Push for a Total Ban on Smoking on All Benidorm Beaches This Summer

All Beaches Smoke-Free?

Benidorm's Socialist opposition is pushing the ruling PP to sign up to the Valencian Community's Smoke-Free Beaches Network, which would see all of the resort's beaches become no-smoking zones.

Councillor Laura Rubio pointed to neighbouring towns that have already joined: La Vila Joiosa (all 13 beaches smoke-free), l'Alfàs del Pi and Finestrat.

"It's unacceptable that in a city like Benidorm, smoke-free areas are limited to very specific points on accessible beaches, while the rest of the coastline remains unprotected," she said.

The Environmental Case

It's not just about non-smokers' comfort. Rubio highlighted the environmental damage:

• A single cigarette butt can contaminate up to 50 litres of water
• Takes around a decade to decompose
• Releases microplastics, arsenic and lead into the marine ecosystem
• Cigarette butts are one of the most common types of beach waste

Ball in the PP's Court

Rubio urged mayor Toni Pérez to follow neighbouring towns' lead: "We hope the PP will understand that protecting people's health and the future of our beaches is a necessary investment to maintain Benidorm's tourism excellence."

The PP has not yet responded publicly.

This article is based on reporting from Alicante Today, published April 15, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.