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Spain Dreams of World Cup Glory as Benidorm Gears Up for a Historic Final

Benidorm / 16 July 2026

Spain is just one match away from making football history once again, with excitement building across the country ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup Final against defending champions Argentina.

After a superb 2-0 semi-final victory over France, Luis de la Fuente's side has captured the imagination of the nation with confident, attacking football and a series of outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured Spain's place in their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

The final, which takes place at MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday, promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of the year, with Spain chasing only its second FIFA World Cup title while Argentina aim to retain the trophy.

Benidorm Ready for a Football Festival

Thousands of football supporters are expected to pack Benidorm's bars, terraces and fan zones throughout the weekend as one of Spain's most popular holiday resorts prepares for what many hope will be another unforgettable night in the country's sporting history.

The city has already experienced a World Cup tourism boost this summer, with increased numbers of British visitors arriving during the tournament. Local authorities have worked alongside police, tourism officials and major UK tour operators to strengthen security and ensure supporters can enjoy the occasion safely.

Across the resort, large screens are expected to show the final, with venues along the Levante beachfront, the Old Town and the famous entertainment district preparing for capacity crowds. Hotels, restaurants and bars are anticipating one of their busiest evenings of the summer season.

National Pride Sweeps Spain

Support for La Roja stretches far beyond the football stadiums. Streets, balconies and town squares across Spain are now decorated with national flags, while supporters have flooded social media with messages of encouragement.

Even Spain's Royal Family joined the celebrations after the semi-final victory, wearing national team shirts and congratulating the squad as they moved within touching distance of another World Cup triumph. King Felipe VI is also expected to attend the final in New York.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has praised his players for their unity and determination but insists the job is far from finished.

"We'll fight for this World Cup," the Spain manager said after guiding his side into the final, adding that the toughest challenge still lies ahead.

A Clash of Football Giants

Awaiting Spain are reigning world champions Argentina, who booked their place in the final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England, scoring twice in the closing minutes to end England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.

The final is expected to pit Spain's possession-based style against Argentina's experience and attacking quality in what many pundits are calling a classic World Cup showdown.

For millions of Spaniards—and the thousands of fans celebrating in Benidorm—it represents more than just a football match. It is an opportunity to unite the country and write another chapter in Spanish sporting history.

Whether watching from packed terraces in Benidorm, village squares across Spain or the stands in New York, supporters will be hoping La Roja can bring the World Cup home for the first time in 16 years.

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA*-

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 17th–23rd August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another busy week of August, with beaches packed, nightlife in full swing and a mixture of fiestas, sport, music, family entertainment and summer activities taking place across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The biggest local celebrations continue in La Nucía, while Finestrat remains in the middle of its summer patron saint festivities. Benidorm has concerts, cinema and major music events, while the David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour brings international youth tennis to La Nucía throughout the week.

☀️ 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 remain a popular photo opportunity, while the city's beaches and waterfront continue to provide the perfect base for a classic August holiday.

🎿 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.

🎶 Summer Entertainment

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.

The city's official cultural programme also continues with Concerts al Castell, running through Wednesday 19 August, and Cine en la Playa, which continues through Friday 21 August at Mal Pas Beach.

🎬 Cine en la Playa

The popular outdoor cinema programme continues at Playa del Mal Pas, with the 2026 series running from 7–21 August.

It's a great family-friendly option for anyone looking for something different from the usual nightlife.

🎵 Saturday 22 August – Big Music Night

Saturday brings a particularly busy night for music lovers.

🎧 Techno Flamenco Benidorm takes place at SkyFest from 6.00pm until midnight, combining electronic music, flamenco singers and live performances.

🔥 DBT Mob Fest takes over Penélope Benidorm, with a major urban-music line-up including Kidd Keo, Yung Sarria, Lil Gnar, Aleman and others.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

Albir remains a popular alternative to the busier centre of Benidorm, with its beaches, restaurants, evening atmosphere and famous coastal scenery.

🚶 Healthy & Outdoor Activities

The Albir coastline continues to be ideal for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, particularly in the cooler morning and evening hours.

The Albir Lighthouse Trail remains one of the area's must-do walks, offering spectacular views across the Serra Gelada coastline.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues during the summer season, providing adapted facilities and assistance for visitors with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the beach, coastal cycle routes, restaurants and evening entertainment around Albir.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations of the summer reaches its final two days this week.

Les Festes d’Agost run from 14–18 August 2026, with traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks-style pyrotechnic events, family activities and late-night entertainment.

📅 Monday 17 August

The celebrations continue with:

🌅 8.00am – Despertà through the town

⛪ 9.00am – Bell ringing

⛪ 10.00am – Santa Misa

🎉 12.00pm – Peña gathering at the San Rafael hermitage

🎺 1.00pm – Band entry

🎭 8.00pm – Gran Cabalgata Multicolor de Disfraces

🎶 12.30am – Gravity orchestra in Plaza Mayor

The colourful costume parade is one of the highlights of the fiestas.

📅 Tuesday 18 August – Final Day

The final day continues with traditional activities and the closing celebrations.

The 2026 programme includes the morning Despertà, religious celebrations and further festive activities, with a correfocs bringing the five-day fiesta programme to a spectacular close.

🎾 17–23 August – Tennis Europe David Ferrer

Away from the fiestas, La Nucía hosts an international junior tennis tournament throughout the week

The David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14 runs from 17–23 August at the David Ferrer facilities in La Nucía. It is a Category 2 Tennis Europe event on clay.

🏰 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

August is a particularly popular time to visit, although the mountain location can be considerably hotter during the middle of the day.

For a more comfortable experience, an early-morning or late-afternoon visit is recommended.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer rhythm with its historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and restaurants.

The Valor Chocolate Museum remains a popular daytime attraction, while the town's beaches and waterfront provide plenty of options for an evening stroll.

🎶 Friday 21 August

Music lovers can head to Roger's Temple in La Vila Joiosa for POP VIBES, featuring Aylenk.

The event is part of the venue's summer concert programme, with the performance scheduled for the evening and free entry advertised by the venue.

🌊 FINESTRAT

🎭 Patron Saint Festivities

Finestrat's major summer celebrations continue this week, with the Patron Saint festivities running from 15–24 August.

This means the town and surrounding areas remain particularly lively throughout the week, with traditional events, music, cultural activities and celebrations continuing through Sunday 23 August.

⚽ Monday 17 August – Local Football

Football fans have an extra option on Monday evening.

CF Benidorm face Villajoyosa CF in a pre-season friendly in Finestrat at 7.30pm.

🎨 ALTEA

Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's best destinations for a relaxed evening of culture, art, restaurants and sea views.

The historic old town, church square, galleries and waterfront remain busy throughout August.

🎨 Summer Art

Altea's summer exhibition programme continues, with art exhibitions providing an alternative to the beach during the hottest part of the day.

The town is also ideal for an evening wander through the old streets before dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.

🌉 Evening Altea

Visitors can enjoy:

🎨 Art galleries

🛍️ Artisan shopping

🍷 Old-town restaurants

🎶 Summer music

🌅 Sunset walks

📸 Views from the church square

🌴 SUMMER ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE MARINA BAIXA

Even without a major one-off event, there is plenty happening across the area this week.

🏖️ Beaches and coves

🚤 Boat trips

🏄 Water sports

🎢 Theme parks

💦 Water parks

🎿 Cable Ski

🚲 Cycling and coastal walks

🌅 Sunset cruises

🎶 Live music and nightlife

August remains peak season, so popular attractions, restaurants and evening shows can become busy — particularly from Friday through Sunday.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

Visitor numbers remain extremely high during the August peak season, so allow extra time for traffic and parking when travelling between Benidorm, Finestrat, La Nucía, Albir and Altea.

The combination of heat, dry vegetation and strong winds can also increase wildfire danger. Follow local restrictions, never light fires or barbecues where prohibited, and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

For outdoor activities, keep hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon where possible.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🎉 17 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

⚽ 17 Aug – CF Benidorm v Villajoyosa CF, Finestrat, 7.30pm

🎾 17–23 Aug – David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14, La Nucía

🎉 18 Aug – Final day of Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

🎶 19 Aug – Final Concerts al Castell, Benidorm

🎬 21 Aug – Final Cine en la Playa screening of the August programme, Benidorm

🎶 21 Aug – POP VIBES with Aylenk, Roger's Temple, Villajoyosa

🎧 22 Aug – Techno Flamenco, SkyFest Benidorm

🔥 22 Aug – DBT Mob Fest, Penélope Benidorm

🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season

🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing

🎉 La Nucía fiestas reach their finale

🎾 International junior tennis in La Nucía

⚽ Pre-season football in Finestrat

🎭 Finestrat patron saint celebrations continue

🎬 Outdoor cinema continues in Benidorm

🎶 Summer concerts continue across the Marina Baixa

🎧 Major music events in Benidorm on Saturday

♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues through summer

🎨 Altea's art, culture and old-town attractions remain popular

🌅 Beaches, sunsets and summer nightlife across the region

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The week of 17–23 August is expected to begin hot, with temperatures rising further towards the middle of the week before conditions become more unsettled later on.

AEMET's latest outlook indicates a significant increase in temperatures across Alicante province, with the hottest conditions expected around Wednesday and Thursday, followed by increasing cloud and a greater chance of showers or storms later in the week.

Visitors should:

💧 Drink plenty of water

🧴 Use high-factor sunscreen

🧢 Wear a hat during daytime activities

🌳 Seek shade during the hottest hours

🌅 Plan walks and outdoor activities for morning or evening

🔥 Take extra care because of the elevated wildfire risk

If you're attending outdoor events, check local weather and official warnings on the day, particularly towards the end of the week.

The message for this week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night — with La Nucía, Finestrat and Benidorm providing plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the Costa Blanca. 🌴☀️🎉