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X Climb to Castell de Guadalest Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Record Entry List

El Castell de Guadalest / 1 June 2026

More than 40 drivers from across Spain are set to compete in the 10th Castell de Guadalest Hill Climb – Ricardo Fracés Trophy, one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the Valencian Community, taking place on 5–6 June 2026.

Organised by the Costa Blanca Marina Baixa Automobile Club, the event marks a major milestone as it celebrates a decade of competition on one of the region’s most challenging and scenic mountain courses.

The annual hill climb has grown steadily since its launch and now attracts leading drivers, teams and motorsport enthusiasts from across the country, generating significant tourism and economic benefits for the Marina Baixa region.

A Landmark Motorsport Event

The race route begins near the Guadalest River bridge and climbs towards the historic hilltop village of El Castell de Guadalest, one of Spain’s most visited inland tourist destinations.

Drivers will tackle a demanding 5.5-kilometre course featuring 55 corners and a 229-metre elevation gain, making it one of the most technical hill climb events on the regional calendar.

Race Director Paco Aznar described the tenth edition as a proud achievement for organisers and volunteers who have helped transform the event into a recognised fixture of Spanish mountain motorsport.

Economic and Tourism Impact

Local officials highlighted the importance of the competition in promoting Guadalest and the wider Costa Blanca as a destination for both tourism and sporting events.

Mayor Joan Gadea Pons praised the commitment of volunteers, emergency services, sponsors and local organisations, noting that thousands of spectators are expected to attend across the weekend.

The event also honours Ricardo Fracés, whose contribution to the development of the race has been recognised through the naming of the annual trophy.

Event Schedule

Friday 5 June

Administrative and technical scrutineering
Vehicle exhibition in the Wild West public car park
Public viewing from 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday 6 June

Road closure from 6:30am
Practice runs begin at 8:30am
Official timed runs throughout the day
Expected finish between 2:30pm and 3:00pm
Prize-giving ceremony from 4:00pm

Safety First

Organisers have urged spectators to follow all safety instructions and remain within designated viewing areas throughout the event.

With over 40 competitors confirmed and large crowds expected, the 2026 edition is set to be one of the biggest in the race’s history, reinforcing Guadalest’s reputation as a leading destination for motorsport and outdoor tourism on the Costa Blanca.

🌴 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.