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The best ice cream makers in the world meet in Benidorm

Toni Pérez underlines Benidorm's commitment to initiatives that "boost the city's projection as a first-class tourist and gastronomic destination"
The best ice cream masters on the national and international scene have been taking part since yesterday in Benidorm, at the Melià Villaitana hotel, in the fourth edition of the Gran Premio del Helado 2025, a notable event that has consolidated the city in “four years” as “a benchmark in the promotion of gastronomy and quality tourism”. This was highlighted by the mayor, Toni Pérez, during the visit he made to learn, first-hand, the details of the exhibition that closes its doors this afternoon.

The ice cream maker and spokesperson for Abreca (Association of Bars, Restaurants and Cafeterias), Alex Fratini, from Gelateria Pinocchio, and participant in the competition, together with its director, Marco Levati, have accompanied the mayor on the tour of the different stands present.

The Benidorm Ice Cream Grand Prix is a competition that combines creativity, technique and flavour, where 150 participants have competed to win the coveted title and exclusive awards, among which a Porsche Boxter stands out as first prize, a Vespa Piaggio for the second place and a Bravo machine for the third place.

The competition was attended by figures from the sector such as Paco Torreblanca, best pastry chef in the world in 2022 and Medal d'Or 9 d'Octubre of the Generalitat in 2024; 150 exhibiting companies and more than 4,500 operators from all over Europe. Among them, and representing Benidorm, Gelateria Pinocchio. Marco Levati pointed out that the total participation is around 6,000 specialists in 2025 and that, every year, the event has managed to double the number of participants.

With his presence, Toni Pérez wanted to underline Benidorm's commitment to initiatives that "boost the projection of the city as a first-class tourist and gastronomic destination." The mayor has highlighted the importance of this event for the town: "The Ice Cream Grand Prix not only highlights the talent of ice cream makers, but also reinforces the image of Benidorm as a place where excellence and innovation have a place." "An event - he has specified - that is the second most important in the world in a sector rooted and recognised in the province of Alicante.

The event has filled the Melià Villaitana hotel with aromas and flavours, with proposals that have delighted both the jury and the public. In anonymous tubs, the professionals have given the jury their chocolate and mango creations to taste. Of these, 12 have been selected who have subsequently made the typical cremino ice cream from Piedmont (Italy).

The day culminated with the awards ceremony, a highly anticipated moment that will put the finishing touch to two days of intense competition. With this new edition, the 2025 Ice Cream Grand Prix reaffirms its position as one of the sweetest and most anticipated events on the calendar, contributing to the The economic and cultural dynamism of Benidorm, a city that will be joined by other ice cream awards in Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria) and Split (Croatia) throughout 2025.

On the other hand, the event organisers have already announced that next year the awards will be raised to a higher level and the winner will take home a Maser.

🌴 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.