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Seventeen establishments participate in the 14th edition of the Tapas and Pinchos Contest

The event, at the halfway point of Benidorm Gastronomic 2024, will take place from June 14 to 23
The mayor places gastronomy as “a great complement and attraction of tourist activity”

The 14th edition of the Tapas and Pinchos Contest will have 17 participating establishments on this occasion, as was announced this afternoon during the presentation of this third event of the Benidorm Gastronomic 2024, which took place at the CDT 'Domingo Devesa' and which will be It will take place from the 14th to the 23rd of this month of June.

The mayor, Toni Pérez, was present at the presentation, accompanied by the regional secretary of Tourism, Cristina Moreno, the vice president of Abreca, Alex Frattini and members of the local corporation. An act that has served to say goodbye to Diego Salinas, manager of Abreca, who leaves his position to undertake other professional challenges, and to welcome Irene Carreño, who will replace him in the position.

The regional secretary of Tourism, Cristina Moreno, has highlighted “the very high level” of the tapas and pinchos that take place in this edition. Moreno has pointed out that these types of events are “an example of how gastronomy enhances the tourist destination and is a source of economic development.”

The mayor of Benidorm has expressed himself in similar terms, recalling that this contest was “the embryo” of what later became Benidorm Gastronomic. “Gastronomy is a complement and a great attraction of tourist activity,” he stated. Pérez also had words for the outgoing manager of Abreca “who has put in his heart and soul and who marked a turning point in the association when he arrived,” and for the new manager “who will surely also mark another turning point.”

The mayor has celebrated the number of participating establishments “which are no more because the activity we have is incessant” and has opted to “manage success, working hard to not lose the quality that has brought us here.”

The information brochures published for the Contest incorporate a Navilens code “to better guide people with reduced mobility and make it more accessible to enjoy this contest and these initiatives.”

The 17 establishments that will take part in the Tapas and Pinchos Contest are: Aboard Gastrolounge, Brasería Aurrerá, Cervecería L'Abadía, Chiringuito Beach, DNI Ibéricos, El Bodegón Aurrerá, Ellínea de Castilla, La Cava Aragonesa, La Tabernita del Sur , La Tapería Aurrerá, Mallorca, Marisquería El Puerto, Maüi Beach Gastrolounge, Pinocchio Playa, Pintxos Aurrerá, Taberna Andaluza and Zorzosa.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Seventeen establishments participate in the 14th edition of the Tapas and Pinchos Contest

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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