Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish


Magic has come to Finestrat this weekend with its Christmas Market. This is the 5th edition and, as a novelty, it is held in a unique space, the Plaça de la Unió Europea.
There has been more than 50 stalls selling crafts, popular food, typical Christmas decorations, and a large Christmas tree presiding over this square to bring and share the Christmas spirit between locals and visitors. There will be a full programme of events there, aimed mainly at children and families, with animation workshops, face painting, live music, the ANEMOI Street View dance show, the great musical “Magical Tales”, well-known Disney characters and the most eagerly awaited visit of the year for the little ones in the house: Santa Claus.
The mayor, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, together with the Councillor for Markets, Donna Rebecca Plummer and members of the local government visited this event in which local groups such as the Association of Women of Finestrat, the El Balconet Festival Committee, Cáritas Parroquial and the two schools, Puig Campana and Balcó de Finestrat, were also present.
Finestrat. Christmas Market
Also during the inaugural tour, the prizes were awarded to the winners of the XVII Christmas Card Competition organized by the Youth Department:
Alejandra Rodríguez García, 5 years old. Winner in the Children's category.
Adriana Fernández Martínez, 8 years old. Winner in the Junior category.
Zara Boboerova, 12 years old. Winner in the Junior + category.
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
The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

Local & Spanish


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