In 1953, Benidorm was an unknown seaside fishing town. However, the mayor at the time, Pedro Zaragoza wanted more. He got on his scooter, a Vespa of course, and road for eight hours to see General Franco in Madrid. His goal was to convince Franco to take away the ban on the bikini style swimming suit. They reached an agreement and the Zaragoza went back to Benidorm and proceeded to build one of the most successful and popular resort communities in the world. More than five million tourists find their way to the city each year, many of the young and hip from Great Britain come to the beaches to play in the sand and sun all day, and to dance and celebrate all night. It is so popular with British tourists as this incredible get away is just a short two hour plane ride. The resorts and the luxury hotels Benidorm has built over the year have so much to offer, that some tourists come to the city and never leave the grounds.
The city is full of life, with tall skyscrapers and a bustling street scene, but while it is densely packed, it is not expansive, and should one desire wilderness and peace, the drive to the mountains and the inland countryside is just twenty minutes from town. There are just thousands of bars and restaurants and shops, including tattoo parlors and shops of curious objects. And during the top season, the entertainment is plentiful and is found in all forms, from late night karaoke bars, to cabaret dinner shows to opera. The beaches offer many activities such as banana boat rides, cruises in ships with glass bottoms, catamarans and sail boats. There are major theme parks located just outside of the city, perfect for those traveling with children. In fact this is the site of the largest in Spain, Terra Mitica. Many travel to the city all year long, but this city is jam packed with people during the months of July through August. So for those wanting a little more peace than action, the winter months are still incredibly beautiful, and definitely less crowded.
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