Alicante to Benidorm by tram | My first time in Benidorm, but will it be my last?

This tram journey had been on my Spanish bucket list for years, so today was the day. I had been through Benidorm many years ago, but never to Benidorm, so a visit was well overdue... but would I like what I saw?
Filmed December 2023 | Alicante, Spain.
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*** TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:50 Alicante railway station
00:03:46 The tram to Benidorm
00:05:22 Arrive Benidorm
00:07:13 The shore at Benidorm
00:10:41 The old town
00:12:42 The tram to Alicante
00:13:42 Conclusion

[@steevobarker581]

No matter how crap your day is going, a message saying "new message from Planes Trains Everything is like a breath of fresh air.... Similarly with Steve Marsh... You Scottish lads sure know how to make thoroughly engaging videos. 👍👍

[@haveringpish]

'Let's make a trip!' too, all equally good.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Thanks Steevo, glad you enjoy the channel!

[@richardward5386]

What would i do without yourself and steve Marsh videos, excellent work keeping us entertained!!

[@stewartbennett6837]

Took that journey in 1975 when it was a single, narrow gauge, diesel Railcard. Villages were like the wild west with tracks down the high street. Very scenic.

[@tonycoffey2485]

RIP Sticky Vicky.

[@simonh6371]

Bin collection around midnight or just after is pretty standard in Spain or at least in Spanish cities I think. I remember many a time living in Zaragoza in the late 90s seeing the binmen working - and they worked bloody hard - around those times, while I was walking (or sometimes staggering) home after a few drinks. They empty the bins every day there because there's only space for one or two for a block of flats and they get full quickly, plus in the heat the food waste would stink within 24 hours - and remember Spanish people eat more fresh food so we're talking prawn heads, fish heads etc. on a daily basis.

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

30 years ago this was "the lemon express" - a rickety old blue tram. I loved it.

[@davidcronan4072]

I remember taking the predecessor of that tram about 45 years ago from Benidorm to Alicante. Then, instead of a tram it was a rather old but charming little train. It so happens we are staying in Alicante in March for a few days and we are planning to take this tram to Benidorm.

[@davidcronan4072]

We took the tram today to Benidorm. Wonderful tram and weather and scenery

[@horsehollerer]

You have more self-discipline than I'll ever have ... I could head for the Benidorm/Alicante region 100 times, and I just know I'd "accidentally" overshoot and visit the wonderful triumverate of Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla instead ... EVERY. TIME. 🤣 Many thanks for another hugely enjoyable video!

[@colinj58]

excellent video Scott , I used to take people to Benidorm every week for years as a coach driver from Scotland and other parts of the UK that was my main job mind you that was 40 yrs ago keep up the good work

[@chriswade7470]

The tram system was originally a narrow gauge railway, latterly operated by Diesel Multiple Units, under the auspices of FEVE.

[@steve-marsh]

Scott as much as I trust you, if you're the pilot on my next flight, I'm getting off. What a cracking view for lunch, and I was surprised how many Spanish people I saw in the background in Benidorm! Thanks for a brilliant video as always :) ps. Timmy's original blend - my favourite coffee! 🇨🇦

[@Pooky-Cat]

Lol ✈ 👮🚫harsh!

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Yes, Mr Horton does make a good drop of coffee, doesn't he.

[@djsmeguk]

Tim's does good coffee?! This Canadian is shocked!

[@steve-marsh]

@@djsmeguk Maybe mine comes with a dash of happy memories :)

[@cennethadameveson3715]

Benidorm is a great base to explore the hills inland. Seeing the cava Aragonase brought back pleasant memories.

[@davidwebb4904]

From Alicante, I went up to Barcelona by their high speed train. Started off as wide gauge and switched to standard gauge enroute, which was unexpected and interesting.

[@gcljohn]

Liked. Benidorm...love it. Love it. Love it. Wonderful climate in winter.

[@Fan652w]

Thanks Scott for an extremely interesting video. I hope I am not the only viewer who noticed the close similarity between the tram-train you traveled on in this video taken in Spain to the tram-train you recently traveled on from Nyon to La Cure in Switzerland. Tram-trains are beginning to appear all over Europe. But I first encountered a tram-train a long time ago...,in 1971. The Bremgarten- Dietikon line in Switzerland. (There is a huge network of tram-trains around the German city of Karlsruhe. The Karlsruhe lines ares standard gauge, while Swiss lines are metre gauge, as is the line to Benidorm.

[@grapesodatravels]

Lol at a Tim Horton's in Alicante! I gasped at the beautiful blue of the sea as you made your way back! Glorious!

[@thomascook578]

He mistook you for a pilot because you're always reaching "cruising altitude" 😂

[@michaelconlin6302]

Moreton bay Bugs as well ,nice.

[@John-qq8he]

Bin collection here in Fuengirola 04:00. Glass at 06:00. Sweet dreams!

[@KenanTurkiye]

I ❤ 🚂🚃 trains 🚄 🚅 trams 🚈🚞 take a ride, I have a folder on ''transportation'' (folder 2) I think you will love them too :)

[@jamescrawford9883]

Never heard of Benidorm in 1960 when I was there as a young seaman. Of course it was a very different world back then, no hoards of tourists for one thing, high rise another, marinas another.

[@bobbythomas200420032]

Happy New Year and what a great video you made and I really enjoyed it so much.

[@andrewfothergill3336]

Excellent video as always Scott!

[@user-fk4gb3vc8e]

Many thanks for sharing this beautiful journey.

[@stevetaylor8698]

My first trip abroad in 1971 was to Benidorm, at exactly the same time of the year. The week before Christmas was the cheapest holiday available through Clarksons - you have to be old to remember them. Flying from Gatwick via DanAir, it cost me £22 full board in a hotel.

[@nh8383]

Benidorm beach is gorgeous. The rest of it as you say, OK in small doses

[@sunnybeachwalks4k2022]

What a beautiful video

[@suebt8794]

Alicante is so clean! We went in January and it was cold but crisp. Fantastic x

[@joannharrington2279]

Benidorm is on my bucket list but coming alot further away. Coming from the US and will be staying in a high rise on the beach. Want to smell beach air in the morning.

[@angelaaz6282]

So nice to be given a room just below another room that’s undergoing renovation… thanks so much eh!

[@e17simon]

The Airport bus does a circuit of Alicante before going back to the Airport

[@juliedoyle7131]

Really do enjoy your videos..thanks for sharing....your so witty and entertaining..once again thanks ❤

[@garymcgregor7048]

Wow looks stunning

[@kathleenmorrow3792]

They think you are a pilot because you are intelligent, and they heard you talking about "cruising altitude" .

[@GenialHarryGrout]

The short sequence around 9:30. With the SPFL on it's winter break it good to see St Mirren have taken their players to Benidorm so they can practice their goal celebration routines

[@kevinmcanulty2593]

great shots on the tram journey old town looked interesting thanks again

[@terryomara9403]

Great vid

[@seanclark2085]

A great trip worth doing is the Ferry from Malaga to The Spanish enclave of Melilla on the Moroccan coast.( Dolphins escorted the Ferry on its way over , which was another bonus) The Ferry crossing is beautiful and cheap. Mellia is an interesting place with lots to see and do, you can also walk across the border into morocco whilst you're there . If you're still on the coast, give it a go. I never see this place on travel bloggs , yet it ticks all the boxs as a travel destination with the Ferry crossing thrown in .

[@s125ish]

How long is the ferry crossing over ?

[@seanclark2085]

@@s125ish I think it’s 3 or 4 hours , I paid an extra €5 for 1st class , I was the only person in there , had the whole place to myself

[@user-ri7ib9xf4k]

In Benidorm last week ( feb 2024) Intending taking the tram to Alicante so thanks for the video. Benidorm - love it or loathe it it will certainly give you something to talk about with friends and family when home.

[@stephengraham8629]

Hi Scott, happy new year. I was in Benidorm (1st time) on the 8th of Dec, it was a Spanish holiday weekend and the Old Town was packed and so was our hotel. Nice to watch the vid and recognise some of the streets.

[@SimonsVids222]

Oh and next time, change trams at Benidorm and get on the old shonky diesel powered one that goes the rest of the way up to albir and beyond. It’s really worth it, the track is literally balanced on a few rocks in some points and the views are spectacular

[@LiveFromLondon2]

It's been modernised! New track, new trams

[@elmoswansea1947]

Haha boing boing baggies, back amongst the elite! If only! Great place Costa Blanca, nice vlog as usual

[@kevnicholls-g4xpd694]

Cheers Scott, thanks for all the videos. Just to let you know that I received your End-to-End book for Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed reading about your journey. It's also prompted me to dig out and re-read my notes from a couple of long solo train journeys I did in the 1980's, which were Boston to Oregon via New Orleans on Amtrak, and Montreal to Vancouver on ViaRail.

[@empressdoinalot]

I love Benidorm. That looks peaceful before Christmas. I went in August and it was so busy but I'll be back again.

[@stuartibbertson2009]

fantastic video loved Benidorm

[@dannywalker3702]

Not sure how I stumbled across your videos but glad I did as there very much enjoyable! Keep it up

[@dylvasey]

Visited Alicante about 30 years ago and loved it. No one spoke English and I had to converse with people in French who then passed it onto the person I was actually trying to talk with in Spanish. I cannot think of anything worse than going anywhere near Benidorm though. A tip for people who do. Do not look up into the trees on the seafront on an evening, they are full of rats.

[@jacquihughes6172]

Great video

[@SuperDare83]

Yes, West Bromwich Albion, boing boing! Love your dry humour, I went to Benidorm a couple of years ago, the old town I didn’t expect

[@ThemeParksAndAttractions]

Great vlog buddy 👍

[@smth830]

Ah brilliant! When I saw you were in the region I was hoping you'd be taking one of the tram trains. I was in Alicante (direct flight from my local, Prestwick) over the summer and did the same trip as you, out from Luceros to visit a few of the beaches and resort towns. I agree, the views from the train are spectacular. The coastlines and mountains are beautiful. Benidorm wasn't really my thing, I just wasn't very keen on it - despite the beautiful beaches, headlands and sun. The entire region is lovely though - some perfect little smaller low key resort towns on either side on Benidorm I found. If you're ever in that area of Spain again I would really recommend Valencia for a couple days (if you haven't been already that is). A beautiful city with some stunning parks and architecture (of both the old and new variety). Great video as always. Hope you enjoyed your short Spanish escape.

[@john07973]

Nice video, good tram ride 👍

[@Martycycleman]

Cheers Scott. Great cycling country 😊

[@richardmerriman4347]

Done that very same trip myself , brilliant.If I ever return to Benedorm I would definitely take a day out to Alicante.Great city to wander about especially in the sea front by the casino.

[@glumonion1454]

We caught that tram from the second stop (Mercado) from Alicante in November and it was seriously busy and had to stand for the whole journey. Thought I was inline for a seat back when a connecting train arrived from Denia, and the kids poured out and pushed past us oldies and filled the seats. The tram really wasn’t big enough and they really could have/should have tagged on a second tram. All in all a very different experience from the old rattling FEVE narrow gauge train that we loved to use on that route in the 70’s and early 80’s. I wonder what happened to the tourist trap rip-off that was the Limón Express !

[@TravelonlineWalk]

Realy nice

[@LeeMcilwaine]

I can't have been the only one who hoped to see Captain Scott joining in with the street dancing (after a few beers)

[@kaprunski]

Stayed in Alicante, great city, good transport links. I took the tram to Benidorm, very clean and efficient. As for Benidorm, I won't be going back.

[@davejolaurencharlie]

Alicante looks nice, Benidorm like hell on earth

[@martinb2213]

Great episode, really nice to see Beneidorm and your visit, makes me realise that's it wouldn't be the place for me way too British, looks like the TV series was spot on

[@shaneD7378]

I've done that tram trip it must be one of the most stunning tram trips I've done, Croydon tramlink can't compete. La cava aragonesa is my favourite tapas restaurant in benidorm.

[@gregorylenton8200]

Nice weather..luckey day

[@KeithApp]

8:24 It's Madge 😀

[@Davejono2]

INTRESTINg I likes thus video it was goid

[@Mathew25927]

I go to benidorm every year I absolutely love it there, if u know the programme benidorm go to sol pelicanos

[@egpx]

When I was in Alicante last March we took the tram to Vilajoyosa, just a handful of stops before Benidorm. I love a tram but fifty minutes on one was a bit numb on the old bum. Vilajoyosa was lovely though, lots of brightly painted houses to wander past. A bit like he houses in Tobermory on Mull only more of them and quite a bit warmer!

[@walterfillingham]

I would never have associated Benidorm with trams, but what a cracking little journey with great scenery. And I couldn’t stay on Benidorm myself. Didn’t know it had an old town part to it either to be honest.

[@brianbell4937]

Although I have been to Benudorm Station, I have never ventured into the town. Actually it looks better than I had always assumed. I always change at Benidorm for the diesel train through to Denia, a gorgeous journey, and Denia beats Benidorm hands down !

[@soggymoggytravels]

As someone who has spent a few winters in Alicante, the tram is the best part of it all. You need to try out all the stops to find the part of the coast that best suits you. I also dont like Benidorm, but I really enjoyed other stops such as Vila Joyosa (chocolate factory and colorful buildings), Altea old town (white-washed streets), LaVenuta (private cove), and Calpe (climbing the rock). You do need to be scrupulous in looking at accommodation reviews before booking, as Alicante does have the downside of more than its fair share of noisy neighborhoods and apartment complexes.

[@dj_patriotsix2594]

Lovely to see you travelling to alicante, definitely one of my favourite destinations in Spain, Ryanair fly from kerry Airport to alicante so it a cheap and convenient destination, stayed there at the mellia hotel next to the marina and casino right next to the beach , also travelled on the same tram to benidrom but as u said urself benidrom would definitely not be my scene and I don't think I be going back there again, the castle in alicante and the old town ( barrio de santa cruz ) mixed with small tapas bars are definitely my cupa tea 👍👍 already booking 1 holiday there this year in March and hopefully will go back again in September, definitely looking forward to it 👍👍❤️❤️👍👍

[@user-br1qi6uj1f]

Should try a Spanish breakfast - Churros with Chocolate. Surprisingly filling until 2 p.m. lunch and much healthier than coffee and a bun. Paella for lunch and then, being a tourist, fish (or sausage) and chips with Yorkshire tea for dinner washed down with a king-sized Soberano. 😄

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Nice vid. I love Alicante, you can take a train, bus or cycle to Elche easily, that worth a day out.

[@davedacigarguy]

Great video Scott! Benidorm seems a tad busy with all the high-rises and expats on the beach. For my money, Alicante seems a bit more doable! Cheers Mate!

[@geraldcapon392]

Scott happy new year, I love your stuff. Your video confirmed my thoughts Alicante si, Benidorm non. One last thing us long term migrants from the UK abore the word ex-pat. We are emigrants from the UK - basta. The word ex-pat conjures up blokes in cravats sippin g&t’s whereas we are in fact often ’economic refugees’ ahroad to to make better lives - no cravats but maybe a bombay saphire & tonic from time time.

[@susanashcroft2674]

Never been to Benidorm but sounds like 'Bitesize' Benidorm would be better for me too.

[@michaelkelly8861]

Wish there had been a tram when i did the journey in 1977...... unfortunately it was a crap crowded bus. Would definitely go back to benidorm but stay on the Spanish area off poniente beach. The pinchos bars are excellent 👌

[@alexnaismith9979]

If you are in Benny and you want a good Scottish breakfast then go to Lil' Bob's on the promenade. Where is it? Looking out to Peacock Island it is to your left. 99 per cent of the time. If you are at the end of the beach below the hill with the cross it will be to your right. Washed it down with a pint of cold lager. Hey you are on holiday. Chill.

[@ametrinemoon]

Scott the pilot? I would get lots of things to do off the beaten track. Fab journey man

[@beebee404]

How was the pizza?

[@mw...]

cheers

[@briangentle5515]

Always wondered what those Costa resorts were like. Thanks for going, so I don't have to!

[@soggymoggytravels]

No, no, no, some of these Costa places are great gems. You gotta try all the stops to find the best ones.

[@mariavandenbosch2723]

Going from Malaga to Algeciras while passing Benidorm is the same as London to Dover while driving by Edinburgh 😉

[@peterhuigen9378]

Haha, he went through Torremolinos or Fuengirola, not Benidorm!😀Sso this is really the first time Scott is in Benidorm.

[@frankbarr1101]

Yes I thought it sounded strange too!!!

[@ML66B]

Haha must have just missed you Scott. I live there half the year and If have spotted you I’d have bought you a beer!

[@xix94]

Never been to Benidorm my self 😂 Amazing viddo

[@alanlake5220]

Looked good, would be nice to see a wee break in Gibraltar, if you could . cheers

[@philipbarnard2474]

Menu del Dia . Yes you can find it in Benidorm (starter, main and dessert). Patatas Bravas (spicy chips) to go with your Molson beer. On travelling, try getting from London to the Cotswolds, let alone Glasgow. Got £75 refund because the train drivers chose not to work on a Sunday

[@SimonsVids222]

Haha Scott are u stalking my most recent trip? Enjoy the castle tomorrow - the view is beautiful 😍

[@markfoxall114]

Sold!!! I was looking for a cheap break, warmer weather, booked a flight to Alicante, going to explore and hike with the Girlfriend. Two weeks behind you…. Cheers

[@davidwelch6796]

The waiter thought you were a pilot, had you ordered a coffee to get to 'cruising altitude'?

[@spidyman8853]

Me too Scott. Benidorm is not my scene either.

[@colmranger]

Love your videos been a subscriber for a long time. Delighted to see your Alicante videos I have a holiday home there for 27 yrs. Just two points. Why not complain to the hotel manager and ask to be moved? Also do you not carry ear buds or ear plugs?

[@B33FCLANPS3]

I did a day trip to Benidorm, I find the old town is very nice, and on the way from the new town there is a very nice pizza restaurant was really good

[@glumonion1454]

The old town is lovely, as is the town up to the station and up to the new town. The Poniente beach is fantastic despite one or two ugly buildings behind it, and the Levante is best viewed from the old town and looks really scenic, but best not venture up there too far as you will soon encounter the stereotypical Benidorm as seen in the British media. From about half way along there and three streets back there is the infamous Britstrip, best avoided unless you are a serious senior party animal that wants a little Blackpool in the sun.

[@ourturnnow]

Nice video, we were vlogging up there the other day and i included a clip of nearly being run down by a tram lol. If you go back in Fiesta time you can wear a fancy dress pilots costume.😂

[@BRinYEG]

Tim Hortons was the last thing this Canadian expected to see in one of your European travel videos 😂

[@grahamthetraveller]

I stayed in La Linea and took a bus to Algeciras and caught the ferry over to Ceuta a Spanish enclave on the African mainland the spent 2 days in Tetouan in Morocco before heading back towards Gibraltar

[@DiggingNorway]

Here is a challenge: Try not to eat or drink from any of the international overseas fastfood chains for once. In Europe one can always find independent small eateries and cafes.

[@ludwig327]

The saga continues

[@andywotjuno9954]

Benidorm is more than the beach and bars, try getting out walking in the mountains plenty Benidorm visitors do.

[@empressdoinalot]

Exactly. I loved Old Town.

[@imsbvs]

Great, loved this been wanting to go back to Benidorm which I haven't visited for about 50 years. Now I realise it's not for me, you've saved me a wasted trip. Stil love visiting Spain, just this resort is not my cup of tea! Did you notice most things are bi-lingual, presumably Catalan and Spanish (with English in places)? Looking out for the completion of the the trilogy.

[@gdparry2727]

Did Benidorm once while visiting family nearby. Good dinner and show at Benidorm Palace but the town itself felt a bit off.Even in 20s so I should have been the target demographic, but it didn't appeal. Prefered Calpe further east.