This September, the Costa Blanca town of Altea is set to transform into a breathtaking spectacle of tradition, music, and dramatic historical reenactment. The official schedule of events for the Altea Fiestas, or Festes d’Altea, highlights an action-packed month that will seamlessly weave together deep-rooted religious devotion and the grand pageantry of the Moros i Cristians, or Moors and Christians, festival. Honouring both the Santíssim Crist del Sagrari and the town’s patron saint, Sant Blai, the official itinerary will capture the vibrant culture of this charming Costa Blanca town.

Paella contests and sporting events launch the celebrations

The festivities are due to officially begin on Saturday, September 5, with sporting events and a special paella-making contest to welcome the festivities with a bang. The little ones in the municipality will have the opportunity to participate in football tournaments, while the best cooks in town compete to make the most mouth-watering traditional paella. That evening, at midnight, the town will ring in the festivities with a party featuring local DJs and talented performers.

Grand parades and gunpowder battles fill the streets

As the festival heats up, the schedule will transition into high-energy street performances and musical gatherings. Early morning wake-up calls, or despertàs, will echo through the historic cobblestone alleys, driven by brass bands and the sharp crackle of firecrackers. Crowds will gather together for lively outdoor marches during the festival, setting the stage for the main grand entrances. Thousands of spectators will line the avenues to watch magnificent processions featuring elaborate suits of armour, silk robes, dancing troupes, camels, and soaring brass fanfares that evoke medieval legends.

Intertwined with these grand displays of pageantry are the dramatic historical reenactments of the Embajadas and gunpowder battles. Staged at a specially constructed castle in the heart of town, these scheduled acts feature theatrical declamations where negotiators clash before the air is filled with theatrical smoke and thunderous blasts, symbolically battling for control of Altea.

Sacred traditions and evening festivities close the month’s festivities

Solemn masses, elaborate floral offerings, and evening processions will also move gracefully through the old town’s white-walled streets, carrying revered icons under the shadow of Altea’s iconic blue-domed church.

In the late hours of the festival nights, the streets will come alive with nightly open-air concerts, vibrant street parties, or verbenas, and spectacular midnight fireworks displays that illuminate the bay. The festival will conclude during the first days of October with traditional humour parades and solemn closing ceremonies, bringing an unforgettable celebration of community, history, and shared heritage to a triumphant end in the charming coastal town of Altea.

A small campsite in the Marina Alta has attracted major attention after being named the best camping destination in Spain and ranking second across Europe in the 2026 Campercontact Awards.

Camping Benigembla, located in the inland Marina Alta, achieved the highest rating in Spain among campsites featured on Campercontact, a platform used by motorhome and campervan travellers.

The result is particularly notable for a destination away from the region’s better-known coastal resorts, putting the small municipality of Benigembla firmly on the map for visitors looking for a different kind of Spanish getaway.

Recognition based on travellers’ reviews

The Campercontact distinction is based on ratings and reviews submitted by people who have actually stayed at or visited the campsites.

According to information released by Benigembla Town Hall, the campsite received the highest score in Spain in the 2026 awards.

The recognition highlights the importance of guest experience, with the campsite’s management and personal approach to welcoming visitors also singled out locally.

Rather than relying solely on its location, the award reflects the opinions of the travellers who have used its facilities, making the result particularly significant for the growing motorhome and caravan tourism market.

A different side of the Costa Blanca

Benigembla sits in the Vall de Pop, an inland area of the Marina Alta known for its mountainous landscapes and traditional villages.

For visitors accustomed to the Costa Blanca’s busy beaches and large holiday resorts, the area offers a much quieter alternative.

The campsite also provides a base from which travellers can explore the surrounding valley, countryside and villages, while enjoying the slower pace associated with inland tourism.

The recognition comes at a time when camping is increasingly moving beyond the traditional image of basic pitches and tents. Modern travellers are increasingly looking for outdoor holidays that combine nature, comfort and the freedom to travel by motorhome or campervan.

Putting Benigembla on the map

The award could also give the municipality a valuable boost at a time when inland destinations are looking to attract more visitors.

Benigembla Town Hall has highlighted the campsite’s role in introducing travellers from across Europe to the municipality and the wider Vall de Pop.

For a small inland community, that exposure can encourage visitors to explore beyond the campsite itself, supporting local businesses and tourism while showcasing a less familiar side of Alicante province.

With Camping Benigembla now recognised as Spain’s highest-rated campsite in the 2026 Campercontact Awards and second in Europe, an increasingly popular corner of the Marina Alta has gained an impressive new reason for holidaymakers to discover it.

As summer winds down and autumn approaches, the Costa Blanca is gearing up for a vibrant lineup of artisan markets and seasonal celebrations. Stretching across Gata de Gorgos, Javea, and Jalon, this year’s regional event calendar promises an inviting blend of local craftsmanship, charity initiatives, live entertainment, and festive holiday shopping. During three key dates across the Costa Blanca area, a local artisan will bring her crochet crafts across seasonal markets, bringing unique handcrafted pieces to residents and visitors alike.

Artisan craftsmanship meets eco-friendly design: Costa Blanca’s ‘Crochet Queen’

Artisan designer Karla “The Crochet Queen” Darocas of Darocas Studio, based in Benitachell, will make her “royal rounds” across the market circuit to present her signature Royal Boho Collection of handcrafted bags and necklaces.

Each piece in the collection is crafted from 100% Andalucian organic cotton, requiring up to 24 hours of dedicated artisan labor that combines crochet, hand-beading, and precision hand-sewing. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the designer in person, explore bespoke color palettes, or arrange private “Coffee & Creative Shopping” sessions.

Autumn charity fundraiser kicks off the season

The festivities will begin on Sunday, October 4, 2026, with the Autumn Artisan Market & Samaritan Fundraiser. Hosted at the Concordia Secret Garden in Gata de Gorgos from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the afternoon brings together local residents and visitors for a community gathering centered around a good cause. Attendees can enjoy a traditional barbecue, participate in a charity raffle, and sample home-baked treats, with all proceeds directly supporting local welfare initiatives.

Holiday fayres bring Christmas cheer to Javea and Jalon in November

As the holiday season draws closer, the event lineup will shift focus to traditional Christmas celebrations across the region. On Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Salones Carrasco Christmas Fayre in Javea will open the holiday shopping season from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering an early chance to discover handcrafted gifts from regional makers. The festive momentum will continue the following week on Sunday, November 15, 2026, when the iconic Rastro Site in Jalon transforms into a vibrant holiday hub from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This family-friendly event features live music, full catering and bar services, an outdoor barbecue, and a special appearance by Santa Claus for younger attendees.

At all three of these events, visitors can not only check out The Crochet Queen’s unique wares, but they can also have fun and participate in a festive local atmosphere. Whether searching for handmade gifts, participating in charity efforts, or simply seeking a lively day out in the sun, the Costa Blanca’s upcoming market season will offer something for every visitor.