Benidorm’s iconic tuna festival returns – here’s why everyone’s talking about it

Every spring, the coastal city of Benidorm transforms into a culinary hotspot as it hosts its increasingly popular Tuna Festival, officially known as the Jornadas del Atún. In 2026, the sixth edition of the event runs from April Friday 17 to Sunday 26, bringing together food lovers, chefs and curious travellers for ten days dedicated to one of the Mediterranean’s most prized ingredients: bluefin tuna.

Far more than just a food festival, the event is a tribute to the city’s maritime past. For centuries, Benidorm was closely tied to the almadraba: a traditional tuna fishing method that shaped both its economy and identity.

Record participation signals growing appeal

This year’s festival marks a turning point, with a record 15 restaurants taking part, the highest number since the event began.

The growth reflects a clever and inclusive format. Restaurants are free to participate in ways that suit them best, whether by offering a single tapa, a signature dish or a full tasting menu. This flexibility has made it easier for more venues to get involved, while also giving visitors a wide range of price points and experiences to choose from.

Menus range from affordable bites to more elaborate dining experiences, ensuring that both casual visitors and serious foodies can engage with the festival. The result is a dynamic, city-wide celebration rather than a single-location event.

The star of the show: Bluefin tuna

At the heart of the festival is bluefin tuna, a product revered for its rich flavour, versatility and cultural significance. Across participating restaurants, chefs showcase the fish in both traditional and modern interpretations, from raw preparations to slow-cooked dishes.

Quality is a key focus. Organisers work with trusted suppliers to ensure consistency across all venues, meaning that whether you’re enjoying a €3 tapa or a premium tasting menu, the standard remains high.

This emphasis on excellence has helped elevate the festival’s reputation, positioning it as one of the standout events within the wider “Benidorm Gastronómico” calendar.

Honouring the ancient almadraba tradition

One of the most compelling aspects of the festival is its connection to the almadraba, an ancient fishing technique that dates back to pre-Roman times. It involves a complex network of nets placed along migratory routes to catch tuna sustainably.

Benidorm played a surprisingly important role in this tradition. Historically, its fishermen were renowned experts, travelling across the Mediterranean to lead almadraba operations.

Today, the festival serves as a way to keep that heritage alive. It’s not just about eating tuna, it’s about understanding the cultural and historical significance behind it.

The spectacle of the ‘ronqueo’

A highlight of the opening celebrations is the dramatic “ronqueo”, the traditional carving of a whole bluefin tuna. In 2026, a 280-kilogram specimen was expertly dissected in a public demonstration, drawing crowds eager to witness the process.

The name “ronqueo” comes from the distinctive sound made as the knife cuts through the fish’s spine. Beyond its theatrical appeal, the demonstration underscores an important principle: almost every part of the tuna can be used.

This zero-waste philosophy aligns with both tradition and modern sustainability values, reinforcing why the almadraba method remains respected today.

A culinary experience for every taste

What sets the Benidorm Tuna Festival apart is its accessibility. Whether you’re sampling a quick bite by the beach or sitting down for a multi-course tasting menu, the event invites everyone to participate.

Restaurants push creative boundaries, blending Mediterranean flavours with contemporary techniques. Expect everything from tuna tartare and tataki to inventive rice dishes and fusion plates.

At the same time, many chefs stay rooted in tradition, highlighting simple preparations that let the quality of the fish shine. This balance between innovation and heritage is a defining feature of the festival.

Why it’s becoming a must-visit event

With rising participation, strong cultural storytelling and a clear focus on quality, the Benidorm Tuna Festival is rapidly establishing itself as one of Spain’s most exciting gastronomic events.

It offers more than just great food… it provides a lens into the region’s history, its connection to the sea and its evolving culinary identity.

For visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience Benidorm beyond its beaches and nightlife. And for locals, it’s a celebration of a legacy that continues to shape the city today.