British holidaymakers this year have faced a deluge of anti-tourism protests in Spain, leaving countless visitors fuming after putting down hundreds of pounds to enjoy their time abroad over the summer.
Tens of thousands of Spaniards flooded cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao and Santa Cruz de Tenerife for the whole season to discourage the more than 85million tourists who visit Spain every year.
But there is one city, one refuge of vacation bliss, where sunseekers have been welcomed in their droves without judgement or scorn: Benidorm.
With the UK’s short-lived summer coming to an abrupt end and giving way to autumnal temperatures, photographs today taken along the Spanish city’s beachfront show that Brits fully intend to make the most of Benidorm’s hospitality for as long as they can this year.
Pictures show the classic Benidorm scene: shirtless expats and holidaymakers strolling along the beach front, and soaking up the Spanish rays while sitting in restaurants advertising full English breakfasts.
People from all walks of life travel to Beniform to soak up the sun over the summer
Shirtless Brits are a mainstay in the region over the summer. One is seen here with an Aston Villa FC back tattoo
A shirtless Brit is seen enjoying the sun in Benidorm away from the Autumn chill in the UK
Britain-themed pubs and restaurants cater to the hundred of thousands of Brits who travel to Benidorm every year
Many spend their days lounging on the beaches, catching a tan
The region is known for welcoming a range of ages, unlike neighbouring Ibiza and Tenerife which are known for their wild parties that are mainly geared towards younger holidaymakers
A man driving a mobility scooter is seen driving down the beachfront in Benidorm
More than 800,000 British people travel to Benidorm every year
A thriving tourist destination since the 1920s, the region has consistently welcomed travellers from all over the world to lounge in the sun, and spend their money on hotels, food and drinks.
Though it was known for attracting laddish behaviour in the 1980s, cities on the Balearic islands, including Ibiza and Majorca, have since taken on the party-hungry clientele, leaving Benidorm to take in friendlier, often calmer crowd who are looking to spend a few days tanning on its numerous beaches.
So well maintained are Benidorm’s three key beaches, Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente and Playa de Mal Pas, that all three have had the prestigious Blue Flag, awarded to beaches and marinas of the highest standard.
And tourists from across the world, but particularly Britain, know this all too well. In 2023 an estimated 832,000 of us jetted off to Benidorm, making up nearly a third of all tourists who visited that year.
It’s not just Brits who benefit from cheap flights and hotels over the summer, as Benidorm’s mayor Antonio Perez said in January:
‘The tourism sector continues to generate employment and wealth and reaffirm the strength of the Benidorm destination, which has practically completely recovered from the setback caused by the pandemic, which for months stopped activity. tourism and that closed the hotel plant in our city for the first time.
‘Benidorm… is a reference in the management of the health crisis and has also been a reference in the recovery that has followed it.’
Benidorm’s three main beaches all have the prestigious Blue Flag, awarded to coastal areas of high quality
Benidorm has been a thriving tourist destination since the 1920s
Holidaymakers and ex-pats sit at tables at a restaurant advertising its English breakfasts
In 2023 an estimated 832,000 of us jetted off to Benidorm, making up nearly a third of all tourists who visited that year
Though Benidorm was known for attracting laddish behaviour in the 1980s, cities on the Balearic islands, including Ibiza and Majorca, have since taken on the party-hungry clientele
Benidorm’s mayor has openly welcomed tourists, who bring in vast amounts of money
These days, Benidorm is known for welcoming a friendlier, often calmer crowd who are looking to spend a few days tanning on its numerous beaches
Benidorm is also known for being a top destination for the older crowd
Benidorm is known for catering to families as well. Pictured: People are seen pushing prams in the sunshine on Wednesday
British holidaymakers and expats are seen pushing prams near the beach in Benidorm on Wednesday
Brits bring in their hard-earned money to spend on food and drink in Benidorm
It’s not just Brits who benefit from cheap flights and hotels over the summer, as locals benefit from increased employment
Locals benefit from the influx of tourism-related cash that comes in every summer
Benidorm is known for its three main beaches, Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente and Playa de Mal Pas
Holidaymakers are seen walking down the beach front in Benidorm on Wednesday
Hundreds of people are seen soaking up the sun in Benidorm
Brits are estimated to make up a third of all tourists who visit Benidorm every year
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
