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BRacó de l'Albir beach joins the Network of Smoke-Free Beaches of the Valencian Community

The entire Albir beach has joined the Valencian Community's Smoke-Free Beach Network, prohibiting smoking and vaping throughout the bathing area. This is intended to protect the public from the harmful and irritating effects of tobacco and to counteract the environmental pollution caused by cigarette waste in the sea.

The mayor of l'Alfàs del Pi, Vicente Arques, presented the demarcation and signage of the entire smoke-free zone at the l'Albir beach library. Arques recalled the suggestion made by the president of the Environmental and Consumer Education Association, José Palacios, last October at the 2nd International Blue Flag Congress held in l'Alfàs. "A smoke-free beach to protect children, but also smokers themselves and, most importantly, marine ecosystems. Well, we have taken note." We reaffirm our commitment to promoting policies that allow for more sustainable management."

The presentation ceremony was attended by the mayor of l'Alfàs del Pi, along with municipal technicians, the Councilor for Health, Marisa Cortés, "we are committed to smoke-free spaces"; the Councilor for Beaches, Luis Morant, "a decision made out of conviction"; and the Councilor for the International Area, Martina Mertens. Representing Public Health, the Director General of La Marina Baixa, José Vicente Pascual, "the goal is to prevent passive smoking," the coordinator of the l'Alfàs Health Center, Paco Martínez, and the nursing coordinator, Karen Kumbal.

For those who question a potentially unpopular measure, the Health Councilor left us with a beachside statistic: a single cigarette butt that ends up in the ocean contaminates 100 liters of water.

The entire area has been demarcated and marked, and the entire population will also be informed directly and through various initiatives through various outreach campaigns, both on the beach and throughout the entire municipality, as awareness of this is a matter of general interest. "We ask for public cooperation, to make the effort we consider necessary to defend and promote health in a tourist destination that is considered a healthy benchmark."

It should be noted that the City Council is finalizing the ordinance sanctioning non-compliance with the regulation, always trusting that its application will not be necessary, as it will be notified and posted in advance for general awareness.

Ultimately, this is another step toward sustainable management of beaches and tourist destinations. It's everyone's responsibility to protect our beaches, a source of environmental, economic, and social wealth, stated Councilor Luis Morant.

🌴 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

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BRacó de l'Albir beach joins the Network of Smoke-Free Beaches of the Valencian Community

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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