British content creators Ashley McCarthy and Kelsey Lewis embarked on their inaugural journey to Benidorm with preconceived notions about the Spanish resort, only to encounter a destination that defied their expectations in numerous positive ways. Known colloquially as "Little England" due to its substantial British tourist population, which constitutes approximately forty percent of visitors, Benidorm often polarises opinions, with travellers typically either loving or hating it.
An Unexpectedly Pleasant Arrival
Motivated by an irresistible travel bargain, including flights costing merely fifty pounds, the couple jetted off to the Costa Blanca hotspot. Upon boarding their aircraft, Kelsey immediately noted the diverse mix of passengers, ranging from hen parties and families to couples seeking a brief escape. Their adventure commenced with a breathtaking sunrise over the coastline, setting a serene tone for their exploration.
Revelations Along the Shoreline
The duo was profoundly impressed by Benidorm's famed beaches, which they found to be exceptionally well-maintained. Ashley enthusiastically remarked, "Look at these palm trees, look at this sand, the sand is so soft. This is a really nice beach." He further observed that several structures along the promenade evoked comparisons to Dubai's architectural elegance.
During a leisurely stroll toward Benidorm Old Town, Ashley expressed surprise at the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the waterfront walkway. "I wasn't expecting this walkway along the beach to be so nice. It's really clean and I like how they've incorporated greenery, it feels almost like a garden than a promenade," he commented.
Challenging the Negative Stereotypes
Ashley openly questioned the widespread criticism directed at Benidorm, acknowledging that while certain areas might be perceived as tacky or rowdy, the resort offers ample enjoyable experiences. "I don't get why Benidorm gets so much hate. I get the other side where it's a bit tacky, a bit rowdy, but it was fun. This side's lovely," he stated.
He emphasised that the destination's initial popularity likely stemmed from its stunning beaches, and he was particularly struck by the overall cleanliness and maintenance. "To be honest, I don't really understand the hate it gets. Yeah, there's parts of it that can be rowdy or tacky or whatever you want to call it, but it's a massive place and there's a lot of areas that are really nice," Ashley reflected.
Exploring the Local Vibe
The pair also sampled Benidorm's vibrant pub scene, including a visit to The Red Lion, illustrating the strong British influence. Ashley noted the overwhelming abundance of dining and drinking establishments, remarking, "There's so many bars, restaurants and pubs here, you just wouldn't make your way through they even if you lived here."
Their February visit coincided with pleasant weather, with temperatures reaching twenty degrees Celsius, highlighting the region's appeal with over three hundred sunny days annually. March typically sees daytime highs between twenty and twenty-two degrees, enhancing its allure for sun-seekers.
Broader Developments in Benidorm
In related news, Benidorm recently welcomed its first Wetherspoon branch, The Castell de Santa Bàrbera, located at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. This inaugural Spanish pub for the chain offers a fusion of British and Spanish cuisine, featuring items like Full English breakfasts and patatas bravas.
Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin expressed optimism about the venture, stating, "We are delighted to have opened in Spain. We believe the pub will be popular with a wide range of customers travelling home from Alicante Airport, including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal for trips to England and beyond." He added plans for further international expansions in the coming years.
Ashley and Kelsey's experience underscores that Benidorm offers far more than its stereotypical image, with clean beaches, lush greenery, and a variety of attractions that cater to diverse tastes, making it a destination worthy of reconsideration by sceptical travellers.
