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Villajoyosa Launches Smoke-Free Beaches Initiative as Summer Season Gets Underway

Villajoyosa / 3 June 2026

Villajoyosa has officially launched its summer beach season with enhanced safety, accessibility and environmental measures, including the introduction of the region's "Smoke-Free Beaches" initiative and a major expansion of beach services ahead of the busy tourist season.

The municipality joined health officials from across the Marina Baixa region this week to raise the official "Smoke-Free Beach" flag at Playa El Paradís, reinforcing Villajoyosa's commitment to public health, environmental protection and sustainable tourism.

The initiative forms part of the Valencian Community's Smoke-Free Beaches Network, coordinated by the Regional Ministry of Health. The programme now includes 45 coastal municipalities across the region, with 27 located in Alicante Province.

Among those attending the flag-raising ceremony were Director General of Public Health Begoña Comendador, Marina Baixa Health Department Manager Beatriz Massa, Director of Public Health José Vicente Pascual, and local councillors responsible for health, beaches and the environment.

Officials said the scheme aims to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, encourage healthier lifestyles and tackle one of the most common forms of beach pollution: discarded cigarette butts.

Councillor for Health Maite Sánchez described the initiative as a shared commitment between residents and visitors.

"Protecting health and the environment requires collective responsibility. This programme is about creating awareness and encouraging everyone to help preserve our coastline for future generations," she said.

Councillor for Beaches and Environment Carlos Soler added that cigarette waste remains a significant environmental concern.

"Not only does tobacco affect people's health, but cigarette butts damage our beaches, pollute the sea and create a poor image for visitors," he said.

Summer Beach Services Fully Operational

At the same time, Villajoyosa has confirmed that all key beach services are being expanded for the summer season following a meeting of the municipality's Beach Management Committee chaired by Mayor Marcos Zaragoza.

The town's lifeguard service begins this week and will operate until 30 September, supported by 25 lifeguards, a rapid-response rescue vehicle and a rescue jet ski. Operating hours will increase during the peak summer months of July and August to provide extended coverage for residents and tourists.

Accessibility has also been prioritised. The accessible bathing area on Playa Centro will open from 15 June until 15 September, while the Department of Social Services will once again provide free transport for people with mobility difficulties during July and August.

Beach cleaning operations are also being significantly reinforced, with staffing increasing from four workers to eleven. Daily cleaning schedules will cover both morning and afternoon shifts throughout the summer.

To enhance security, a dedicated Local Police beach patrol unit will be deployed across the municipality's coastline during the high season.

Award-Winning Beaches

Villajoyosa continues to hold the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the Marina Baixa region, with six beaches receiving the prestigious international award for water quality, safety and environmental management: Playa Centro, Varadero, El Paradís, Bol Nou, El Torres and La Caleta.

The municipality has also retained two Blue Trail distinctions for its popular coastal walking routes, the Colada de la Costa and Volta al Cantal.

Mayor Marcos Zaragoza praised the coordinated efforts of municipal departments in preparing for the summer season.

"Our beaches are one of Villajoyosa's greatest assets. The work carried out throughout the year ensures that residents and visitors can enjoy safe, clean and high-quality coastal environments," he said.

Tourism Councillor Rosa Llorca added that the municipality enters the summer season fully prepared to welcome the thousands of visitors expected over the coming months.

With improved safety services, accessible facilities, environmental initiatives and internationally recognised beach quality standards, Villajoyosa is positioning itself as one of the Costa Blanca's leading family-friendly and sustainable seaside destinations for Summer 2026.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.