Time to send the clichés packing. Benidorm has worn a "cheap booze & skyscrapers" badge for decades, but scratch the surface and you'll find protected nature parks, Michelin-starred dining and fiestas older than the high-rises. Ready to see the real Benidorm? Let's bust five stubborn myths—and if you crave weekly myth-shattering intel, join the free Costa Navigator newsletter before the next misconception takes flight.

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Myth 1: "It's just stag dos and drunken Brits."

The reality: Yes, the UK still tops arrivals (about 49%), but Spanish, Italian and Portuguese travellers are flocking here in record numbers, boosting diversity and mellowing the vibe. Domestic tourists alone filled 32.7% of hotel beds in June 2025, and Italian visitors jumped 88% year-on-year.

Insider tip: Wander the Old Town on a Sunday morning; you'll hear more Valenciano than English when local families pile into cafés after Mass.

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Myth 2: "It's a concrete jungle with zero nature."

The reality: Step beyond Levante Beach and you hit Serra Gelada Natural Park—5,600 hectares of protected cliffs soaring 300m above the Med, laced with dolphin-spotting trails and wild rosemary.

Insider tip: Catch the first bus to Albir and hike the lighthouse path at sunrise; you'll see Benidorm's skyline glowing like a sci-fi city from a sea of pines.

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Myth 3: "The food is all fry-ups and chips."

The reality: Tapas Alley alone hosts 30+ Iberian bars, but the real bombshell is El Xato in nearby La Nucía—sporting a 2025 MICHELIN star for creative Mediterranean tasting menus.

Insider tip: Book El Xato's weekday lunch: the tasting menu can be under €55—star value for a star meal—and the taxi ride is only ten minutes.

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Myth 4: "Benidorm has gotten expensive."

The reality: The UK's overall cost of living sits roughly 34% higher than Spain, and an inexpensive local meal in Benidorm averages €12.95 (try matching that in Bournemouth).

Insider tip: Snap up a menú del día—three courses plus wine for €10–12—and stash the savings for sunset cocktails.

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Myth 5: "There's no real culture—just neon nightlife."

The reality: From the flower-draped Fiesta de la Creu in May to September's week-long Benidorm Pride, the calendar is thick with centuries-old processions, live music and street theatre.

Insider tip: Many fiestas fund free concerts—check local posters or, better yet, our newsletter for zero-cost cultural nights.

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Ready to Rewrite More Myths?

Benidorm keeps surprising those who look beyond the postcard. Subscribe to Costa Navigator for hidden-cove maps, budget hacks and next-level event tips—delivered every Friday, no fluff, just Costa Blanca gold.

See you in the real Benidorm.