Benidorm Gastronómico 2026 Culinary Events
BENIDORM – Since 2010, the municipal tourism department, in collaboration with the Abreca hospitality association, has been showcasing Benidorm’s local cuisine annually under the name “Benidorm Gastronómico.”
In 2026, this program will consist of 6 events, spread out from late February through late November. It’s a fun way to get to know the restaurants in Benidorm.
Author: Rick, more than 10 years active on the Costa Blanca. These texts are written from my own experiences and based on current sources.
Page updated on: 19 June 2026
Table of contents
ToggleA year full of regional dishes
Benidorm Gastronómico focuses on stews, tuna, tapas, pintxos, cocktails, rice dishes, and traditional regional cuisine, all offered at affordable prices.
The full program for 2026 was presented in January at Fitur, the international tourism fair in Madrid, by Mayor Toni Pérez together with representatives from Abreca-Cobreca.
It was also confirmed that the “Jornadas Menjars del Nostre Poble,” which were launched last year to mark Benidorm’s 700th anniversary, will now have a permanent spot as the sixth event on the annual calendar.
The “culinary” godfather of 2026
Every year, Benidorm Gastronómico appoints a“padrino,” or godfather, from the local hospitality industry. For 2026, that honor goes to Mariano Sanz of the traditional Bar Marianos, who is taking over from Licinio García of the ConBrassa group, the patron of the 2025 edition.
Sanz has been in the Benidorm hospitality industry for more than 40 years and is well-known even outside the city. He said he is proud of the recognition and hopes that all of this year’s planned activities will be a success.
A List of Events
- 14th Jornadas de la Cuchara (Spoon Dishes Week) — from February 27 through March 8. This event kicked off the annual program, featuring 16 participating restaurants and a presentation at the Centre Municipal El Torrejó;
- 6th Jornadas del Atún (Tuna Week) — April 17 through 26;
- 1 6th Tapas and Pintxos Contest – June 19 through 28;
- 5th Cocktail Contest – September 11 through 20;
- 15th Jornadas Arroces de la Tierra (Rice Week) — October 16–25;
- 2nd Jornadas Menjars del Nostre Poble — November 26–29—dedicated to the most authentic regional cuisine and, as of this year, a regular feature on the calendar.
Tip! Stay up to date on these culinary events by signing up for the Pure Costa Blanca newsletter.
Announcements: Benidorm Gastronómico
The events that are part of Benidorm Gastronómico are announced annually through posters. A poster is also released each year to promote the initiative as a whole. Below are a few posters from previous years.
More tips about Benidorm
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Updated on:
19 June 2026
Page updated on: 19 June 2026
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Hi! My name is Rick, initiator of Pure Costa Blanca and the free App. Since 2015 I can be found on the Costa Blanca on a monthly basis.
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