Lorraine Williamson
A new youth nature hub is now under development in Benidorm as city authorities break ground on an outdoor activity zone inside the historic Séquia Mare Park. Designed to support youth engagement through nature-based education and recreation, the project forms part of a broader initiative to connect green space with cultural heritage.
Located on the outskirts of the park, the planned facilities include a basic camping zone, outdoor sports area, and new communal infrastructure. Toilets, changing rooms, and an open-air kitchen are all part of the plans. The works are funded by a €700,000 investment, partially backed by the EU’s Next Generation recovery funds.
Not a campsite – a community space for young people
This is not a new tourist campsite. Instead, the camping area will be reserved for school groups, environmental workshops, and youth organisations. According to city officials, the aim is to promote outdoor learning and responsible engagement with nature.
The new space will sit beside an existing youth hostel and a park information centre. Existing paths and terraces will remain untouched, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem.
Reviving the story of Séquia Mare
Few parks in Spain carry such a visible historical legacy. The Séquia Mare canal, built in the 17th century, once channelled water to farmlands in Benidorm, Polop, La Nucia and l’Alfàs del Pi. It supported agriculture and domestic use for centuries, shaping the area’s growth.
Although the canal has not been in use since the 1990s, it remains a physical reminder of Benidorm’s early survival. The city council hopes the new development will encourage more visitors to explore that legacy.
Green investment that connects past, present and future
Mayor Toni Pérez has framed the project as a sustainable move that enhances both education and heritage. “We’re not just improving facilities,” he said, “we’re reinforcing the relationship between nature and our city’s identity.”
With six months allocated for the construction phase, the development is due to open later this year. Benidorm aims to create a balance between community use and environmental responsibility.
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