The representative of Las Palmas, Susana Medina, was crowned Miss Universe Spain 2026 last night at a gala held at the Costa Martiánez Tourist Complex in Puerto de la Cruz. The contest brought together 17 candidates from across Spain.
On the night of Saturday, July 18, the Costa Martiánez Tourist Complex in Puerto de la Cruz was dressed for the occasion to host the final of Miss Universe Spain 2026. The winner was Susana Medina, representative of Las Palmas, who received the crown from Lina Poffet, CEO of the contest, and the sash from the mayor of the city, Leopoldo Afonso.
The event, presented by Daniel Montesdeoca and José Croissier, featured 17 candidates from different autonomous communities. After several parades and a progressive selection, the jury chose Medina as the new Spanish representative for the international Miss Universe contest.
A luxurious stage for the crown
The Costa Martiánez Tourist Complex, one of the most emblematic spaces in Puerto de la Cruz, was the setting for a production that combined fashion, elegance, and spectacle. The gala, which included a performance by Ahora TV as the official media, also served to promote the tourist destination to an international audience.
Mayor Leopoldo Afonso expressed pride that the municipality hosted such a significant event. "Puerto de la Cruz feels deeply proud to have hosted Miss Universe Spain 2026 and to have been the place where Susana Medina has begun this new stage as Spain's representative," he stated. "We wish her the greatest success and trust that she will always remember a city that has welcomed her with affection."
Tourism and tradition go hand in hand
The Councillor for Tourism and Cultural Promotion, Desiré Díaz, highlighted the promotional impact of the event. "The gala has represented a magnificent opportunity to showcase Puerto de la Cruz as a dynamic, hospitable destination ready to host internationally projected events," she asserted. The candidates spent several days in the city, participating in cultural and tourist activities, including their presence in the traditional boat of the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo, as part of the Grand July Festivals.
The contestants stayed at the Gran Hotel Taoro, whose director, Gustavo Escobar, presided over the jury. During their stay, they explored representative corners of the city and immersed themselves in its cultural life.
Lina Poffet, CEO of Miss Universe Spain, thanked the Puerto de la Cruz City Council and municipal staff for their hospitality. "The celebration of this gala in such an emblematic space as the Costa Martiánez Tourist Complex has allowed us to project the best image of our municipality," added the mayor, who also appreciated the work of the organization, technical, and artistic teams.
For the residents of Puerto de la Cruz, the contest has provided an international showcase that reinforces the image of an open and dynamic city. The next event will be the international Miss Universe, where Susana Medina will represent Spain. In the meantime, the municipality is already rubbing its hands together thinking about future events of this caliber.
