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Forgotten Treasure Benidorm |
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By Hoyt Walicki
 The town of Benidorn on the eastern coast of Spain has developed for itself something of a bad reputation that is largely, if not completely, unfounded. Often credited for the rise of the package holiday, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain, but remains a fantastic place to visit.
To address the issue of its reputation first, Benidorm has sometimes attracted the wrong type of holiday maker. Generally speaking the height of summer is when the most tourists are around, but because the town is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year, it''s a great place to visit from early September right round to late June.
The main attraction of any holiday destination on Spain''s east coast are the beaches. Benidorm boasts three blue-flag approved beaches that have maintained their status from the 1980s. As the centre of the town''s attractions many bars and clubs are found along the edge of the beaches and musical acts often perform for free in the evenings, starting at around 2100.
Due to a quirk of planning Benidorm also boasts
one of the most striking skylines in the world, and is sometimes compared to Manhattan island. In the 1950s the mayor of Benidorm passed a regulation that every building must have a certain quantity of leisure space attached to it, so major buildings became skyscrapers. Benidorm hotels are often found in such buildings and the rooms often boast spectacular views.
Although Benidorm doesn''t have a great amount of culture and history due to the modernity of many of the buildings it shouldn''t be overlooked by holiday-makers who want a little more than just time on a beach and nightlife. The Costa Blanca has a mountainous landscape and not far from Benidorm is the Puig Campana, taller than any of the UK''s mountains and boasting an unparalleled view of the Mediterranean.
Benidorm has a wonderful climate throughout the year and even in the middle of winter the sea is never less than 15 degrees. It is a great place to visit and you shouldn''t let some press reports detract from what is an amazing holiday destination.
Hoyt Walicki, a freelance travel writer, has spent much of the last year travelling Southern Europe. For Benidorm hotels Octopus Travel comes recommended.
Hotel Renovation |
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