Benidorm: Buying A Home On The Costa Blanca | Fact & Fun!

It is not unusual when discussing buying a home on the Costa Blanca for people to have an adverse reaction about the area. This in part is due to the reputation of the area’s most famous town, Benidorm. Sometime known as the Las Vegas of Spain because of the landscape of high-rise buildings, it is renowned for its lively party atmosphere, its popularity for raunchy hen and stag parties and is immortalized by a UK Sit-Com that accurately reflects some aspects of package holidays to the town. However, this should not put you off the whole area or indeed, this bustling town completely, Benidorm has more than one side to it.

Mobility Scooters and Sit-Coms

Hamiltons of London’s UK customers will be familiar with the TV program depicting Madge riding a mobility scooter around Benidorm (whether she needs it). This is something that can be true but, the fact is that this is a Spanish town that does have areas that cater brilliantly for those who have mobility problems. There are plenty of places where mobility aids can be easily rented if you have not brought your own and the local council have now put measures in place to stop those who don’t have a need from terrorising other tourists with their antics. There is now a minimum age of 55 years old applied to those renting a scooter, and / or you must have a disability that prevents you from being able to walk too far or unaided. The main town is relatively flat, which makes it easier to manoeuvre wheelchairs, scooters, and other walking aids. The beaches provide ramps and accessible toilets, and many bars, shops restaurants and hotels are accessible, but, do check first!!! Also, the old town is beautiful and more traditional but, on a hill and not very accessible for those with disabilities. Although Spain is doing its best to make improvements for those with mobility problems, the landscape in which some towns and villages are located does not always make this an easy task. Other towns in the Costa Blanca, therefore, are not all as easily navigated.

Package Holidays

Reasonably priced package holidays made the town a place that youngsters flocked to when celebrating coming of age, stag, and hen parties, and whilst in some parts this still happens, the tourist industry has started to alter the “larger lout” image that the town once had. It caters for a far wider audience and has facilities for the elderly as well as families and young couples. There are theme parks, lively bars, and quieter, more sedate areas, so everyone can now enjoy this part of the Costa Blanca. It attracts all age groups looking for a place that is affordable and accessible. The town welcomes everyone and has a thriving LGBT community with dedicated entertainment, bars and restaurants. The Benidorm Pride Festival is held every year, with the heart of the party taking place in the old town. There is a parade and a main stage close to Levante Beach and the Julio Iglesias Auditorium.

More than a holiday resort!

Benidorm is also home to many people who enjoy the amenities it has to offer, the accessibility, community and, of course, the weather. It may not be for everyone but, if you live on the Costa Blanca, it is a great place to visit and enjoy the theme parks and entertainment facilities before returning to more tranquil locations like Moraira. If you buy a villa in Calpe, you may well find that family excursions to Benidorm not only entertain the children during school holidays, but they will also enjoy reasonably priced entry to the various theme parks just outside of the town. Friends visiting those who live in Javea may enjoy a night out at the Benidorm Palace and behind the town there are wonderful places to visit, including the Algar Falls and Guadalest. When you move to the Costa Blanca, do consider Benidorm for short weekend breaks with family and friends. You will be able to find something there to entertain all tastes and ages.

Spanish and UK Pensioners

British Tour Operators used to offer long winter hotel stays to places like Benidorm and many found that taking advantage of one of these breaks was cheaper than remaining home and paying for food and heating in the UK during the colder months of the year. They frequently included all meals, drinks and entertainment, and some operators still provide this in the Costa Blanca, not just in Benidorm but also in Calpe and Denia. Tui and Saga are companies that still offer very good package rates for winter holidays. In Spain those who are fully resident and enter retirement as will as those who are citizens are entitled to benefit from the Imserso program, which is run by the government and offers subsidized holidays to residents over the age of 65. These trips can cost as little as €115 for a short break and 455€ for longer holidays and include transport, meals, accommodation, and activities. Benidorm is one of the popular destinations available so remember to take advantage of this benefit if you are resident in the Costa Blanca.

History

Behind the modernity of the town is a rich past and the Old Town is located on a hill between the Levante and Poniente beaches. It has cobbled streets that lead up to the 18th century church at the top and there is a beautiful area known as the Balcon del Mediterraneo where the views of the Costa Blanca coastline are truly spectacular. The history of the town began in Roman times and there is plenty of archealogical evidence to show that there was already a settlement here in the 2nd century AD.

Fun Facts

Benidorm has its own Hollywood style sign on a hilltop overlooking the town, which provides a photo opportunity for lots of people.

Benidorm was the first city in Spain to embrace the bikini in 1953, when the mayor fought for permission to allow ladies to wear them on the beach.

City of Skyscrapers, as well as the nickname of the Las Vegas of Spain, Benidorm has earned the title of The Manhattan of the Mediterranean as well. It boasts the most skyscrapers per inhabitant in the world, with over 26 buildings reaching more than 100 Meters.

One of the first tourist resorts, before the boom of the 50s and 60s Benidorm was already a popular holiday destination over a hundred years ago.

This Costa Blanca town also leads the way in sustainable practices in Spain and, despite it’s high rise, busy face has implemented innovative waste management and water conservations ideas, as well as preserving many green spaces.

With royal approval, the Benidorm Cross overlooking the town was built in the 1960s, symbolically protecting the town from sin and it was inaugurated by Queen Sofia of Spain.

According to local legend, the town has a sweet but spooky story of a benevolent vampire who protects the local fisherman at night.

Conclusion

If you are moving to one of the towns along the beautiful Costa Blanca coast, do take the opportunity to visit Benidorm and get to know it, particularly outside of tourist season. You will see that it is a city of many contradictions. The skyscrapers may overwhelm some, while others love them and revel in the lively atmosphere but, the traditional old town is charming and more relaxed. It is a town full of surprises so don’t be put of by reputation and TV, check it out and decide for yourself!!!