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Schoolchildren lead emotional sea turtle release as education and conservation unite

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In a powerful display of environmental awareness and community action, schoolchildren in Calpe have taken centre stage in the release of a rescued sea turtle back into the Mediterranean – a moment that brought together education, conservation and real-world climate action.

The turtle, affectionately named Tuk Tuk, was returned to the sea after a period of rehabilitation, marking the culmination of a wider initiative designed to connect young people with the urgent challenges facing marine ecosystems.

Turning environmental education into action

The release formed part of a broader educational programme aimed at embedding sustainability into everyday learning. Through the “goCalp” initiative, local students have been exploring environmental risks affecting their community, from marine pollution to the long-term impacts of climate change.

Rather than limiting lessons to the classroom, the project encourages pupils to think critically, propose solutions and engage directly with conservation efforts. The return of Tuk Tuk to its natural habitat provided a tangible, emotional link between theory and action, transforming abstract concepts into something immediate and unforgettable.

This approach reflects Calpe’s wider commitment to climate adaptation, with local authorities investing in programmes that not only raise awareness but actively involve the next generation in shaping a more sustainable future.

A journey from rescue to recovery

Before its release, Tuk Tuk was cared for by specialists at Fundación Oceanogràfic, where the turtle underwent treatment and monitoring to ensure it was fit to return to the wild.

Students were given insight into this recovery process, learning about the threats faced by marine life, including plastic pollution, fishing nets and habitat disruption. For many, the experience offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation work in action.

The final moment, watching the turtle disappear into the sea, left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of protecting fragile marine ecosystems.

Inspiring responsibility beyond the beach

Beyond the emotional impact, the event also delivered a clear message about responsible behaviour. Experts reminded attendees that if a sea turtle is spotted along the coastline, the correct response is to alert authorities rather than intervene directly, allowing trained teams to handle the situation safely.

By combining education with hands-on experience, Calpe is positioning itself as a model for how local communities can respond to global environmental challenges. Initiatives like this not only raise awareness but foster a sense of responsibility – ensuring that conservation becomes a shared effort, rooted in knowledge, empathy and action.

Benidorm

Benidorm upgrades stadium lighting in major sustainability push

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Benidorm is moving forward with a significant infrastructure improvement as work begins on upgrading the lighting system at the Guillermo Amor Stadium. The project marks a key step in the city’s ongoing efforts to modernise public facilities while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Situated in Benidorm, the stadium serves as a central venue for a wide range of sporting events, from local football matches to athletics competitions. With its existing lighting system now outdated, the decision to invest in new technology aims to bring the facility up to modern standards.

Transitioning to energy-efficient technology

At the heart of the renovation is the installation of a new LED lighting system, designed to replace traditional floodlights. This upgrade is expected to significantly lower electricity usage while delivering stronger, more uniform illumination across the entire stadium.

LED technology not only consumes less energy but also has a longer lifespan, reducing maintenance requirements and long-term operational costs. City officials have highlighted that the move aligns with broader sustainability targets, helping Benidorm reduce its carbon footprint while improving efficiency in public spaces.

Enhancing the experience for players and fans

The benefits of the new lighting will extend beyond energy savings. Athletes using the stadium will experience improved visibility, creating better conditions for both training and competition. Consistent lighting levels are especially important in professional and semi-professional sport, where performance can be affected by uneven or insufficient illumination.

For spectators, the upgrade promises a more enjoyable viewing experience. Clearer lighting enhances visibility across the pitch and track, contributing to a more immersive atmosphere during events. The new system will also meet the standards required for high-quality broadcasting, potentially opening the door for the stadium to host larger, televised competitions.

Strengthening local sports infrastructure

This project forms part of a wider initiative to invest in Benidorm’s sports infrastructure. Maintaining modern, well-equipped facilities is essential for supporting community engagement in sport, as well as attracting regional and national events.

Local authorities have underlined the importance of keeping public venues up to date, noting that the Guillermo Amor Stadium plays a vital role in the city’s sporting and social life. Upgrades like this ensure the venue remains competitive and capable of meeting the expectations of both athletes and organisers.

A forward-looking investment

The lighting renovation is already underway and is expected to be completed in the coming months. Once finished, the stadium will offer a more sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performing environment for a wide range of uses.

By investing in modern technology, Benidorm continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and quality public services. The project highlights how targeted improvements can deliver meaningful benefits, supporting both environmental goals and the long-term development of the city’s sporting landscape.

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Costa Blanca North

Is your outdoor space letting your property down? Here’s a smarter solution for the Costa Blanca

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Transform your outdoor space – without the hassle. Credit: Infinity Effects

Across the Costa Blanca, many homeowners are starting to notice the same problem. Driveways crack, terraces fade, and pool surrounds become slippery and worn over time. What once looked great can quickly become tired, outdated, and even unsafe.

Traditionally, the options have been limited – replace everything completely, or live with it. But there’s now a smarter, more modern solution that’s becoming increasingly popular across Spain: resin-bound stone surfacing.

Infinity Effects specialises in transforming outdoor areas using this advanced system, creating seamless, durable finishes that not only look stunning but are built to last in the Spanish climate.

Unlike loose gravel or printed concrete, resin-bound stone creates a smooth, solid surface with no loose stones underfoot. It’s also fully permeable, meaning water drains through naturally – no more puddles or standing water after rain. Around pools, this is particularly valuable, as the anti-slip finish provides added safety without compromising on appearance.

One of the biggest advantages is how efficiently it can be installed. In many cases, resin-bound surfaces can be laid directly over existing concrete or tiled areas, avoiding the need for costly and time-consuming groundwork. This means less disruption, faster turnaround times, and a cleaner overall process.

Homeowners also appreciate the low maintenance. There’s no need for regular sealing or repairs, and the UV-stable materials ensure the surface won’t fade under the strong Spanish sun.

“We often speak to clients who are surprised at how straightforward the transformation can be,” says Infinity Effects. “They expect a major construction job, but in reality, we’re able to completely upgrade the space quickly and with minimal disruption.”

From driveways and terraces to pool surrounds and pathways, the versatility of resin-bound stone makes it suitable for a wide range of applications – all with a high-end, modern finish that adds real value to a property.

For those considering an upgrade, the first step is simple.

Infinity Effects offers a free, no-obligation quote and can even provide a visual idea of how your space could look before any work begins.

Simply send a photo of your area to get started.

WhatsApp: +34 711 073 958

Email: info@infinityeffects.es

Transform your outdoor space – without the hassle.

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Benidorm

Benidorm has a hidden Roman city nearby and most tourists walk right past it

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Roman site at Tossal de La Cala sits just minutes from Benidorm beach
Credit : Francisco Nicolás Mercader Román – Wikipedia

Most people come to Benidorm for the same reasons. Sunshine, beaches, cheap drinks and a break that does not cost a fortune. But just minutes away from the busy seafront, there is something very different waiting, and a lot of visitors never realise it is there.

Close to one of Spain’s most famous holiday spots, you can find Roman ruins dating back more than 2,000 years, including an ancient outpost on a hill and a full archaeological city open to the public. It is the kind of place you would not expect to find so close to the strip, which is exactly why it surprises people.

From beach bars to Roman ruins in under ten minutes

If you leave the centre of Benidorm and head slightly away from the crowds, the atmosphere changes quickly. One of the first stops worth making is Tossal de La Cala, a small Roman site sitting above the coastline.

It does not look dramatic at first, but once you are up there, the view explains why it mattered. The Romans used it as a military outpost around 77 BC, watching over the bay and the surrounding routes. Today, it is free to visit, with clear paths and signs that help you understand what you are looking at.

What stands out is how close it is to everything else. You can be in the middle of Benidorm’s busiest areas one moment and standing in a quiet historic spot the next.

For many visitors, that contrast is the biggest surprise.

A full Roman city just a short trip away

If you want to go further, there is more to see than just a hilltop site. Near Alicante, within easy reach of Benidorm, lies Lucentum, an ancient Roman city that has been carefully preserved.

Here, you can walk along old streets, see the remains of houses and baths, and get a real sense of how the city was laid out. It is not a huge site, but it is enough to give you a clear picture of daily life during that time.

Entry costs around €3, which makes it one of the more accessible places to visit if you are interested in history but do not want to spend much.

Along the coast, there are also traces of the Via Augusta, one of the longest Roman roads in Spain. Parts of it can still be seen near Altea and Villajoyosa. It is easy to miss if you are not looking for it, but once you know it is there, it adds another layer to the area.

Cheap drinks and low prices still part of the appeal

Of course, Benidorm has not changed what made it popular in the first place. Prices are still one of the main reasons people keep coming back.

A pint can cost between €2.50 and €3, which is hard to beat compared to many other European destinations. Eating out is also relatively affordable, with meals often coming in noticeably cheaper than in cities like Rome.

Accommodation follows the same pattern. Short stays can work out cheaper than many other holiday spots, especially if you are travelling as a couple or booking outside peak periods.

That mix of low prices and easy access is part of what keeps Benidorm busy year after year.

Two very different sides of the same destination

What is interesting is how these two sides sit next to each other. On one side, you have the familiar image of Benidorm, busy streets, nightlife, packed beaches. On the other, you have quiet viewpoints, historic ruins and places where you can walk without crowds.

You do not have to choose between them. That is what makes it work.

You can spend the morning exploring a Roman site, have lunch in the Old Town, and still be back by the sea in the afternoon. It is all close enough to fit into a short trip.

The Old Town itself is another place where things feel different. Narrow streets, small bars and local restaurants replace the larger, more tourist focused venues. It is where you will find tapas spots and a slower pace, even in peak season.

Why more visitors are starting to notice

For years, Benidorm has had a clear image, and for many people that has not changed. But some travellers are starting to look beyond the obvious and see what else is there.

The fact that you can combine a typical beach holiday with a bit of history without travelling far is part of the appeal. It does not require planning a full day trip or spending a lot of money. It is simply there if you want it.

And that is probably why it has stayed under the radar for so long. Most people are not looking for it.

But for those who are, it offers something unexpected. A reminder that even in one of Spain’s busiest tourist destinations, there are still corners that feel completely different.

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