Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


L'Alfàs del Pi / 18 July 2026
Football fans on the Costa Blanca are being invited to experience the FIFA World Cup Final in one of the region's most unique settings after L'Alfàs del Pi Town Hall announced it will broadcast Spain's showdown with Argentina on a giant outdoor screen at the Roman Villa of l'Albir Museum (Villa Romana de l'Albir).
The free community event, taking place on Sunday, 19 July, will reuse the large cinema screen installed for the 38th L'Alfàs del Pi Film Festival, giving residents and holidaymakers the opportunity to watch the biggest match in world football under the stars.
Gates open at 8pm, with kick-off at 9pm, and admission is free until the venue reaches capacity.
Film Festival Screen Gets a Second Life
Rather than dismantling the giant screen after the conclusion of the Film Festival's "Cinema at the Roman Villa" programme, the council has chosen to keep it in place for one more evening to celebrate Spain's appearance in the World Cup Final.
Councillor for Festivals Sandra Gómez said the initiative allows the town to make the best possible use of an existing municipal installation while creating a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Sports Councillor José Plaza added that the historic Roman Villa provides an exceptional venue for supporters to come together and enjoy what is expected to be one of the biggest sporting occasions of the year.
Family-Friendly Fan Zone
To build the atmosphere before kick-off, the Town Hall will stage a Fan Zone between 7pm and 9pm, featuring music from DJ Toni Castro, who will also continue entertaining supporters after the match.
At the same time, many bars and restaurants across the town centre will also be showing the game, with the council temporarily allowing businesses to install outdoor televisions and screens for the final. A section of Federico García Lorca Street will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly area where supporters can gather safely.
Local Police will also close part of Avenida del Albir, helping to improve safety around the Roman Villa Museum and supporting nearby hospitality businesses expected to benefit from increased visitor numbers.
Strict Safety Measures in Place
With the Valencian Community currently under maximum wildfire alert, the council has issued a strong reminder that fireworks, firecrackers and all pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited throughout the event.
Visitors are also reminded that alcohol and glass containers are not permitted inside the museum grounds, and there will be no bar service within the venue. Security staff will be on hand throughout the evening to ensure the event runs smoothly and to protect the important archaeological site.
Costa Blanca Ready for Football Fever
The screening is one of several large public viewing events taking place across the Costa Blanca as Spain prepares for the World Cup Final. Benidorm, Alicante and other municipalities are also expecting large crowds as excitement reaches fever pitch.
Hotels, bars and restaurants throughout the region are preparing for one of the busiest evenings of the summer, with thousands of British tourists expected to join Spanish supporters in cheering on La Roja.
The Town Hall is encouraging everyone to enjoy the occasion responsibly while respecting the historic surroundings of the Roman Villa and helping ensure a safe and memorable evening for all.

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA*-
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. 🌴☀️🎉


Local & Spanish


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