Benidorm for a first timer

[Billylou]

I’m ashamed to say that over several decades I’ve been very aloof and have been very quick to knock Benidorm and have come to realise that this is unfair. For one thing I’ve never been there so what do I know, I’ve not appreciated that others love it and who am I to judge them.

So we are on our way home and have an opportunity to drop in and have a look for ourselves. Our question is to those who love Benidorm, where should we stay (2 days max) me, the wife and dog? We’ve looked at the usual Apps but wondered if those in the know might have a couple of insider secrets they’re prepared to share. Thanks

 

[InvictaMoto]

I have never Motorhomed there but have camped there a few times and indeed stayed in a hotel back in 1996. Each time on a motorcycle.

The hotel was in February and I was en-route to Murcia where my partner taught English at the University. She wanted her bike and I rode it from UK to Paris, motorail to Narbonne and then rode down the A7. On a few day visits I have never been able to locate the hotel again! It was filled to the brim with Basque pensioners. Apparently it was cheaper to take them to the Med where it was warmer than heat their homes! Due to a misunderstanding I got BB&EM for the prove of the room.

Have never thought of being snowbird there.... Maybe this thread will change my mind?

 

[Bobandfay]

When we in Benidorm we always stay on camping Raco as we have the dog with us some sites don’t allow dogs. It’s a nice site good mixture of permanent and touring pitches.

 

[cliffanger]

Blue skies, the Old Town, Blue skies, Tapas Bars, Blue sea, Entertainment by talented people in the bars close to the campsites, lovely meals out, walks to Albir and Altea under … blue skies…. What’s not to love?!?

 

[cliffanger]

The walk up to the Cross,

Breakfasts ….

Tapas ….

Afternoon teas ….

The walk to the lighthouse at Albir

Did I mention the blue skies…

I’m not much of a fan though….

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[Ditcha]

I’m ashamed to say that over several decades I’ve been very aloof and have been very quick to knock Benidorm and have come to realise that this is unfair. For one thing I’ve never been there so what do I know, I’ve not appreciated that others love it and who am I to judge them.

So we are on our way home and have an opportunity to drop in and have a look for ourselves. Our question is to those who love Benidorm, where should we stay (2 days max) me, the wife and dog? We’ve looked at the usual Apps but wondered if those in the know might have a couple of insider secrets they’re prepared to share. Thanks

Arena Blanca nice small site and dogs are free they also accept ACSI

Camping Arena Blanca 🏕️ Camping in Benidorm and Beach

Your Camping in Benidorm 4 stars with pool and near the beach ✔️. We have free WiFi, restaurant and entertainment in high season.

www.campingarenablanca.com

 

[Billylou]

Thanks everyone for their advice and help. So we had a day in Benny and i have to say it was 100% better then my previous assumption. The place was spotless, the beach beautiful and a wide range of choice of restaurants to suit anyones needs. The things that really stood out to me was how busy it was and how much fun everyone was having. Agreed there is a certain audience for Benny and it is clear their needs were met. So after all these years of putting it down I’m suitably qualified to have an opinion and I think it’s great. We’ve been on a lot of rural sites these past couple of months and it was great to experience some life and a fully pumping heartbeat. For all those nay sayers, get off your high ponies, stop looking down your noises and have a bit of fun. Good luck to all you Benny folks out there, keep enjoying yourselves and don’t think you have to justify your enjoyment.

 

[Lenny HB]

Our first visit there in April, 4 hours was enough to know we never ever want to go back there, awful place.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Thanks everyone for their advice and help. So we had a day in Benny and i have to say it was 100% better then my previous assumption. The place was spotless, the beach beautiful and a wide range of choice of restaurants to suit anyones needs. The things that really stood out to me was how busy it was and how much fun everyone was having. Agreed there is a certain audience for Benny and it is clear their needs were met. So after all these years of putting it down I’m suitably qualified to have an opinion and I think it’s great. We’ve been on a lot of rural sites these past couple of months and it was great to experience some life and a fully pumping heartbeat. For all those nay sayers, get off your high ponies, stop looking down your noises and have a bit of fun. Good luck to all you Benny folks out there, keep enjoying yourselves and don’t think you have to justify your enjoyment.

Next time book in for a few weeks, you get a much cheaper camp site rate
There is so much to explore and do day and night you need at least 4 weeks
I might be going back next year, I'll show you round if I'm there

 

[cliffanger]

Our first visit there in April, 4 hours was enough to know we never ever want to go back there, awful place.

Lenny, wherever did you go in four hours to form that strong a negative opinion?

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[Coastal Cruiser.]

Lenny, wherever did you go in four hours to form that strong a negative opinion?

Probably to see “Sticky Viki”

Disclaimer: not from personal experience never been but have heard about her on this forum.

 

[Lenny HB]

Lenny, wherever did you go in four hours to form that strong a negative opinion?

Everywhere I think, seafront, old town, walked up to the camp sites. Got fed up with overweight northerners trying to run us over on mobility scooters. It's a dreadful place.
Chris bellabee will back me up they only lasted 2 hours.

 

[bellabee]

Indeed I will, Lenny HB .
We took the bus into Benidorm from Albir. Knew straight away that it was not our cup of tea, - (and I probably qualify as an 'overweight northerner' ).

 

[cliffanger]

Fair enough - it’s not your thing.

We’ve only ever been there in the winter, and the mobility scooters are plentiful, but I think at least they are out, enjoying the sunshine along with the rest of us - and we certainly haven’t felt in any danger of being run over.

The Old Town is full of lovely tapas bars and restaurants - mostly a wander off the main drag, which I have to admit I only frequent when my craving for Pikolino shoes is too great!

The bars and restaurants around the campsites are the best - the entertainment is brilliant, and free.

As I say, each to their own, but a stay of a week or two, visiting Albir, Altea, different parts of Beni, a train trip to Valencia or Alicante, meals out with fellow Funsters, chilling by campsite pools or balconies would probably give you a more balanced experience than a couple of hours in the rough bits.

 

[Billylou]

I really enjoyed seeing so many people having a great time. For me it’s about the bigger picture, knowing that a lot of the crowd might only have a week away a year if they are lucky, that they are able to get some sunshine, a few beers and a lot of fun. It’s not about me or my previous small minded opinions, it’s about so much more than that. Prior to owning a PVC my wife and I were gifted in that we could travel the world for next to nothing and we did twice over. I’d have all sorts of poor opinions about certain travel destinations but the truth is I’d never been. Life, when it’s good, is about having choice, I’d say most of us on this forum have a choice, a lot of people don’t and if a yearly package to Benny is as good as it gets. I say get over there and enjoy it as you probably deserve it. To all those happy Benny people I say good for you and don’t worry about any negativity coming from within these pages. I’d rather have a night out with you and get tanked on those cheap beer.

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[Lenny HB]

As I say, each to their own, but a stay of a week or two,

How long! We rarely stay anywhere more than a couple of days.

 

[cliffanger]

How long! We rarely stay anywhere more than a couple of days.

We all enjoy our motorhomes and holidays/time away in different ways.

We take days to travel anywhere, a couple of days at a time, but we enjoy staying in one place for some time too - particularly in the winter when the skies are always blue in Beni.

On our way home from Italy, we were getting the feeling that every medieval French town we stayed in were getting a bit ‘samey’, but I know you love travelling and staying in little French towns and villages, I’ve read and enjoyed your threads - we’re all different, thank goodness, or we’d never get a seat in the Elvis show, and you’d never get your seat in your favourite restaurant.

Keep on enjoying your travels.

 

[Brains]

Back in 1957 my parents when to Benidorm for their honeymoon.

They stayed in the hotel (there was only one) and tried to go into the bar, however, women were not permitted in the one and only bar in Benidorm.

They then went to lie on the beach, luckily my mother had a swimsuit, unlike the lady nearby who was wearing a bikini and was fined on the spot and escorted off the beach!

Has the place changed much ?

 

[KiwiKampers]

Take a look at the “We have said it’s time to pack up and sold our m/h” thread by Midnightflyer.
You may find his comments interesting, and the comments of others who have been to Benidorm.

 

[Richard n Ann]

We rarely stay anywhere more than a couple of days.

Sounds like you don't like anywhere

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[Billylou]

Take a look at the “We have said it’s time to pack up and sold our m/h” thread by Midnightflyer.
You may find his comments interesting, and the comments of others who have been to Benidorm.

Is this addressed to me?
Interestingly I have read that thread and was disappointed to hear he’d had a bad experience, it sounded awful specifically the rats. That would have made me consider moving on extremely sharpish. However I was hoping my comments are more to do with the town rather than the camping experience, of which I can’t comment as I’ve not camped there (yet), have you?

 

[Lenny HB]

Sounds like you don't like anywhere

Got a Motorhome caravans are for staying in one place.

 

[Winger]

Sounds like you don't like anywhere

I think he’s running from someone

 

[Reallyretired]

Blue skies, the Old Town, Blue skies, Tapas Bars, Blue sea, Entertainment by talented people in the bars close to the campsites, lovely meals out, walks to Albir and Altea under … blue skies…. What’s not to love?!?

Surely Sticky Vicky cant still be going strong, she must be about 80 now.

edit: You can tell its been a while since I was there

 

[cliffanger]

Surely Sticky Vicky cant still be going strong, she must be about 80 now.

I’ve heard she came to an end (no idea whether it was ‘sticky’ or not) and have walked past the bars advertising shows by her niece/second cousin once removed!

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[Billylou]

I’d like to think we’d wish each other all the best on our travels, regardless where we’re at or heading, encourage them to enjoy themselves and respond positively to their posts. I just get a feeling that their are people on this forum who seem to do the opposite whilst fully expecting everyone to endorse their travels and posts. This thread shouldn't be an opportunity to knock what others enjoy, if it’s not their cup of tea then shouldn’t they keep it to themselves? Anyway, many thanks for the positive and helpful contributions I found them very helpful, it’s getting late and I need some Gaviscon, that fish is repeating itself.

 

[cliffanger]

I’d like to think we’d wish each other all the best on our travels, regardless where we’re at or heading, encourage them to enjoy themselves and respond positively to their posts. I just get a feeling that their are people on this forum who seem to do the opposite whilst fully expecting everyone to endorse their travels and posts. This thread shouldn't be an opportunity to knock what others enjoy, if it’s not their cup of tea then shouldn’t they keep it to themselves? Anyway, many thanks for the positive and helpful contributions I found them very helpful, it’s getting late and I need some Gaviscon, that fish is repeating itself.

I’ve only ever had to use Gaviscon once in Beni - too many Rosé Cavas with the girls!

 

[Mr porky]

We usually do 10 days or so in benidorm around New year and its perfect. We see friends, enjoy the sun (if we are lucky) and generally relax after doing a long stint outside in the cold in October November and December. Not this year though mexico us calling us and no not in the motorhome.

 

[bobnick]

Deleted..................i read above 28 posts after typing

 

[Ditcha]

Everywhere I think, seafront, old town, walked up to the camp sites. Got fed up with overweight northerners trying to run us over on mobility scooters. It's a dreadful place.
Chris bellabee will back me up they only lasted 2 hours.

At least over weight northerner's don't throw their toy's out of the pram when things get fishy

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