Why are so many English people in Benidorm?

Benidorm is a top destination for British tourists due to its affordable package holidays, warm climate, and a "home-away-from-home" culture featuring British pubs, karaoke, and cabaret. Its popularity stems from the 1960s, driven by cheap flights to Alicante and a wide range of entertainment options that cater specifically to UK visitors.

Is Benidorm full of Brits?

✔️ Over 42% of hotel guests are from the UK ✔️ No anti-tourism protests here ✔️ Value for money, safety, sunshine and choice still winning ✔️ Tourism leaders say the British market is Benidorm's “undisputed leader” While other Spanish resorts are pushing back on mass tourism, Benidorm is leaning into it and filling ...

Which part of Spain has the most Brits?

As arguably the most famous holiday destination in Spain, it shouldn't surprise us that Benidorm takes the title of most British city in Spain. The Alicante province has the highest ratio of foreign residents of all of the Spanish provinces which is why many British expats set up home here.

Where do Brits live in Benidorm?

Expats in Benidorm commonly live in areas like Playa de Levante, known for its vibrant beach atmosphere and active social scene, and the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), which offers a quieter, more traditional Spanish lifestyle.

When did Benidorm become popular with Brits?

Brits speak fondly of Benidorm's golden years in the 1970s – especially its discos and cabaret bars that stayed open until the early hours. The resort was now also filled with British pubs and fish and chip restaurants – a home from home for package holiday tourists from the UK.

Brits Abroad In Benidorm: The Truth 🇬🇧🇪🇸

What is the 3 drink rule in Benidorm?

The "3 drink rule" in Spain refers to the Balearic Islands' law limiting all-inclusive guests to six alcoholic drinks per day (three with lunch, three with dinner), aimed at curbing excessive partying, with bans on pub crawls, happy hours, and late-night alcohol sales in shops. While technically it's a six-drink-per-day limit in specific "party zones" like parts of Mallorca and Ibiza, not Benidorm itself (which has its own local rules), the concept is similar: tighter control on all-inclusive drinks to combat antisocial behavior, though Benidorm's main focus is on public drinking bans and fines rather than strictly limiting hotel AI packages like the Balearics.
 

What percentage of Benidorm is British?

Benidorm's British stats:

Permanent residents with British nationalities: 3,389 (4.90% of the total population). British shops, restaurants & pubs: 43.

Where is Muggers Lane in Benidorm?

'Muggers Alley' is a well known hot spot for losing your wallet and worse. It's located at the start of the strip opposite the Hotel Flash and runs behind the white 'SATE' building, near Morgan Tavern.

What is the nickname of Benidorm?

Known as the "New York of the Mediterranean", Benidorm has been a tourist destination within Spain since 1925, when its port was extended and the first hotels were built, though it would not be until the 1950s that it became renowned as a summer destination for people coming from inland Spain, especially Madrid.

What Spanish town is paying Brits to move there?

The Spanish town paying Brits (and others) to move is Ponga, located in Asturias, offering around £2,600 (€3,000) for relocation and an extra £2,600 for each baby born there, provided you commit to living there for at least five years, as part of schemes to combat rural depopulation, alongside other regions like Extremadura offering grants for remote workers. 

Where do rich Brits live in Spain?

Marbella – La Zagaleta & Sierra Blanca (Costa del Sol) – Two of the most exclusive luxury enclaves in Europe. Castelldefels (Barcelona coast) – Popular with elite athletes and high-net-worth families. San Sebastián (Basque Country) – One of the wealthiest cities in Spain with premium property prices.

Can Brits still move to Benidorm?

Yes, it is possible to move to Spain from the United Kingdom. However, since Brexit, British citizens are now considered third-country nationals. As a result, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate visa if you wish to reside in Spain for more than 90 days.

What do Spanish think of British tourists?

“We call the British 'guiris' [an affectionate Spanish word for foreigners, comes from guirigay meaning festive chaos]. They're people who are out of place, disorientated, who come here looking for sunshine, food and the fiestas in Spain, who has no sense of the ridiculous,” says Luis.

What can you not bring into Spain?

Prohibited Items

• Illegal Drugs and Substances. Spain follows strict protocol similar to many other countries when it comes to illegal drugs and substances. ...
• Weapons. ...
• Endangered Species and Products. ...
• Cultural Artifacts. ...
• Counterfeit Goods. ...
• Food Products. ...
• Tobacco and Alcohol. ...
• Cash.

What is the 30% rule in Spain?

Employment duties must be carried out in Spain, although if they must also perform part of their duties outside of Spain, the percentage of their income earned from these activities must not exceed 15% (or 30%, where the employment activity or duties are undertaken in another firm within the group);

Are Brits welcome in Spain?

Further findings reveal that more than two-thirds (69 per cent) say tourists are welcome in their community, and 85 per cent agree that the Spanish economy needs tourism. The poster has been used to help Spanish businesses and locals "recruit" tourists, after recent protests turned Britons to find holiday destinations.

Can I wear red in Spain?

Bold colors like red and mustard are popular, and Spaniards aren't afraid to wear flamboyant shoes or accessories. Also, they tend to dress according to the season, rather than the actual weather.

What is the 6 drink rule in Benidorm?

These rules mean, if you stay at an all inclusive hotel in one of these resorts, you can have a maximum of 6 alcoholic drinks a day as part of your all inclusive package – 3 at lunch and 3 with evening meals. Soft drinks are unlimited at any time of day and you can buy additional alcoholic drinks if you wish.

How to avoid the Benidorm bug?

Top Tips for Avoiding Traveller's Tummy

1. Long gone are the days when most of my patients' holidays were to Blackpool or Benidorm. ...
2. Think Before You Eat. ...
3. Watch Your Water. ...
4. Wash Your Hands - A Lot! ...
5. If You Get a Tummy Bug. ...
6. Take Relevant Tablets With You. ...
7. Drink Plenty of Fluids.

Why is Spain turning tourists away?

Local governments and residents believe that, rather than sustaining the locations, the overtourism has contributed to a reduced quality of life and increased cost of living for residents.

Why do so many English go to Benidorm?

Consequently, Benidorm divides opinion in the UK, as it does in Spain. For some, it is the perfect holiday destination — hot weather, familiar faces and bars open until the early hours.

Which country has the most British tourists?

Spain was estimated to be the most visited country by residents of GB in 2024 (17.8 million visits), followed by France (9.3 million visits) and Italy (4.8 million visits).