Areas
Benidorm
Spain's original skyscraper resort — two beaches, year-round tourism and the most famous British holiday destination in the country.
Benidorm is Spain's most famous resort — the town that invented the package holiday. Its skyline of high-rise hotels and apartment blocks is instantly recognisable, rising behind two long sandy beaches: the lively Levante and the quieter Poniente.
What many British visitors do not realise is that Benidorm is a genuine city with a large permanent population, excellent services and a mild microclimate that keeps it warmer than surrounding areas in winter. It does not close down in October.
For British relocation planners, Benidorm is divisive: some love the energy, the English-speaking infrastructure and the non-stop entertainment; others find it too busy, too touristy and lacking in Spanish character. It is a Marmite town.
Who this town suits
Water parks, theme parks, safe beaches. Very busy in summer. English-speaking environment. Less Spanish immersion.
Large established British retiree community. English-speaking doctors, shops, social clubs. Mild winter climate. Flat town centre (good for mobility).
Good broadband and services. Very busy environment. Not a traditional work setting. Better options nearby (Altea, Calp).
Strong rental demand year-round. Active property management market. Easy access.
One of Spain's highest-yield rental markets. Year-round demand. Requires VT licence.
Geography and access
- • Coastal city in northern Alicante province, Costa Blanca.
- • Alicante Airport ~55 km. Valencia Airport ~140 km.
- • TRAM-train to Alicante and Denia.
- • AP-7 motorway.
Local services
Healthcare
Hospital Clínica Benidorm (private). Hospital Marina Baixa (Villajoyosa, ~10 km). Public health centres.
Schools
Public Spanish schools. Some international options in nearby towns. English widely used in tourist businesses.
Shopping
Full city-scale retail, markets, shopping centres. English products widely available.
Admin
Padrón at Benidorm town hall. Extranjería in Alicante.
British community
Very strong and long-established. Benidorm was the original British package holiday destination and retains a massive British presence. English is effectively the second language. British-run businesses, pubs, social clubs and entertainment venues everywhere.
Property and rental signal
~€2,800–3,500/m² (2025–2026). Range from budget studios to premium seafront apartments. High rental yields. 11.5% price increase in 2025. Strong investor interest.
Local admin notes
- • Padrón: Register at Benidorm town hall.
- • NIE/TIE: National Police in Alicante or Benidorm.
- • Healthcare: Register at local health centre after padrón.
- • Tourist rental: VT licence required under Valencian law.
- • Language: Spanish in administration. English dominates in tourist and commercial settings.
Important notes and caveats
- • Population: ~72,000 permanent (INE, 2025). Seasonal population 200,000+ in summer.
- • British nationals: Very large but exact municipal count unknown. Expected thousands.
- • Property prices: ~€2,800–3,500/m² (various sources, 2025–2026).
- • Costa Bridge offers remote preparation support. No local office or physical coverage.
- • Property observations are general market signals, not specific listings or valuations.
Nearby towns you may also like
Altea
~15 km north
Artistic town, old quarter, quieter, more Spanish.
Calp
~25 km north
Iconic rock, marina, established resort, growing remote worker community.
Alicante
~45 km south
Provincial capital, AVE, airport, full services, university.
Last updated: 2026-07-04