Benidorm and Zaragoza Named Among Europe’s Greenest Cities for 2028

Benidorm, a destination long associated with large-scale tourism, has been recognised by Europe for the way it manages its sustainability. The city has been awarded the European Green Leaf 2028, the European Commission’s title for smaller cities leading the way in environmental performance and quality of life.

The European Commission runs two green city awards each year, divided by population. The European Green Capital is for cities of more than 100,000 residents, while the European Green Leaf recognises towns and smaller cities of between 20,000 and 100,000. The 2028 winners of both were announced on 8 October in Guimarães, Portugal, the current European Green Capital.

Benidorm shares the Green Leaf title with Estarreja in Portugal, and each will receive €200,000 to fund green projects and community activities during its title year. This year, 27 cities competed across both awards, with eight finalists shortlisted by an international panel of urban sustainability experts.

Notably, Benidorm was recognised not in spite of its tourism model, but because of how it manages it. The jury praised the city for balancing the pressures of high visitor numbers with protecting its environment. It highlighted Benidorm’s water management, its climate adaptation strategy, its reduction in emissions and its use of green infrastructure to counter urban heat.

The award also reflects years of consistent work. This was the second year running that Benidorm reached the final, and the city had already been named the EU’s European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025. Mayor Toni Pérez said the award endorses Benidorm’s planning and management as a sustainable tourist destination.

A double win for Spain

Benidorm’s title is part of a wider moment for the country. On the same night, Zaragoza won the larger of the two awards, European Green Capital 2028, ahead of fellow finalists Aalborg, Bielsko-Biała, Košice and Porto. The jury highlighted the city’s strong governance, long-term climate commitment and green spaces, with 92% of residents living within 300 metres of one. Zaragoza will receive €600,000 to deliver its sustainability programme.

With two of Europe’s three green city titles for 2028, Spain adds to a strong track record. Vitoria-Gasteiz and Valencia have both previously been named European Green Capital, while Mollet del Vallès and Viladecans have held the Green Leaf title.

For UK travellers who increasingly consider sustainability when choosing where to go, the message is clear: some of Spain’s most familiar destinations are also among Europe’s most forward-thinking.

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.