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The U3A collective makes a new food bank purchase for the Social Volunteering of l'Alfàs

The University of the Third Age (U3A) has made a new donation to the Asociación Voluntariado Social de l'Alfàs del Pi, a batch of food and basic necessities valued at 500 euros, money raised by selling typical sweets during its participation in the International Day of l'Alfàs del Pi.

The presentation took place in a commercial establishment in l'Alfàs, an event attended by the president of U3A, Garry Bell, accompanied by Elisabeth Potter, treasurer, and several members of the group, together with representatives of the Asociación Voluntariado Social de l'Alfàs del Pi, including the treasurer, Johana Wilson. And representing the Town Hall of l'Alfàs del Pi were the councillors for Cooperation and Volunteering, Isabel Muñoz, for International Residents, Martine Mertens, and the councillor for Relations with Residents' Associations and Clubs, Patrick de Meirsman.

Founded over a decade ago, U3A Marina Baixa covers the areas of l'Alfàs del Pi, Benidorm, Callosa d'en Sarrià, Finestrat, La Nucía, Polop and Villajoyosa. They meet once a month at the Casa de Cultura in Alfasina. An association formed mainly by British retirees, whose main objective is to promote cultural and intellectual interest among its members, while creating new bonds of friendship.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) organises all kinds of activities, from language, history and Spanish culture courses to painting, bridge, digital photography, golf, petanque, classical music, trips, picnics... A non-profit association that is present all over the world and that has set up its headquarters here in Marina Baixa in l'Alfàs del Pi.

🌴 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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The U3A collective makes a new food bank purchase for the Social Volunteering of l'Alfàs

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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