinations become more innovative, sustainable and competitive, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the changing expectations of modern travellers.

Innovation Without Losing Its Identity

Discussions focused on several key areas, including digital transformation, tourism intelligence, data management and the continued development of the Smart Tourist Destination model.

The programme aims to improve how destinations are managed, making them more efficient, accessible and environmentally sustainable, while enhancing services for both visitors and local residents.

Mayor Joan Gadea Pons said working alongside Invat·tur was essential for the municipality's long-term future.

"For Guadalest, working hand in hand with Invat·tur gives us the knowledge, advice and tools we need to continue improving our tourism model. We want to strengthen our position as a Smart Tourist Destination without losing the character and heritage that make Guadalest so special."

He added that investing in innovation, sustainability and digitalisation is an investment in the future of the village and in providing an even better experience for both tourists and residents.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Invat·tur said regular meetings with tourism municipalities allow the organisation to better understand local challenges and tailor technical support to each destination's needs.

The Smart Tourist Destination model promotes sustainable growth through innovation, improved accessibility, environmental responsibility and the intelligent use of technology to improve visitor services.

A Jewel of the Costa Blanca

Perched high above the Guadalest Valley, El Castell de Guadalest is one of the most visited inland destinations in the Valencian Community, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Famous for its medieval castle, spectacular mountain scenery, museums and historic streets, the village has become a must-visit attraction for holidaymakers staying across Benidorm and the Costa Blanca.

Local officials believe embracing smart tourism principles will help preserve Guadalest's unique character while ensuring it remains one of Spain's leading heritage destinations for years to come.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 27 July - 2nd Aug 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another fantastic week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest weeks of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity, with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing
Jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities
New Seafront Attraction

Visitors continue flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's most popular new photo spots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive family activities
Meet-and-greet sessions
Benidorm Cable Ski – 60th Anniversary

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:

Live tribute shows
Comedy and cabaret
Karaoke
Rooftop bars
Beach clubs
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting thousands of visitors with spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things to enjoy:

Guided walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.

Popular attractions include:

Valor Chocolate Museum
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Seafront promenade
Artisan markets
Summer concerts
Beachfront restaurants

🏟️ La Nucía

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes
Summer Cultural Programme

Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:

Outdoor concerts
Local exhibitions
Evening entertainment
Family activities
Traditional markets

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities include:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Scenic countryside walks
Exploring the historic village
Relaxing at La Cala Beach
Shopping & Dining

La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:

Summer sales
Outdoor terraces
Beachfront restaurants
Family entertainment

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

Summer Safety

Enhanced summer policing remains in place across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas to help keep residents and visitors safe during the busy holiday period.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography tours

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
Evening artisan markets
Family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended attraction opening hours
Beach events and water sports
Live music every night

🌴 Quick Summary

✅ Beaches at full summer capacity
🧜 Aqua Natura's Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled BENIDORM letters remain a must-see
♿ Accessible bathing service at Albir extended until September
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail welcomes walkers daily
🎨 Altea's summer arts programme continues
🎶 Live music and nightlife across the Costa Blanca
🚔 Enhanced summer policing remains in place
☀️ Peak holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of hot, sunny Mediterranean weather is forecast.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evening: 24°C–27°C

A yellow heat warning remains in place in parts of Alicante Province, with temperatures expected to peak during the afternoon. Visitors are advised to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the day and keep up to date with local weather and wildfire warnings.