BlogLatest News Benidorm: Expat Unveils ‘what Brits don’t know’ about Holidaying in Benidorm by Benidorm Travel Mart 22 April 2021 written by Benidorm Travel Mart 5 minutes read BENIDORM holidays are beloved by countless Britons eager for sun, sand and sangria Indeed, it’s become almost synonymous with drunken, disorderly behaviour over the years – but what do the British expats who live out there think?Benidorm is a resort that has attracted hordes of Britons looking to call Spain their new home. Express.co.uk spoke to one expat about his experience of party-loving ‘Brits abroad’ in the town. Tony Harrison shared his angle on how Benidorm has evolved over the years. Benidorm: "The concept of cheap booze, loud music and party until dawn was born" “Benidorm was, up until the late 1990s, a predominantly family resort, holiday brochures marketed it as a typical sun, sea and sand resort for all the family,” he said.“However, with strong competition from other destinations within Spain and other countries offering cheaper more up-market choices, Benidorm began to suffer a decline and the burgeoning stag and hen market became an alternative.“As this segment developed, many bars, hotels and venues adapted to serve these customers; the concept of cheap booze, loud music and party until dawn was born.”It’s this emphasis on booze and boogieing that changed Benidorm.“Bars and clubs in Benidorm, predominantly down the ‘New Town’ are open until 7am and it is possible to drink 24 hours a day,” Harrison explained. Benidorm: Harrison, like many British expats, steers clear of the rowdy areas “This of course has attracted the usual issues including drugs, prostitution, and occasional violence within a small pocket around what is known as the ‘British Square’.“The majority of the Brits are well behaved and have a great time, most look to party at beach bars and the hundreds of bars offering cheap booze down the side streets.“Recently, issues around drunkenness have been addressed more stringently more by the local police.”The expat revealed there is a crucial point that tourists don’t understand. The Spanish love to holiday in Benidorm too “What many Brits don’t know is that thousands of Spanish tourists also holiday in Benidorm and aren’t used to seeing drunken stag parties throwing up in streets and exposing themselves,” he said. Harrison, like many British expats, steers clear of the rowdy areas – although he appreciates the importance of tourism.“Personally, I avoid this area as do many Brits who live in Benidorm,” he said.“It is often featured on TV programmes including the popular ITV show called Benidorm. I understand the need for such tourism and whilst I don’t particularly like it, the money it brings to the local economy is significant.“Famous bars like Tiki Beach and Café Benidorm are a mecca for Brits and are well known for their party atmosphere, I have known people that have partied nonstop for three days and never went to bed.”For Harrison and many others, it’s the old town that has “charm and tradition.” Benidorm Old Town is a mecca for the Gay community. Benidorm old town has a thriving gay scene “Most of my time is spent in the old town which has a large gay population and many gay bars which are small, quaint, and far more friendly and are located in cobbled streets close to the church,” he explained.“The old town has become a big party town for gays, straights and many seeking a mixture of traditional Spanish food in the many tapas bars along with a more vibrant night scene with small nightclubs open until 4am.“There is also a more eclectic mix of people and nationalities and reminds me of Ibiza from years ago.”As for recommendations for those heading to Benidorm, “walking down cobbled streets and stopping in the many small bars and restaurants who serve some amazing traditional Spanish cuisine [in the old town] is a must,” Harrison advised.“The late bars are safe and attract many couples and solo travellers as they are friendly and safe, most of these bars are located in once what used to be stables so some are minute.” Benidorm sunsets are spectacular Harrison went on: “Watching the sun go down in the old town is amazing and places like Dove Park which is lined with palm trees is the perfect spot.“On the other side of the old town is Poniente Beach which is far more sophisticated and attracts many different nationalities from across Europe who love the long clean beach, high-end restaurants and some very cool bars which rival those in the south of France.“It is far more relaxed and chilled vibe in Poniente with most bars closing before 2am. Hotels are smaller and the whole area is tree-lined and a lot greener.“Benidorm has reinvented itself many times and now attracts some amazing events including cycle races and marathons, it hosts one of Europe’s largest gay prides and even has an annual Elvis competition where hundreds of Elvis lookalikes compete for the title.“There are also many amusement parks including Aqualandia, Terra Mitica, Terra Natura and others.”By HARRIET MALLINSON 22 April 2021 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
BlogTravel Tips Top 10 Instagrammable Sites in Benidorm for Stunning Photos by Benidorm Travel Mart 18 April 2021 written by Benidorm Travel Mart 8 minutes read Are you ready to up your Instagram game? Benidorm offers an array of picturesque locations that are perfect for capturing stunning photos. In fact, a recent survey has ranked Benidorm as the 13th most Instagrammable city in Europe. From breathtaking viewpoints to pristine beaches and captivating urban art, there’s no shortage of opportunities for unique and eye-catching shots. So, grab your camera or phone and get ready to explore the top 10 Instagrammable sites in Benidorm. Don’t forget to tag us and follow us on Instagram! @benidormtravelmart #1 Balcon del Mediterraneo Located in the heart of the city, Balcon del Mediterraneo attracts both visitors and residents seeking the perfect Instagram shot. The panoramic views of the coastline and the vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit spot. #2 Levante and Poniente Beaches @TheLuckyWoman / cc Pietro Condolo Great deals on holidays to Benidorm with on the Beach– including last minute, all inclusive & 2023 holidays. Levante and Poniente beaches are high on the list for obvious reasons. They give the perfect opportunity for a memorable insta photo. The two coves at the Rincon de Loix end of the beach are also included in this ranking. #3 Tossal de la Cala @FedericaDiNardo At the end of Poniente Beach, you’ll find Tossal de la Cala, a hidden gem offering some of the best views in Benidorm. Capture the beauty of the coastline and the cityscape from this unique vantage point. Benidorm Holidays 2023 with lastminute.com from just £321. #4 Sierra Cortina @ Dominus89 For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Sierra Cortina is a must-visit site. Whether you choose to explore it through a thrilling jeep safari, cycling, or hiking, the magnificent views it offers are worth every effort. #5 Punta del Cavall and Punta de l’Escaleta @wherelifeisgreat Discover the beauty of Punta del Cavall and Punta de l’Escaleta, where stunning landscapes meet opportunities for sports and hiking. The photos taken here are sure to leave your followers in awe. Explore Benidorm package holidays on Expedia.co.uk and find the best deals. Bundle flights and hotels and save on your Benidorm trip. #6 Benidorm Island Whether viewed from a distance or up close, Benidorm Island is an iconic landmark that demands attention in every photo. Capture its unique charm and showcase the essence of the city. #7 20th floor of Hotel Madeira @alabasterfox Take your Instagram shots to new heights at the 20th floor Lounge bar of Hotel Madeira. Enjoy delicious cocktails while being treated to a breathtaking backdrop that will make your photos simply amazing. #8 Asia Gardens Hotel @chicneverland Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise at Asia Gardens Hotel. Let your imagination run wild amidst lush greenery and vibrant colors, creating Instagram-worthy moments that will leave a lasting impression. #9 Hotel Meliá Villaitana Benidorm @MatthiasGeerts With its Mediterranean-style architecture and captivating colors, Hotel Meliá Villaitana Benidorm offers a picture-perfect setting for your Instagram photos. Capture the essence of the Mediterranean and let your followers be transported to this beautiful destination. #10 Benidorm’s Urban Art Urban Art in Benidorm. Benidorm’s urban art scene is gaining popularity among Instagrammers. Explore the city and discover hidden art gems that will add a creative touch to your feed. Use the hashtag #BenidormExpone to discover all the urban art locations and join the vibrant community. Disclosure: At Benidorm Travel Mart, our mission is to provide you with the best holiday deals and experiences. To help us continue doing so, we may earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through any of the links featured in our content. This helps us keep our site running and continue to bring you great content. Thank you for your support! 18 April 2021 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Blog Experience the Serenity and Beauty of Poniente Beach in Benidorm by Benidorm Travel Mart 16 April 2021 written by Benidorm Travel Mart 5 minutes read Poniente Beach in Benidorm offers a tranquil, expansive, and relaxed atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling Playa de Levante. This 3.7 km long beach is not only well-maintained but also boasts a blue flag and an award-winning promenade, making it a must-visit destination. Experience the tranquility of Poniente Beach, where the azure waters meet the golden sands. Exploring the Scenic Poniente Beach Starting just behind the marina, Poniente Beach stretches all the way to Tossal de la Cala. Here, you’ll find the ‘Virgen del Mar’ hermitage perched atop the hill at the beach’s end. The breathtaking views of Benidorm, including both beaches and the Old Town area, are a sight to behold. Additionally, you can explore the ruins of a Roman settlement dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. For a comfortable stay at Tossal de la Cala, consider this fabulous apartment by Bravos Club. The Emerging Hub of Benidorm – Poniente Poniente is fast becoming a hotspot in Benidorm, with numerous high-quality apartment blocks being constructed. The accommodation offered in Poniente is exceptional, and there are fabulous restaurants offering a range of cuisines. For amazing food and drinks in front of the beach, try the Portus Massai beach bar. If you’re a fan of fish or seafood, Baden Baden, located at the end of Poniente Beach, is a hidden gem. Poniente Beach – The Place for Luxury One of the most spectacular buildings in Poniente Beach is InTempo, Europe’s tallest residential building. Just in front of InTempo, you’ll find the twin towers, Sunset Drive, a luxury residential complex with spectacular views and 5-star amenities. If you’re looking for luxury, Poniente Beach is the place to stay. Check out and compare these fabulous apartments. If you prefer a hotel, there is a fantastic choice of top-quality hotels to choose from. Sunset Drive, the twin towers of luxury, offers spectacular views and 5-star amenities. A symbol of modern Benidorm. Top Hotels at Poniente Beach Four of our favorite Poniente Beach Hotels include Villa del Mar, Hotel Delfin, Poseidon Playa, and Corona del Mar. Each offers unique features, from stunning rooftop pools to fabulous sea views and proximity to the beach. You can compare all Poniente Beach Hotels using our search engine for the best available offers. Enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace of the Villa del Mar Hotel. It’s more than a stay, it’s an experience. Getting to Benidorm Flying to Benidorm from the UK is simple, with most airports offering regular routes to Alicante. We’ve made it even simpler by pulling together all the major airlines that fly to Alicante. Click here to search. For your transfer from the airport to Benidorm, we’ve partnered with a local company known for their reliability and value for money. You can get a quote on our page. Car Hire and Things to Do in Benidorm If you prefer independence, you can hire a car from the Airport and drive to your destination. Car hire starts from as little as 15€ per day. When you’re ready to explore beyond Poniente Beach, check out the hundreds of things to do in Benidorm. You’re spoilt for choice! In conclusion, Poniente Beach in Benidorm offers a unique blend of tranquility, beauty, and luxury. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s plenty to enjoy in this beautiful coastal city. Plan your trip today and experience the magic of Poniente Beach. Remember, when booking through benidormtravelmart.com, you support our affiliate site. Clicking on the provided links will redirect you to our partner’s websites, where you can make your reservations. Rest assured that any commission we receive does not affect the price you pay. Start planning your affordable trip to Benidorm today and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. 16 April 2021 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Latest News TUI says Summer Holiday Season can be Saved by Benidorm Travel Mart 16 April 2021 written by Benidorm Travel Mart 6 minutes read TUI says summer holiday season can be saved Successful vaccine programmes will prevent another washout for summer holidaymakers, the boss of Europe's largest tour company has told the BBC. “We are optimistic about the summer,” said Friedrich Joussen, who runs TUI. The firm – which owns a fleet of aircraft, cruise ships and a chain of travel agencies – said bookings in March alone had hit 2.8 million. As a result, it expected to operate up to 75% of its normal schedule for the summer season. “We are still confident that we will have a decent summer,” said Mr Joussen, pointing to coronavirus vaccination programmes in the UK, US and Europe. The company, which sells holidays to 180 different countries, suffered heavy losses during the pandemic. IMAGE COPYRIGHTGETTY IMAGES Across the industry, income slumped by almost $4.5 trillion last year, leaving more than 62 million people without work, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The industry body is pressing for international travel to resume in June to stem further job losses. But Mr Joussen said he expected some countries to ask travellers to prove they had been vaccinated before they were allowed to cross the border. Although he thinks demonstrating a negative test result would be just as effective in preventing the spread of the virus. However, for that strategy to be successful, he said the cost of those tests should be reduced. “The cheaper it gets, the better it works and the less harmful it is for the general economy,” he said. European countries have ramped up their vaccination programmes in recent weeks, as the continent experiences a third wave of infections in the face of new variants. Nevertheless, Mr Joussen is optimistic about the summer. “All medical advice we are getting as a company says that existing vaccines are working with existing variants,” Mr Joussen said. “Now they might be less efficient sometimes, but still it’s much better than not being vaccinated.” Borrowed billions In the past year, TUI has been forced to borrow billions from the German government just to stay afloat. But analysts have warned that in the wake of the crisis, the part-nationalised firm may struggle to compete against leaner rivals, as the industry reels from more than 12 months of international travel bans. Mr Joussen said the German state stepped in at a time of great uncertainty, when the firm was struggling to survive and could not raise money from private investors. “Berlin is a very rational investor,” he said, adding: “Germany would want to exit the loan as soon as possible.”By Chiyo RobertsonBusiness reporter, BBC News 16 April 2021 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail