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Bous a la Mar (Bull running into sea)

📍 Various coastal towns (Denia, Moraira, Xàbia, Calp, Altea, Benidorm)
🗓 July (dates vary per town)
Bull running Hidden gem
✨ What makes it special
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Unique Valencian tradition where bulls are guided from streets into the sea
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involves local "penyes" (social clubs)
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participants run on slick piers and jump into water to avoid bulls
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controlled and no harm to animals (bulls are roped and guided out after). Declared Fiesta of Tourist Interest in Valencian Communi
📷 Photos
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Bous a la Mar (Bull running into sea) — main event
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Bous a la Mar (Bull running into sea) — atmosphere
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Bous a la Mar (Bull running into sea) — crowd
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Bous a la Mar (Bull running into sea) — detail
Photos coming soon
📅 Calendar of events
08:00
Encierro — Running of the Bulls
Daily. Six bulls, six steers, 800m of streets. Lasts 3-5 minutes.
12:00
Chupinazo — Opening rocket
Opening day only (July 6). The entire city erupts.
14:00
Giants parade (Gigantes)
Daily parade through old town streets with street bands.
18:30
Bullfight (Corrida)
Daily at Plaza de Toros. Tickets required.
22:00
Toro de fuego (Fire bull)
Fireworks bull through the crowd. Chaotic, spectacular, unmissable.
24:00
"Pobre de mí" closing ceremony
Final night only. The most emotional moment of the festival.
Times approximate. Check official programme.
👁 Where to watch
🐂On the route (Free)
Register at town hall. Genuinely dangerous — first-timers should watch, not run.
🏛Balconies on Calle Estafeta (Paid €40-80)
Best view, safely above the action. Book 6+ months ahead.
🎭Plaza de Toros entrance (Free)
See the dramatic finish. Arrive by 7am.
📺Watch on RTVE (Free)
Spanish TV broadcasts the full run live at 8am.
📖 Full description

Unique Valencian tradition where bulls are guided from streets into the sea; involves local "penyes" (social clubs); participants run on slick piers and jump into water to avoid bulls; controlled and no harm to animals (bulls are roped and guided out after). Declared Fiesta of Tourist Interest in Valencian Community

✈️ How to get there
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By air
Check flights to nearest major airport. Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia serve most Spanish cities.
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By train
Book at renfe.com — advance tickets significantly cheaper.
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By bus
ALSA (alsa.es) is the main coach operator.
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By car
Spain's motorway network is excellent. Toll roads are fast but can be expensive.
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Getting around
Most Spanish cities have good bus networks. Taxis and Uber/Cabify are reliable.
🎟 Tickets
Main events
Running itself is free. Balcony viewing on route: €30-80. Book months ahead.
Additional events
Daily bullfights from €10 (sunny side) to €80+ (shade). Book at taquilla.com.
⚠️ Important tip
Avoid touts outside the bullring — they charge 3-5x face value.
🏨 Where to stay
Nearest large cityVaries
Regional capitals have more accommodation
Local villagesNearby
Smaller villages often have rooms when main town is sold out
Holiday rentalsIn area
Airbnb often lists when hotels are full
Search accommodation near Various coastal towns →
💡 Insider tips
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Watch first, run later
The balconies on Calle Estafeta give a perfect view. Running blind your first time is how people get hurt.
Arrive the night before
Hotels fill fast. Arriving the morning of is chaos.
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Phone in your pocket
You need both hands free at all times.
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