Local & Spanish

La Taberna Andaluza and La Fava win the public and jury awards at the III Tapa Fest

A total of 21 establishments have participated, offering their culinary proposals inspired by the Benidorm Fest at special prices until Sunday.

'Flamenquín Deluxe', the tapa prepared by the Taberna Andaluza, has been the winner of the III Tapas Competition 'Tapa Fest' organised by the Association of Bars, Restaurants and Cafeterias of Benidorm and the Region (Abreca), in collaboration with the Benidorm City Council and Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, within the parallel activities that take place in the city on the occasion of the Benidorm Fest. This was decided by the vote of the public who have tried the tapas of this edition, who have considered that this culinary proposal is the most succulent of those offered by the 21 establishments of the city that participate in the contest.

The popular vote has also recognised in second place El Linaje de Castilla with its tapa 'Las 3 Bellotas', while the 'Nuestra Diva' of DNI Ibéricos has been classified in third position.

The 'Coca Vasco-Valenciana' presented by La Fava has won the prize awarded by the professional jury after tasting all the proposals in the competition.

The Councillor for Events, Jesús Carrobles, was in charge of presenting the prizes for this edition, accompanied by the regional secretary and the general director of Tourism, José Manuel Camarero and Israel Martínez, and the director of the Repsol Guide, María Ritter.

Also present were representatives of the different establishments that have participated in this edition, as well as the manager of Abreca-Cobreca, Irene Carreño; and the presidents of these two groups, Javier del Castillo, from Abreca, and Pablo González, from Cobreca.

Carrobles thanked the restaurateurs "for their involvement in joining the Benidorm Fest to make everything that revolves around this event even bigger", while highlighting the "enormous level" of the tapas that have been presented in this edition, which can be tasted until Sunday in the 21 participating establishments: Taberna Andaluza, El Linaje de Castilla, DNI Ibéricos, La Fava, Arrocería La Marina, Cervecería l'Abadia, El Bodegón Aurrerá, El Mesón, El Rincón de la Ribera, Freiduría Los Peces, La Brasería Aurrerá, La Cava Aragonesa, La Pinta Beach, La Tabernita del Sur, La Tapería Aurrerá, Marisquería El Puerto, Pinocchio Playa, Pintxos Aurrerá, Shija Sabores de los Balcanes and Terraza Bahía.

🌴 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

First for the latest UK & Spanish news on the hour every hour!

BENIDORM WEATHER

Local & Spanish

Cool Playlist

La Taberna Andaluza and La Fava win the public and jury awards at the III Tapa Fest

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

First for the latest UK & Spanish news on the hour every hour!

Latest Music Video's

Spain's More Music Variety

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2026

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2025

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2026