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PSOE Calls for Public Consultation on Bullfighting at Benidorm Open Arena

Benidorm / 5 June 2026

The PSOE opposition group in Benidorm has called for a public consultation to allow residents to decide whether bullfighting events should be permitted at the future Benidorm Open Arena, reigniting debate over the role of the controversial spectacle in one of Spain's leading tourist destinations.

The proposal was presented during an extraordinary plenary session at Benidorm Town Hall, where Socialist spokesperson Cristina Escoda criticised the governing Partido Popular administration for including facilities associated with bullfighting within the redesigned venue.

Escoda argued that the inclusion of bullpens, treatment rooms and other bullfighting-related infrastructure reflects priorities that are out of step with modern cultural and educational needs.

"It is difficult to understand that in 2026 the City Council is prioritising facilities for bullfighting over cultural spaces that residents have been requesting for years," Escoda said. "The people of Benidorm should have the opportunity to decide how this public space is used."

Debate Over the Future of the Open Arena

The Benidorm Open Arena project has become one of the city's most discussed municipal developments. While the council presents the venue as a flexible space capable of hosting concerts, festivals, sporting events and large-scale entertainment, opposition parties have questioned aspects of the design and future use.

The PSOE maintains that the project should place greater emphasis on cultural infrastructure, including expanded library facilities, youth spaces, study areas and rehearsal rooms.

Socialist councillors also criticised the removal of plans for a new library from earlier proposals and questioned why recommendations to partially cover the arena to reduce noise levels for nearby residents were not adopted.

Wider National Debate

The discussion reflects a broader national debate over bullfighting in Spain. While the practice remains legal and protected as cultural heritage at a national level, public opinion remains divided.

Several municipalities and autonomous regions have reduced support for bullfighting events in recent years, while others continue to promote them as part of local traditions and tourism strategies.

In the Valencian Community, bullfighting continues to attract both supporters and critics, with local authorities increasingly facing pressure to balance cultural heritage with changing public attitudes, particularly among younger generations.

Budget Dispute Adds to Political Tensions

The extraordinary council meeting also saw debate over Benidorm's 2026 municipal budget. PSOE councillors voted against the proposed accounts, arguing that increasing debt levels and financial commitments raise concerns about the city's long-term economic sustainability.

Socialist councillor Antonio Charco called for greater transparency regarding municipal finances and future borrowing plans, while the governing administration defended the budget as necessary to support investment and services.

Public Consultation Proposal

The PSOE has formally requested that residents be consulted on whether the Benidorm Open Arena should host bullfighting events in the future. The proposal is expected to generate further political discussion as plans for the venue continue to develop.

The City Council has not yet indicated whether it will consider holding a public consultation on the matter.

As construction and planning progress, the future role of the Benidorm Open Arena is likely to remain a key issue in local politics, reflecting wider debates about culture, heritage and public investment across Spain.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

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

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

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

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.