A British expat has shared an insight into what Benidorm is like in the winter season and she offered a worrying reason why some tourists may be avoiding the streets
An expert on all things Benidorm has shared insight into what the popular Spanish resort is like in the winter months – declaring that it is “completely dead”.
Expat Lucy Young runs the Benidorm Stuff YouTube channel and she recently toured the usually bustling strip that looked more like a ghost town.
Starting her vlog, she said: “It’s very quiet… in fact it’s dead! Pretty much as dead as it gets. There are plenty of places open but there are just not many people around. So let’s go for a wander and see if we can find any life in December. The whole of Benidorm is just completely dead at this time of year.”
Lucy, who has lived there for over 20 years and is known as the Benidorm Enthusiast, began her stroll on a Tuesday night just after 10pm and she told her 75,900 subscribers it was as deserted as they would ever see.
However, being low season, she acknowledged that the empty bars and quiet streets were as expected, but she still sometimes forgets just how silent it gets.
She added that she highlights just how “absolutely wild” the resort is during high season, and therefore it was important to show it at its quietest period too.
During her walk past bars that are usually heaving with partygoers, Lucy shed some insight into the different reasons why the streets were almost empty.
She explained how Levante Beach remained a hive of activity during the day time in winter and that the Old Town has got a buzz about it in the afternoon – but where does everyone go when the sun drops?
She said: “Many tourists that come in December just stay in their hotels. It can get pretty nippy and I don’t think people realise just how nippy it can get.”
The content creator said temperatures drop rapidly by 10 degrees or so once night falls and there is no escaping the chill.
She added that hotel rooms were warm, cosy and provided entertainment, and therefore many tourists preferred to simply stay put.
Citing a more worrying reason, she hinted that the strip was not as safe as it could be, and some folk were unwilling to venture out too late.
She explained: “I think it is down to the age group as well. We do get a slightly more mature age group at this time of year and I think sadly some just don’t feel particularly safe around here late at night anymore.
“It is a real shame because this area used to be welcoming for all ages at all times of the year really. But I think in recent years most people will agree that this area has changed and not for the better.
“If you are not a hardcore partygoer you may well be put off by this area these days. Even I can feel a little bit intimidated walking around here and I know these streets like the back of my hand.”
She added that the liveliest parts of Bendiron were around the Hotel California bar and The Crown pub where a few people were gathered for drinks.
Lucy later joked that she expected to see tumble weeds rolling down the road by the time she reached the end of the strip because of how quiet it was.
The YouTuber acknowledged that some people will prefer Benidorm this way, usually because they can get a seat for entertainment shows that are performed all year without having people talk over them.
But as for anyone coming in winter, she advised them not to expect the strip to be “absolutely bouncing” before emphasising one final time: “The strip at night? It is pretty dead and deserted.”
After posting the video, which you can watch here in full, one person commented: “Omg don’t think I have ever saw it so empty Lucy.”
Another wrote: “Coming out for the new year, really looking forward to it and hope it’s worth it.”
A third said: “Still love Benidorm at New Year it will be so different then.”
One person added: “Why is it like this? I live 45 minutes away, never seen it like that since lockdown.”