Why is Benidorm such a popular holiday hotspot for Brits?

Spain is one of the most visited countries in Europe, with over 70 million tourist arrivals in 2022 alone. Its southeastern coastline – the Costa Blanca – is one of the most popular spots, boasting 200km of beautiful beaches characterised by the white sand and azure waters of the Mediterranean.

Benidorm is a celebrated beach town on the Costa Blanca. It’s been a sought-after summer holiday destination for decades, both for Spaniards seeking to escape the heat in central Spain and international travellers looking for sea, sand, and sunshine. UK residents make up a large proportion of international visitors each year, but why is Benidorm such a popular holiday hotspot for Brits?

Year-round sunshine

There are many advantages to living in the UK, but sunshine can be in short supply – even in the summer. Four of the top ten European cities with the most rainfall are in Great Britain, and each winter brings darkness, more cloud cover and freezing temperatures.

Benidorm’s year-round sunshine and steady climate make it an attractive beach destination for Brits, not only in the summer but perhaps most especially in the winter months when we need vitamin D. 

The average temperature in Benidorm in December is a pleasant 17°C, although you’ll need some layers to keep warm in the evenings which can be cold. In the summer months, you can expect a daily average of around 30°C.

Affordable prices

Benidorm has topped lists of cost-effective European holiday destinations for years, ranking alongside the likes of Turkey for affordability. 

Brits looking to make their money go further can take advantage of the well-priced accommodation options that range from large resort hotels with wide-ranging facilities to private villas with pools. British budget airlines like Ryanair serve Benidorm and offer great value flights from locations across the UK, so it’s relatively cheap to get there too.

Once you’re in Benidorm, the low-priced food and drinks help to keep holiday spending to a minimum.

Incredible nightlife

With a reputation as the party capital of the Costa Blanca, it’s no surprise that Benidorm is a common choice for groups of younger Brits wanting to sleep all day and dance all night. The incredible nightlife ranges from relaxed restaurants to pumping clubs, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Sip sangria by the side of the square in the Old Town and indulge in freshly made tapas while enjoying a live local music performance, or seek out a lively bar with a devoted dancefloor. 

If you’re after something extra special to celebrate a milestone event, the town has a selection of first-class entertainment venues such as Benidorm Palace. At these venues, locals and tourists can come together to watch cabaret shows and concerts from renowned artists.

Don’t want to waste a moment away from the coast? No problem. The local beach bars come alive when the sun goes down with vibrant lights and DJs blasting tunes on the decks.

Ideal for families

While the exuberant nightlife can’t be denied, Benidorm is still a fantastic family holiday destination. Alongside the endless beaches where a variety of water sports are on offer, there are lots of attractions that are sure to keep the kids entertained. 

The best things to do in Benidorm for families include thrilling theme parks and enormous water parks such as Aqualandia which have slides and rides for children of all ages. Benidorm also has a zoo and an aquarium that will delight kids with a passion for animals. 

If you need a break from the heat, there are indoor options such as climbing walls and specially designed adventure centres. Most of the larger hotels have a dedicated kids club and children’s swimming pool where little ones can play for hours.

Easy to reach

Benidorm is blissfully easy to reach from major locations across Great Britain. Most UK airports offer flights to the Costa Blanca, operated by various airlines. Flights are especially frequent in summer but run throughout the winter as well. 

Benidorm does not have an airport, so travellers need to book their flights to Alicante and arrange a vehicle transfer from Alicante airport to Benidorm. You can easily reach Benidorm in under an hour when travelling by road from Alicante.

Locals speak English

Lastly, Benidorm is popular with Brits because the majority of the locals speak English. British people are not famed as linguists, and the reassurance of easy communication enables total relaxation during the holiday. 

There is a significant number of British people who have settled in Benidorm, and during your visit, you’ll find a range of British-owned cafés and bars for a home-away-from-home experience. 

Due to the annual influx of tourists from around the world where English is often the common language, the locals speak excellent English too. However, it’s polite to practice a few common phrases in Spanish and use these where you can. The most useful will be ‘hello’, ‘how are you’ and ‘thank you’.