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Thousands of people visit the Medieval Market in Vila Joiosa this May Day

More than 70 craft and gastronomic establishments are concentrated in the park at the mouth of the Amadorio River, decorated for the occasion, and which has stables and an area with games and children's attractions.

Thousands of locals and tourists visit the Medieval Market during this May Day weekend. More than 70 craft and food stalls form the decorated stage in the park at the mouth of the Amadorio River. Musical performances and theatrical exhibitions set the mood for visitors' strolls, transporting them to the Middle Ages. Attendees enjoy street shows with theatrical performances, juggling, dances, storytelling and medieval music. Meats, cold cuts, cheeses, liqueurs and Arabic sweets are some of the gastronomic offerings that can be tasted in designated areas. Jewelry, soaps, perfumes, aromatic herbs, fabrics, leather goods, wooden toys, ceramics, basketry and an endless number of crafts and artisan products make up the offer that shows the trades of the time. In addition, the corsairs rest in the stables, preparing to compete in the great medieval tournament that will take place on Sunday morning.

The little ones have an area with wooden games and children's attractions, such as swings, a merry-go-round and horse-drawn carriages.

"The Medieval Market is a recreational, cultural and gastronomic offer that aims to attract all audiences with the aim of enjoying an experience set in the Middle Ages throughout this May weekend in which Vila Joiosa is welcoming many tourists and visitors," says the Councillor for Culture, Marisa Mingot.

The Medieval Market started on Wednesday afternoon and will be set up at the mouth of the Amadorio River until Sunday with a very wide program of activities for all audiences. This is the first event with which the Vila Joiosa City Council celebrates the 725th anniversary of its foundation as a city. This afternoon, the ceremony of presenting the Joiosa sword to Bernat de Sarrià 2025 will take place, with which Mayor Marcos Zaragoza will appoint Miguel Lloret Pérez, who this year holds the position of admiral of King James II Bernat de Sarrià, as a Knight. The agenda of activities to commemorate the granting of the Carta Pobla on May 8, 1300 extends until May 10, when the civic procession and the representation of the act of granting the Carta Pobla will be organised in the church of the Mare de Déu de l'Assumpció.

🌴 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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Thousands of people visit the Medieval Market in Vila Joiosa this May Day

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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