Transforming Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca into a dynamic hub of inclusivity and Mediterranean energy, Benidorm Pride is set to attract more than 20,000 international and local visitors this year. While atmospheric street gatherings light up the coastal resort throughout the week, the festival will build to its ultimate peak during an unforgettable weekend from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.

Friday night White Party at the auditorium

The weekend action will kick off in style on Friday, September 4, with the annual White Party held at the impressive open-air Julio Iglesias Auditorium in l’Aigüera Park. Thousands of festivalgoers dressed head-to-toe in white will gather under the stars to dance to sets by top international DJs and live musical acts. As midnight approaches, the party will move into the surrounding nightlife district, where popular late-night venues like Rockstar will keep the party going until dawn.

The grand seafront parade takes over Saturday: Tens of thousands of spectators

Saturday, September 5 will deliver the undisputed centrepiece of the entire festival: the Grand Pride Parade. Starting at 4:30pm from the iconic Levante Beach, a dazzling procession featuring 18 extravagant floats winds along the sun-drenched seafront promenade. Tens of thousands of spectators will crowd together on the coastal route, creating a massive wave of music, colour, and unity against the vibrant backdrop of the sea. After sunset, the festival will return to the Julio Iglesias Auditorium for the massive Main Stage event, headlined by renowned drag icons Kika Lorace and La Prohibida alongside top-tier stage performers.

Sunday old town finale and late-summer vibes

The week concludes on Sunday, September 6, with a lively grand finale centred around Benidorm’s historic Old Town. The neighbourhood’s picturesque cobblestone streets and tapas plazas host a series of open-air parties, venue takeovers, and dining events, offering a relaxed, yet festive opportunity to unwind and socialise.

Now officially affiliated with InterPride alongside major host cities like Barcelona and Sevilla, Benidorm Pride will combine world-class event production with vibrant Spanish culture. Apart from the high-energy entertainment, the city offers an exceptionally safe atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and engaging cultural exhibitions, making these final three days of the festival, running from September 4 to 6, one of the must-see late-summer festival experiences in Europe.

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.