Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


La Nucia / 25 april 2026
The Costa Blanca town of La Nucía is preparing to host a major culinary showcase next month as it launches the second edition of its “GastroWeekend” festival, bringing together top chefs, local producers and food lovers from 9 to 12 May.
Held at the CEM Captivador venue, the four-day event is designed as an immersive gastronomic experience, combining haute cuisine, live entertainment and local food culture in a format that organisers say is fast becoming one of the standout food events in the Alicante province.
Three Distinct Culinary Experiences
The festival is structured around three main events, each offering a different perspective on Spain’s vibrant food scene.
The opening day, Saturday 9 May, features “Gastro Day”, where leading chefs from across the region will present an exclusive menu alongside live cooking demonstrations and interactive sessions. Participating restaurants include El Xato, as well as other acclaimed venues such as La Fava, Talaia and Plegat. Tickets for this experience are priced at €85.
On Sunday 10 May, the event opens up to a wider audience with the “Gastro Market”, a free-entry food fair showcasing more than 20 artisanal and innovative products. Visitors will be able to sample regional specialities while enjoying live music and DJ performances, creating a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere.
Michelin-Star Finale
The highlight of the weekend comes on Tuesday 12 May with the “Michelin Star and Repsol Sun Day”, bringing together seven of Spain’s most respected chefs. Collectively, they hold nine Michelin stars and 13 Repsol Suns, representing some of the country’s most top culinary institutions.
Restaurants involved include L'Escaleta, Riff and Maralba, among others. Each chef will contribute to an exclusive tasting menu designed to showcase innovation, technique and regional identity.
Growing Culinary Reputation
Organisers say the event reflects La Nucía’s ambition to position itself as a гастрономic destination, blending high-end cuisine with accessible, community-focused experiences.
Tickets can be purchased individually for each event, with a limited combined pass available for €205.
With a mix of fine dining, local produce and entertainment, GastroWeekend is expected to attract both residents and visitors, further strengthening the Costa Blanca’s reputation as a leading food tourism destination.

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
Cultural activity
Nightlife and entertainment
Overall feel
Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.
ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere
Live music
Sea activities
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
Live music
Cultural venues
Overall feel
Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.
LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus
Markets
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
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

Local & Spanish


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