Benidorm, climate change, and smart tourism might seem like an unlikely trio—but this Spanish coastal city is proving that seaside tourism and climate resilience can go hand in hand. Recently named the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025, Benidorm is setting a bold new standard for how beach destinations can adapt, thrive, and lead in the face of environmental challenges.
A Strategic Climate Plan in Action
At the heart of Benidorm’s transformation is its Climate Change Strategic Plan, which is already 40% complete. The city is investing heavily in sustainability initiatives that reduce emissions, cut energy use, and protect natural resources. Key actions include:
- Installing large-scale photovoltaic solar panels on public buildings
- Replacing city lighting with energy-efficient LEDs
- Improving drainage systems to handle extreme weather events
- Implementing green engineering to manage urban heat
These efforts don’t just reduce the city’s carbon footprint—they also save money and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Benidorm is showing how mitigation and adaptation can work together in a tourism-driven economy.
Smart Mobility for a Sustainable City
Benidorm’s smart mobility strategy encourages visitors to explore the city actively and sustainably. With more than 130 kilometers of cycling lanes, along with secure bike storage and park-and-ride stations, the city is transforming how people get around. The addition of speed-reduction zones and expanded pedestrian areas shifts the cityscape from car-centered to people-centered.
Accessibility is another standout. Benidorm’s infrastructure includes wheelchair-accessible beach ramps and elevated viewpoints for people with reduced mobility. The city was recently awarded the AENOR certification for senior-friendly tourism, reinforcing its status as a leader in inclusive travel.
Redefining What a Coastal Holiday Means
Benidorm isn’t just offering sun and sand—it’s offering a sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused holiday experience. Tourists are now part of the city’s sustainability story. Every bike ride, every stroll through a pedestrian zone, and every visit to an eco-conscious hotel contributes to a broader climate solution.
As climate change increasingly affects coastal communities across Europe, Benidorm is actively rewriting the narrative. Its approach proves that beach towns don’t have to choose between popularity and environmental responsibility—they can have both.
Smart Tourism Features in Benidorm
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Photovoltaic Installations | Solar panels on public buildings for renewable energy |
| LED Lighting | Energy-efficient lighting across the city |
| Smart Mobility | 130+ km of cycling lanes and pedestrian areas |
| Accessibility | Beach ramps, senior-friendly services, inclusive tourism |
| Green Infrastructure | Urban cooling and improved drainage to manage climate impacts |
Inspiring Other Cities to Join the Shift
Benidorm’s recognition as the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism places it among an elite group of cities leading the way in digitalization, cultural heritage, accessibility, and sustainability. The European Commission’s initiative, which highlights cities that innovate in tourism, is open for 2026 entries until May 30, 2025. Other cities looking to follow Benidorm’s lead can apply and become part of a growing network of sustainable tourism innovators.
For those in the tourism sector, Benidorm’s approach is a playbook for aligning climate resilience with economic vitality. It offers proof that with the right policies, partnerships, and investments, even the most leisure-driven destinations can step up and make a meaningful environmental impact.
Benidorm is not just reacting to climate change—it’s actively reshaping its future. And in doing so, it might just be redefining the future of coastal tourism itself.
