Benidorm has come a long way from its fishing-village days. The city on Spain's Costa Blanca now draws around three million visitors a year, and close to a million of them fly in from the UK — lured by roughly 320 days of sunshine a year, temperatures that rarely dip below 4°C or climb above 31°C, and prices that make a British seaside break look expensive.
The numbers make the case plainly. Hotel rooms run about $55 to $110 a night, apartments cost less, and return flights from the UK to Alicante start as low as $30 in the cheap season. A full restaurant meal — starter, main and dessert — can set you back just $11 to $17. Compare that with Blackpool: driving there from London can cost more than $225 round trip in fuel alone, roughly the price of flying to Spain. A seven-night Benidorm package with flights from London goes for around $470 per person, while an equivalent stay in Blackpool without airfare can approach $271 a day.
Everyday costs favour the Spanish city too. A cappuccino or a pint costs about 30% less than in Blackpool, restaurant meals are roughly 15% cheaper, and grocery items like bottled water and imported beer can be up to 70% cheaper. Tapas lovers eat especially well: spots like the well-rated Stars Lounge Bar serve small plates for about a dollar each, and a jug of sangria goes for around $13.
British influence is everywhere — pubs pouring UK brews, fish and chips near the beach, and the famous Fancy Dress Day each November, when tens of thousands of costumed visitors take over the streets. But there's more than just a home-away-from-home vibe. Free activities abound: the seaside promenade, the historic Old Town, and the Mediterranean Balcony viewpoint with panoramic sea views. The main beaches, Playa Levante and Playa Poniente, offer plenty of sand for a week of lounging.
Logistics are simple. Fly into Alicante-Elche Airport, around a two-hour flight from London Gatwick or Heathrow, and you're at Benidorm's resorts within about 35 minutes by taxi or rental car. If you fancy exploring, the colourful town of Villajoyosa — named Europe's best hidden gem in 2024 — is just 15 minutes east.
For British travellers weighing up a domestic seaside trip against something sunnier, Benidorm frequently works out cheaper, warmer and more entertaining. It's also a solid pick for anyone else chasing an affordable Mediterranean beach holiday with lots of British-friendly comforts thrown in.
Original source: Islands
