Blackpool of Spain!! (Benidorm)

Member Name: blondgem

Product:	Benidorm
Date:	13/07/08 (225 review reads)
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Its that time of year, when kids are soon to be off school and thousands of Brits are going to escape for their Summer holidays, with a very popular destination for those that like a bustling and lively holiday, Benidorm will be on the agenda.

Benidorm is a Valencian coastal town in Alicante, Spain and has been a favourite for years for families to take their annual break. I don't want to put anyone off, however Benidorm in my opinion is the Blackpool of Spain, and is more suited to the working class and young parties who are looking for a boozy and action packed holiday.

Benidorm is broken into two main area's, the old town which is a little more sophisticated and if you were looking to do a little bit of shopping and pick some nice bits and bobs, rather than holiday souvenirs, then the old town is the place to go.

Having stayed in Benidorm twice before, I have tended to stay a little bit out of the direct town of Benidorm. By doing this you don't have the nightlife noise to irritate you and also you find that the nicer, more expensive hotels are slightly out of the main town of Benidorm, therefore guaranteeing you a pleasant hotel and not a dive.

There is plenty to do for all the family in Benidorm and the travel reps like to cash in on the trips that they have available for the likes of Terra Mitica, Benidorm's Theme Parks and Aqualandia, Benidorm's Aqua Park and two of the biggest attractions that Benidorm has to offer. In my opinion and on my recommendation if travelling to Benidorm this year and venturing off to these kind of attractions its more cost effective to make your own way. It doesn't cost any more as they are relatively close to the main town and you can plan your day accordingly instead of having to go and leave when the bus is going to pick you up.

There are plenty of bars and restaurant's within Benidorm and you will find that their are many Brits that have set up home there and now earn their living by running restaurants that cater to the British taste and their are many places where you can get a full English breakfast, pie and chips and a traditional Sunday Roast, home cooked by the British, which many people like when they are not adventurous with what they eat.

Nightlife in Benidorm can be bustling, there are plenty bars surrounding the main town that will offer a drink to the older generation that do not want to venture into the square where all the main bars and clubs are that open untilearly hours of the morning and are extremely popular with the young people that are basically out to get a sun tan and to get drunk.

Shopping in Benidorm is basic unless you venture into the old town. Thereare plenty of supermarkets around if you are self catering to pick up your groceries, however, the only other shops that you will find are tacky souvenir shops selling Benidorm merchandise, suntan lotion, inflatables and the normal rubbish that you would find in the likes of Blackpool.

The place itself, considering the reputation it has is very clean. Cleaners are out throughout the night tidying up the mess that has been left by the folk of the night before.

The beach is a very clean beach and if you are looking for water sports and activities this is the place to go. Jet Ski's, Banana Boats and various other watersports are available or if you just want to laze about, sunbed are available. The sea is very clean so it is nice to go for a swim and there are plenty of bars and snack bars on the front for you to have lunch as you are soaking up the sun.

I won't be going back to Benidorm, I have been twice before and can highly recommend the hotel that I stayed in, the All Inclusive Flamingo Oasis, however I have outgrown this place and grown up a little bit but if this is the kind of holiday that you like then I would recommend it.

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