Category: Costa Blanca

Posted on by

AloCubano Festival 2026 Brings Caribbean Rhythm and Global Dance Culture to Benidorm

Benidorm, one of the Mediterranean’s most dynamic leisure capitals, will host the 2026 edition of the internationally acclaimed AloCubano Festival, scheduled to take place from 9 to 13 April 2026. Recognized as one of Europe’s most vibrant Cuban music and dance events, the festival is set to transform the Costa Blanca into a hub of Caribbean rhythm, cultural exchange and high‑level artistic performance.

Held at the iconic Gran Hotel Bali, the tallest hotel in Spain, the festival will welcome more than 700 participants from over 30 countries, consolidating its reputation as a global meeting point for salsa, rumba, son cubano and other traditional Cuban genres. With 26+ workshops, masterclasses and social activities, the event offers a comprehensive program designed for dancers of all levels, from beginners to advanced performers.

AloCubano Festival distinguishes itself through its commitment to quality and immersive cultural experience. Attendees will enjoy:

  • Workshops led by internationally renowned instructors
  • Spacious dance halls equipped with advanced acoustic systems
  • Themed parties overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
  • Professional‑grade sound and lighting equipment
  • A vibrant local Cuban community and an atmosphere of continuous celebration

The festival’s strategic location enhances its appeal. Situated just steps from the beach and only 45 minutes from Alicante Airport, the venue offers convenient access for international travelers, with transfer services starting from €15. Participants can also book accommodation directly at the Gran Hotel Bali, ensuring a seamless and comfortable stay throughout the event.

Beyond its artistic dimension, AloCubano Festival promotes cultural appreciation and community building. Its diverse lineup of artists and DJs—soon to be fully announced—reflects the festival’s mission to celebrate Cuban heritage while fostering intercultural dialogue through music and dance. The official program will include daytime workshops, evening performances and late‑night social dancing, creating a continuous flow of activity for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

With

Posted on by

Educational Tourism Game “Mapa y Lupa” Launches New Interactive Adventure in Benidorm

The educational tourism project Mapa y Lupa has introduced a new interactive route in the city of Benidorm, offering families, students and visitors an innovative way to explore the historical and cultural heritage of one of Alicante’s most iconic destinations. Designed by Emilio, the creator of the platform, the game combines exploration, learning and digital interaction to transform traditional sightseeing into an engaging educational experience.

The initiative invites participants to discover Benidorm beyond its well‑known beaches and skyline. Historically a small maritime village dedicated to fishing, agriculture and coastal navigation, Benidorm once housed a defensive castle and several watchtowers built to protect the population from pirate attacks. Through the Mapa y Lupa adventure, players are encouraged to walk through the city’s historic streets, uncover its customs and understand its evolution from a modest coastal settlement to a major Mediterranean tourist hub.

To complete the Benidorm mission, participants need only a city map and a mobile phone or tablet. Throughout the route, players encounter a series of challenges and tests that must be solved in order to earn the “Hero Diploma,” a symbolic certificate awarded at the end of each adventure. These tasks are designed to promote observation, critical thinking and teamwork, making the experience suitable for families, groups of friends and school excursions.

The Benidorm route forms part of a broader catalogue of Mapa y Lupa adventures across the Valencian Community, including Calpe, Finestrat, La Nucía, El Albir, Guardamar del Segura, Alcalalí and Jalón, among others. Each location offers a unique combination of natural landmarks, cultural sites and historical narratives. From the Penyal d’Ifac in Calpe to the Mediterranean viewpoint in Benidorm or the Puig Campana hermitage in Finestrat, the project encourages participants to learn through direct interaction with their surroundings.

By merging tourism, education and gamification, Mapa y Lupa continues to position itself as a pioneering initiative in the field of experiential learning. Its Benidorm adventure reinforces the city’s commitment to promoting cultural tourism and offers visitors a dynamic way to engage with its rich past while enjoying a playful and memorable experience.

Posted on by

XX Vertical Climb to the Gran Hotel Bali: The challenge that looks to the sky

The most iconic uphill race in Europe returns to Benidorm. With registrations practically sold out, next Saturday, March 28th, starting at 10:00 AM, the Gran Hotel Bali—the tallest hotel building in Europe—will once again be transformed into a true sporting colossus. Its 52 floors, 924 steps, and 190 meters of elevation gain will be the setting for the 20th edition of the traditional Vertical Climb.

Posted on by

The Benidorm Half 2025 has broken all records, more than 9,000 registered participants for the 10K and 21K races

More than half of the entrants come from outside Spain, with the United Kingdom as the main source of participants, contributing 4,043 runners. Ben Connor and Lily Partridge claimed victory in a Benidorm Half that set multiple records in both sporting achievement and participation. Harry Johnson and Alondra Negrón were the first in their respective categories to complete the 10K.

Posted on by

Major Patron Saint Festivities and the British Fancy Dress Party in Benidorm

Benidorm Dresses Up for Celebration from November 8 to 12: Explore the Full Day-by-Day Programme of Events

Benidorm is already adorned in its finest attire to commemorate the 2025 Fiestas Mayores Patronales, held in honour of the Virgin of Suffrage (Virgen del Sufragio) and Saint James the Apostle (San Jaime Apóstol).

Benidorm Fancy Dress Party: The massive costume celebration will take place on November 13, beginning at 2:00 PM, in the leisure district of Rincón de Loix. Attendance is expected to exceed 30,000 participants.

Posted on by

Benidorm ranks third in Spain, behind only Madrid and Barcelona.

Benidorm is the third destination in the country, only behind the two largest cities (Madrid and Barcelona), and is also the first in the ranking of coastal destinations, followed by Calpe and Torrevieja.

Posted on by

Weekend in Benidorm: Patron Saint’s Day, Fallas, and Saint Patrick’s Day

These days mark the day of the patron saint, but the Fallas also marks the beginning of the year, and the traditional Saint Patrick’s Day. The coincidence of the three celebrations leaves the city with 87% hotel occupancy and events that will continue until March 19.

Posted on by

Sun and beach in the middle of the November long weekend in Benidorm

The beach was full of people sunbathing or playing in the sand in the morning, and the more daring also opted to go for a swim, as after a while in the sun, the water was inviting to cool off. In Benidorm, the terraces on the seafront and other areas were full at aperitif time and also for lunch. Some tourists sat looking for the sun that shines in the municipality this Friday.