I’m not sure there is a place in Spain, or anywhere for that matter, with a worse reputation than Benidorm.
A haven for lager drinking Brits abroad, it is defined by its English pubs, high-rise hotels and rowdy clientele.
The television series Benidorm does nothing to change the public’s perception of the place, showing just how awful it really is.
And to be honest I’m not here to tell you otherwise. Benidorm is all you think it is and more, with its rows of English pubs offering cheap drinks, karaoke and questionable tribute acts.
What I would say though is scratch the surface just a bit and you will find there is more to Benidorm than meets the eye.
Walk a mile and a half out of the centre to Old Town and you will suddenly be immersed in real Spanish life.
Gone are the English pubs, replaced with beautiful cobbled streets filled with Spanish tapas bars and gift shops.
At the other side of Old Town you find the very picturesque Benidorm Harbour which is definitely worth a visit.
The winter months in Benidorm are much quieter; less beer swilling stag parties and more pensioners looking for sun.
Benidorm also boasts endless white sandy beaches and that all-important weather, which when I went in February felt like a pleasant spring day in England.
Benidorm isn’t for everyone, but I would say there are some beautiful parts of the town which are often overlooked.
It is a perfect place to get some much-needed winter sun without breaking the bank.
So if you want to get away and enjoy some sun, take a second look at Benidorm. It’s well worth it and there are always the karaoke bars and tribute nights if you want to liven things up a bit.
Info
We spent three nights in Benidorm from Thursday, February 21 this year flying from Leeds Bradford Airport which cost £240. We flew with Jet 2 and the trip was booked through Teletext Holidays.
I’ve only been to Benidorm once when I was younger and had a good time. There are some lovely areas in the old town.
That sounds like a lovely place to be. I’m not sure why us brits don’t want to absorb the ‘real Spain’ x
I’ve never been but I’ve heard a lot about it and seen bits of the tv show. It didn’t sound like somewhere I’d go as I’m not really into going to places that are just made to feel like home, I really like the sound of the old town though xx
I’ve never seen the TV programme but sounds like Benidorm has the same reputation in the UK as Mallorca has in Germany. I have to confess, I didn’t really know much about it. Going off season sounds like a good idea though.
I never would have expected those cute little Spanish streets and pubs when you mentioned benidorm! The main area is somewhere I would not like to visit but thse traditional Spanish area, yes I would love
It would never cross my mind to look at Benidorm for anythi g other than a girls weekend really – I’m surprised to read about how much more it has to offer. Old town sounds really lovely!
Benidorm was the first place I ever went abroad at 18 and I really liked it there. It’s not what everyone thinks, especially out of season.
It’s true!
I remember visiting Benidorm with my friend’s family as a teenager and we loved the water park! It’s not somewhere I had thought about returning to until now 🙂
I have to admit Benidorm wouldn’t be for us. I’d much prefer the real Spanish life you mention going a little outside to find. But it is very affordable.
It’s there in Benidorm, you just have to look a little deeper.