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Lope de Vega International School Retains Benidorm School Chess Tournament Title for Second Consecutive Year

Benidorm, Spain / 15 June 2026

Lope de Vega International School has once again been crowned champion of the Benidorm School Chess Tournament, successfully defending its title and reinforcing its position as one of the leading centres for school chess in the Marina Baixa region.

The school secured first place in the second edition of the prestigious competition, with the grand final taking place at Benidorm City Hall. The victory marks a second consecutive championship for Lope de Vega International School and highlights the continued success of its thriving chess programme.

The tournament ranking was determined by the combined scores of each school's five highest-performing players, rewarding consistency and teamwork as well as individual excellence. Lope de Vega International School achieved an impressive total of 178 points, comfortably ahead of second-placed IES L'Arabí on 153 points and third-placed IES La Malladeta on 136 points.

Outstanding Results

The school's success was driven by a series of exceptional individual performances, with five students finishing among the tournament's top eight competitors:

Maksim secured 3rd place overall with five points.
Ni Jiale finished in 4th place, also scoring five points.
Cristian achieved 5th place with 4.5 points.
Hugo claimed 7th place with four points.
Diego completed the top eight in 8th place, also on four points.

The remarkable achievement demonstrates both the depth of talent within the school and the effectiveness of its long-established Chess Club, which encourages students to develop critical thinking, concentration, strategic planning, analytical skills and decision-making abilities.

Building Skills Beyond the Classroom

Chess continues to play an important educational role at Lope de Vega International School,

providing students with opportunities to strengthen cognitive skills while promoting sportsmanship, discipline and healthy competition.

School leaders praised the efforts of all participants and highlighted the value of events that bring together students from across the region to learn, compete and build friendships through sport.

The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony attended by Benidorm Councillor for Education, Maite Moreno, who congratulated the students on their performances and recognised the growing importance of chess within the local educational community.

A Growing Legacy

The latest title further strengthens Lope de Vega International School's reputation as a regional leader in school chess and reflects the continued growth of the game across Benidorm. With two consecutive championship victories now secured, the school has established itself as the benchmark for excellence in the competition.

Key Highlights

Benidorm School Chess Tournament champions for the second consecutive year.
First place overall with 178 points.
Five students ranked among the tournament's top eight players.
Strong performance from the school's Chess Club programme.
Continued commitment to developing critical thinking and strategic skills through chess.
Recognition from local education authorities during the official awards ceremony.

For Lope de Vega International School, the latest victory is not only a sporting achievement but also a reflection of its commitment to academic excellence, personal development and educational innovation.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family 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 periods 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 and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are 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 newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

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

Things To Do:

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

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

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

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

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

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.