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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 | 10th–16th August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another huge week of summer, with beaches busy, nightlife in full swing and a packed programme of festivals, sport, culture and family entertainment across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The big talking point this week is the 12 August solar eclipse, with Benidorm and the surrounding coastline preparing for an extraordinary evening as the Moon covers almost the entire face of the Sun.

Hotels are also enjoying strong August demand. Latest regional forecasts put Benidorm's August hotel occupancy at around 92%, underlining the strength of the peak summer season.

☀️ BENIDORM

🏖️ Beaches & Summer Activities

Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas remain at the heart of Benidorm's summer action, with swimming, water sports, boat trips and beach activities continuing throughout the week.

Popular activities include:

🏄 Paddleboarding and kayaking
🚤 Boat trips to Benidorm Island
🪂 Parasailing
🌊 Jet ski experiences
🏐 Beach volleyball
🏖️ Family beach activities
🌅 Sunset cruises

The giant BENIDORM letters on the Tamarindos Promenade continue to provide one of the city's newest photo opportunities, with the installation made from recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean.

🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski – 60 Years

The legendary Benidorm Cable Ski continues its 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades as one of Europe's pioneering cable-ski facilities.

🎶 Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's famous entertainment scene remains in full summer mode, with live tribute acts, cabaret, comedy, karaoke, DJs, rooftop venues, beach clubs and late-night shows continuing throughout the week.

On Friday 14 August, BRESH takes over SkyFest Benidorm, bringing its mix of pop, reggaeton and commercial music to the city.

Sunday night also brings La Casita de Lo Perreo to KU Benidorm, with reggaeton, DJs and poolside summer entertainment.

🌞 THE BIG EVENT – 12 AUGUST SOLAR ECLIPSE

Wednesday 12 August is set to be one of the most unusual evenings of the summer.

In Benidorm, the eclipse will be partial but exceptionally deep, with approximately 99.5–99.6% of the Sun covered at maximum eclipse around 8.34pm. The Sun will remain very low above the western horizon and will set while the eclipse is still in progress.

This means the Costa Blanca will not experience totality in Benidorm itself, but the dramatic near-total eclipse should still create a striking change in the evening light.

Special eclipse experiences are being organised locally, including an e-bike tour through Benidorm, Albir and Altea, with an evening stop in Altea for eclipse viewing.

For those wanting to experience totality, specialist excursions are also being offered from the Costa Blanca towards areas where the eclipse is total.

⚠️ Never look directly at the Sun without proper certified eclipse protection.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

The Albir coastline remains a favourite for visitors looking for a quieter alternative to Benidorm.

🚶 Monday Healthy Walk

Tonight, Monday 10 August, l’Alfàs del Pi continues its weekly healthy walking programme.

The walk begins at 8.00pm from the Anchor at Racó de l’Albir beach, with Costa Blanca Balla coordinating the August routes.

No booking is required and the activity is designed to encourage exercise, wellbeing and social interaction.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues until the end of September, offering adapted equipment and assistance for people with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the famous Albir Lighthouse Trail, coastal cycling, outdoor activities, restaurants and evening entertainment.

🏰 GUADALEST

The spectacular mountain village of Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular day trips.

Visitors can explore:

🏰 Guadalest Castle
🏛️ Historic museums
⛰️ Mountain viewpoints
🌿 Walking routes
☕ Traditional cafés
🛍️ Local shops and crafts

The municipality is also continuing its work towards becoming a Smart Tourist Destination, focusing on digitalisation, sustainability and smarter tourism management.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer programme with culture and entertainment for residents and visitors.

Highlights include the historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and the Valor Chocolate Museum, alongside summer cultural activities.

On Friday 14 August, the town hosts “Manouche Melodies”, a jazz performance by Le Jazz Hot at the Auditori La Barbera dels Aragonés.

On Saturday 15 August, an outdoor screening of Imaginary Friends is scheduled at the same venue.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations gets underway this week as Les Festes d’Agost de La Nucía run from 14–18 August.

The programme combines traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks, family activities and late-night entertainment.

Friday 14 August

The festivities officially get underway with a packed programme of traditional and family activities, followed by evening entertainment.

Saturday 15 August

The programme includes:

⛪ Mass for the Feast of the Assumption
🎺 Procession
🎆 Night-time mascletà
🎶 Live music including Arre-Ak and Malifeta
🎉 Late-night festivities

Sunday 16 August

The celebrations continue with:

🎺 Despertà
⛪ Mass for San Roque
🌸 Floral offering
💃 Traditional dances
🎶 Los Manolos live
🎆 Night-time mascletà
🎮 Free gaming and family activities

The official programme confirms that the festivities continue through 18 August.

🌅 FINESTRAT

🏐 49th La Cala Beach Volleyball Tournament – 15 August

One of the Costa Blanca's great sporting traditions returns to La Cala de Finestrat on Saturday 15 August.

The 49th edition of the tournament will feature men's and women's 4x4 beach volleyball, bringing together high-level players, amateur competitors and spectators.

The tournament has become a major fixture of the summer sporting calendar and is expected to attract large crowds to La Cala.

🎭 Summer Culture

Finestrat's summer cultural programme also continues, with concerts and performances taking place around the historic village and Auditori del Castell.

On Friday 14 August, the Auditori del Castell hosts a concert by Rondalla Cordes i Veus Font del Molí and La Dolça Parranda de Tibi.

The town is also preparing for its major Patron Saint celebrations, which begin on 15 August and continue until 24 August.

🎭 ALTEA

Following the huge Castell de l’Olla fireworks spectacular last weekend, Altea returns to its summer rhythm of art, culture, music and tourism.

The historic old town remains a major attraction, with its whitewashed streets, galleries, restaurants and famous church square.

Visitors can also enjoy:

🎨 Balconades – outdoor art displayed around the old town
🛍️ Evening artisan market
🎶 Summer concerts
🍷 Waterfront dining
🌅 Sunset walks

The Balconades exhibition continues to turn balconies and façades in the old town into an open-air art gallery through August.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

With visitor numbers at their seasonal peak, enhanced policing and emergency arrangements remain in place across major tourist areas.

Following the recent fireworks incident at Castell de l’Olla, visitors are also reminded to follow official safety advice at large public events and to rely on information from local authorities and emergency services.

The high summer wildfire risk also remains an important consideration. Visitors should follow local restrictions, avoid fires or barbecues in prohibited areas and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🌞 10 Aug – Monday healthy walk, Racó de l’Albir
🌒 12 Aug – Near-total solar eclipse visible from Benidorm
🚴 12 Aug – Special eclipse experiences around Albir/Altea
🎶 14 Aug – BRESH at SkyFest Benidorm
🎭 14 Aug – Manouche Melodies, Villajoyosa
🎉 14–18 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía
🎭 14 Aug – Rondalla Cordes i Veus, Finestrat
🏐 15 Aug – 49th La Cala Beach Volleyball Tournament
🎬 15 Aug – Imaginary Friends, Villajoyosa
🎶 16 Aug – Los Manolos, La Nucía
🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across Benidorm

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season
🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing
🌞 Near-total eclipse on 12 August
🧜 Summer attractions continue across Benidorm
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues until September
🏐 La Cala hosts its 49th beach volleyball tournament
🎉 La Nucía's major August fiestas begin
🎨 Altea's summer art and cultural programme continues
🎶 Live music and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The Costa Blanca remains firmly in summer mode, with hot Mediterranean conditions expected.

Visitors should stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the afternoon and take particular care during outdoor activities.

For the eclipse, certified solar viewing protection is essential. Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable for looking at the Sun. In Benidorm, the eclipse will remain partial, despite the exceptionally high level of coverage.

The message for the week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night – and on Wednesday, look to the sky. 🌴🌞🌒