Life without smoke is better, Costa del Sol walks together for World No Tobacco Day

Communities along the coast will come together on May 28 and 29 for “La Vida Sin Humo Se Vive Mejor” (“Life Without Smoke Is Lived Better”), a coordinated programme of walks and health-promotion activities marking World No Tobacco Day. Encouraging smoke-free lifestyles, raising awareness of the risks linked to tobacco and vaping, and promoting physical activity. 

World No Tobacco Day on May 31, is led by the World Health Organisation to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and the growing influence of new nicotine products. The 2026 campaign focuses on protecting young people and strengthening community-based prevention. This year’s event brings together town halls, health organisations and local associations in a joint effort to support healthier living.

Where you can take part

La Cala de Mijas – May 28

La Cala de Mijas opens the programme with registration and assembly at the Torreon from 10am, with the walk departing at 10.15am. Participants follow a route through streets and parks before reaching the La Cala Sports Centre at 12.30pm. Recreational activities and health information stands are available throughout the morning.

Benalmadena – May 29

Benalmadena’s walk begins at Plaza de la Mezquita at 9am, with the walk setting off at 9.30am. A physical activity session takes place at Parque de la Paloma before the group returns to the plaza at 11.45am.

Fuengirola (Los Boliches) – May 29

In Fuengirola, registration opens at 9.30am at Plaza de Pedro Cuevas on the Paseo Maritimo Rey de España. The walk heads toward the Virgen del Carmen monument along the Paseo Maritimo, reaching Plaza del Rosario at 11am. A musical activity and informative talk on tobacco and vaping follow at 11.30am, along with youth activities at the nearby basketball court.

Mijas – May 29

Mijas hosts one of the most extensive routes, with groups gathering at Plaza San Valentin from 9.30am and the walk departing at 10am. The route continues through Calle La Union, Avenida de Mijas, Calle Roble and Los Pinos Park, with activity stops along the way. Further sessions take place at Calle Rio Las Pasadas and Parque Andalucia before the route continues through several neighbourhood streets. A final group activity and prize presentation are scheduled between 1.30pm and 2pm. The event also forms part of the “1 Million Steps” physical activity initiative.

Marbella – May 29

Marbella’s programme starts at 10am in Parque de la Alameda with registration, information stands and health-promotion activities. A yoga workshop follows at 10.30am, and the walk itself departs at 11am along Avenida del Mar and the Paseo Maritimo to Plaza del Mar, with the return to the park completing by midday.

Estepona – May 29

Estepona’s walk begins at Plaza Antonia Guerrero at 9am, with the route departing at 9.30am along Calle Terraza, Avenida España, Mirador del Carmen, Rotonda de las Naciones and Calle Real, finishing at the Paseillo area at 11am, where physical activity and music therapy workshops will be held.

Shared guidance and participation

All events are free to join, with registration at the starting point on the day. Organisers recommend wearing a white T-shirt, bringing water and using sun protection. The walks are supported by the Junta de Andalucia, local town halls, the Asociacion Española Contra el Cancer, and various community health organisations

For more information visit the individual town hall websites.