Benidorm could be crowned one of Europe’s greenest cities as Costa Blanca resort makes final award pitch

Benidorm is making its case in Portugal this week as it bids to become one of Europe’s greenest small cities, with water management and climate adaptation among the key strengths behind its European Green Leaf 2028 candidacy.

The Costa Blanca resort is one of three finalists competing for the prestigious European Commission award, alongside Chiclana de la Frontera in Cádiz and Estarreja in Portugal. The final decision will be announced on Thursday, October 8, during a ceremony in Guimarães.

Water at the heart of bid

A Benidorm delegation is travelling to Guimarães, this year’s European Green Capital, to present the city’s environmental strategy to an international panel of experts.

Mayor Toni Pérez is leading the delegation alongside Councillor for the Environment Mónica Gómez, with specialists from Benidorm Town Hall, Visit Benidorm, HOSBEC, the University of Alicante and Veolia also involved.

The presentation will focus on how the city manages its resources despite accommodating a large number of visitors, particularly its approach to water and its efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change.

The European Commission highlighted Benidorm’s performance in these areas during the first stage of the competition. It noted that the city has reduced emissions while managing high levels of tourism and uses green infrastructure to help tackle the urban heat island effect and improve water management.

Second consecutive final

This is the second year running that Benidorm has reached the final of the European Green Leaf competition.

Last year, the award went to Assen in the Netherlands and Siena in Italy for 2027. Benidorm is now hoping a second consecutive appearance in the final will finally secure the title for 2028.

The European Green Leaf Award recognises towns and cities with populations between 20,000 and 100,000 that demonstrate strong environmental performance and plans for further improvements.

Applicants are assessed across seven areas, including air quality, water management, biodiversity and green spaces, waste and the circular economy, noise pollution, climate change mitigation and climate adaptation.

€200,000 prize

Winning the European Green Leaf title would also bring financial support, with each winning city receiving €200,000 to fund activities and further green initiatives during its designated year.

Benidorm’s presentation and meetings with the jury are taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, before the winners are revealed at the Teatro Jordão in Guimarães on Thursday evening.

Pérez said reaching the final again demonstrates that a densely populated tourism destination can combine a successful visitor economy with responsible environmental management and improvements to residents’ quality of life.

The European Commission will announce whether Benidorm, Chiclana or Estarreja takes the 2028 title on Thursday 8 night.