Situated on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast, Benidorm is a city that combines vibrant tourism with a strong commitment to sustainability. Once a small fishing village, it has grown into one of the Mediterranean’s most popular holiday destinations, renowned for its sandy beaches, mild climate and distinctive skyline. Home to approximately 75,000 residents, with its population rising to as many as 400,000 during the summer season, Benidorm has embraced the challenges of mass tourism as an opportunity to rethink urban development and environmental protection.
Benidorm’s sustainability strategy is built around its compact urban model, demonstrating how high population density can coexist with the preservation of natural areas. By concentrating development within a limited urban footprint, the city reduces pressure on surrounding landscapes while maximising the benefits of efficient infrastructure and resource management. This approach is complemented by initiatives promoting water conservation, renewable energy and more sustainable tourism practices, including efficient irrigation systems, green accommodation and measures to reduce plastic waste on beaches.
Performing strongly across all environmental indicators, Benidorm demonstrates how tourism-dependent cities can balance economic vitality with environmental responsibility. Its innovative approach to urban management is supported by evidence-based decision-making, using open data, a digital twin and extensive real-time monitoring to guide policies and track progress. These tools help the city respond to environmental challenges while continuously improving its sustainability performance.
Benidorm’s progress is anchored in strong governance and a clear strategic vision, structured around four sustainable policy pillars. Collaboration plays a central role in this approach, with residents, visitors, hotels and local businesses actively involved in the city's green transition. Rather than treating tourism as an environmental burden, Benidorm has turned it into a driving force for sustainable innovation, transforming the city into a living laboratory for circular solutions. With its forward-thinking urban model, innovative governance and collaborative approach, Benidorm exemplifies how tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand. As a European Green Leaf 2028 winner, the city stands as an inspiring example for other coastal destinations, demonstrating how local leadership and shared commitment can transform the challenges of mass tourism into opportunities for a greener, more resilient future.
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For more details, explore Benidorm’s application and presentation. Additionally, the jury report and the Technical Assessment Synopsis Report are accessible for further insights.
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The winners represent Europe's leading cities for urban sustainability.
Below the surface of the Mediterranean, meadows of seagrass protect Benidorm’s coastline and capture CO₂. Further inland, ravines connect neighbourhoods with natural landscapes, trees shade streets and parks, and a former quarry is gradually becoming
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The city of Benidorm has introduced a new method of reducing the amount of waste produced by discarded beach equipment, introducing a new system where users can deposit their old beach items.