Benidorm, is it really only Brits abroad? What's it like out of season? Join me on my city walkabout

Join me on a full walkabout of the British' best loved holiday destination - Benidorm, a real brits abroad playground - or is it? I check out the real Benidorm and pull the curtain on the perception of an English enclave. I try out some local cafes and Spanish food and find an ancient castle in the centre of the city. Also I take a walkabout around Benidorm and check out the promenade and best beaches.
Benidorm has been a tourist destination within Spain since 1925, when its port was extended and the first hotels were built, though it would not be until the 1950s that it became renowned as a summer destination for people coming from inland Spain, especially Madrid. Today it is known for its hotel industry, beaches, and skyscrapers and receives as many tourists from abroad as from Spain. According to the 2020 census, Benidorm has a permanent population of 70,450 inhabitants, making it the fifth-most populous town in the Alicante province and the ninth in Valencian Community.
The town is divided into five parts: Poniente (Ponent or 'sun setting') and Levante (Llevant or 'sun rising'), each fronted by a beach of the same name; the old town (also called El Castell); La Cala situated to the west side of Poniente; and El Rincón de Loix (or El Racó de l'Oix) situated to the east side of Levante. Between the two beaches lies a rocky promontory and the port.
The old city occupies the promontory and the area immediately inland, while most of the hotels occupy the more recently developed sections inland from the two beaches. A few miles from shore is an uninhabited island known as Benidorm Island or Peacock Island (due to previously having a peacock enclosure) which provides a dramatic centrepiece to the seascape.
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[@Richy91]

Great video and good to see a balanced view of Benidorm. I went for the first time reluctantly a few years ago, Shamefully thought and believed it was full of brits and like Blackpool. How wrong I was, yes don't get me wrong the new town area in the summer is full of brits but there are some good shows to see. However the Old Town is the place to be, full of Spanish all year round, great atmosphere around tapas alley and great eateries and the buildings are beautiful! I now have the Benidorm bug as they say and often stay on Poniente Beach side, walking distance to Old town and walking distance to La Cala Finistrat which is a great hiddem gem! Then from there you can jump on the tram up to Altea and Albir etc

[@andrewemmerson]

I had pretty much the same experience, I really like Benidorm now and would love to go again and see a bit more! Maybe Altea too next time :)

[@urbanblond7104]

I love Benidorm, still looks busy for Feb!😅

[@andrewemmerson]

It’s amazing atmosphere and yes still quite busy for the time of year 😆👍

[@hhandcarte4473]

We go to the old town each year, keeping away from the ‘Brit’ end, as we prefer the more Spanish experience. Great beaches and plenty to see, great bars and tapas. So close to home but as said above better weather!

[@andrewemmerson]

Sound's good, I love the old town area too!

[@charlietopping9819]

Different to how I expected 😍 looks worth a visit

[@andrewemmerson]

It really is! worth seeing 😀👌

[@cameramanceltic4915]

not just brits . you have irish and other nationalities there as well

[@andrewemmerson]

I did see a couple of Irish bars 👏

[@cameramanceltic4915]

@@andrewemmerson exectly which means its not just british people living in Benidorm

[@EmuGamesMaster]

Should of visited mels mobility shop..

[@andrewemmerson]

Haha I was looking for that 😂

[@jimmytarbuck482]

Marianos was your cheap place, They also do a chicken you would die for😋 Spent 16 years there, Gardiner pools etc , try Drop Inn Calle Londres, Tony and Kate, only branded beers and spirits ❤😊🎉🎉

[@andrewemmerson]

Ahh amazing I will definitely look for that next time 👍

[@Richy91]

The yellow flag is a caution flag from the life guards :)

[@andrewemmerson]

Ahhh thank you! I never found out 😂

[@Dan-xx5jq]

Why would someone go to a place like this in the freezing winter? We stay indoors here in the US any time the temperature drops below 60°F in the South. Folk go to work and shop bec it is necessary but not strolling. 😅. We are used to the 90°F summers only the humidity can be challenging at times. I just realized that it is Spain. Still too cold for me to go on vacation. Y'all are used to the cold weather unlike us in the South. i met a British couple in Goa when i visited India which took me by surprise, this was some 20 years ago, to see so many Brits, some even living most of the year there. The couple told me it was for the same reasons why we Americans go to the Caribbean. Not many of us can afford to the Caribbean or Mexico although we do have the State of Florida as an option. It just does not have that different cultural experience, you have the same Walmarts and supermarkets and apart from the beach, it is rather boring. I do envy y'all, being centrally located Brits can travel everywhere around the world. We always have to get to Europe first before we can go anywhere. i wish i could travel again but with forced early retirement it is just too expensive! Anyways, yours video popped up on my screen, YT sent it to me for whatever reason.... Well, at least i know what parts of Spain are like. Cheers!

[@andrewemmerson]

Thank you so much for your message, Spain is only a couple of hours from Britain and it’s much warmer at this time of year so it’s a good place for a short break. Hope you enjoyed the video 🙏😀

[@alisonjackson5814]

The Sol pelícanos is the ‘Solana’… but the pool is to the back and left of the building- the place you pointed to isn’t part of that hotel. Even though it’s cloudy- it’s still way warmer than the UK! (People are still walking around in shorts.) Morgan Tavern is a great bar- brilliant acts. As is the Western- the heart of the facncy dress party. Hotel California has a great atmosphere and fab singers. Old Town is such a great place- totally Spanish- anytime of year. Strange to see it so quiet and cloudy, they’re rare days. The Spanish government give OAPs a free holiday each year, many choose to go to Benidorm because so much is open all year. The beaches are stunning. The Poniente is 2 miles of a stunning artistic promenade with lovely restaurants and cafes. Make sure to explore there next time.

[@andrewemmerson]

@@alisonjackson5814 Ahh thank you that makes sense, I thoiught the area around the side didn't look quite right for the pool. Thank you for the info, :)

[@JamesR-vh8iu]

Why would you live in the shit hole usa??😂😂

[@elisabethdavis9282]

I'm sure it's a pommie paradise but it looks soulless. There are so many beautiful places in Spain but Benidorm looks uninspiring.

[@andrewemmerson]

Always good to check out different kinds of places 👍