Benidorm is one of Spain’s most famous holiday destinations, known for its golden beaches, buzzing nightlife, and year-round sunshine. But beyond the high-rise hotels and lively bars, there’s a lot more to this Costa Blanca hotspot than meets the eye. Here are 10 surprising facts about Benidorm that you may not have known!
Before becoming a tourist hotspot, Benidorm was a quiet fishing village with a population of just a few thousand. In the 1950s, the town’s mayor, Pedro Zaragoza, transformed it into one of Europe’s first planned tourist resorts, introducing high-rise hotels, beachfront promenades, and a focus on international visitors.
In the 1950s, bikinis were banned in Spain due to strict religious and moral laws. However, Benidorm’s forward-thinking mayor, Pedro Zaragoza, rode his Vespa all the way to Madrid to convince dictator Francisco Franco to allow bikinis on Benidorm’s beaches—and he succeeded! This decision played a huge role in making Benidorm a popular tourist destination.
With over 300 skyscrapers, Benidorm has the most high-rise buildings per capita in the world! It’s often called the “Manhattan of the Med” thanks to its impressive skyline, making it one of the most unique-looking beach resorts in Europe.
Benidorm’s layout isn’t random—its skyscrapers, streets, and beaches are all carefully planned to ensure that visitors get as much sun as possible throughout the day. This clever urban design means that the beaches stay sunny from morning until sunset.
Every November, Benidorm’s British expat community hosts one of the world’s biggest fancy dress parties. Thousands of people take to the streets in creative and often hilarious costumes, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that lasts all day and night!
In the 1960s, Benidorm led the way in modern tourism infrastructure, being one of the first places in Spain to provide clean drinking water directly to hotel taps. This made it even more appealing to international tourists.
The hit ITV comedy series Benidorm, which ran from 2007 to 2018, made the town even more famous. The show, filmed at the real-life Sol Pelícanos Ocas hotel, brought millions of new visitors eager to experience the real Benidorm experience.
Just off the coast of Benidorm lies Benidorm Island (Isla de Benidorm), also known as Peacock Island due to the wild peacocks that used to live there. You can visit the island by boat and enjoy snorkelling, hiking, or just taking in the views.
Benidorm’s beaches aren’t just popular—they’re award-winning! Both Levante Beach and Poniente Beach regularly receive the Blue Flag status, meaning they meet the highest standards for cleanliness, safety, and environmental care.
With its low cost of living, warm climate, and English-speaking community, Benidorm has become a top retirement destination for Brits. Many expats have made it their permanent home, enjoying the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and year-round sunshine.
Benidorm is much more than just a beach and nightlife destination—it has a rich history, smart urban planning, and quirky traditions that make it truly unique. Whether you’re a regular visitor or planning your first trip, now you know some fun facts to impress your friends on your next Benidorm adventure!
