We're Benidorm superfans – we've spent 5-figure sum in seven years… here's the reasons it's the best place to holiday

The Sun

20 hours ago

IT was the home of the beloved British comedy for over a decade, but to Mark and Karen Gregory, Benidorm is no joke.
The superfans of the Spanish town have holidayed there 25 times.
5
5
The couple, both 50, have spent over £30,000 in the last seven years sunning themselves in Benidorm, located in Costa Blanca, after falling in love with it during their first visit in 2018.
And the pair, from Swansea, now have no plans to holiday elsewhere ever again, despite anti-tourism protests in some Spanish resorts.
Mark says: 'We used to go to Majorca and the Canaries, until we spotted a deal for a trip to Benidorm one day.
'We thought we'd try it for a week and we were so pleasantly surprised that my wife started looking for accommodation to go again as soon as we got home.
'It's the very best place to holiday.
"The people who have bad opinions about it have never been.
'We aren't big drinkers but enjoy the budget alcohol.
"The pints are 80 cents and ­bottles of cava are €2.'
The couple often return to the same haunts every time they visit — enjoying a pint at the Western Saloon, ­dinner at Country Ribs or Kathmandu curry house, and cocktails at the Hotel California Beach Club.
'Stag groups zigzag home at 6am'
They even love seeing the same Meat Loaf tribute act, often referred to as 'Meatloaf Benidorm', at venue Jokers.
Moment huge fight breaks out at Benidorm swimming pool in front of shocked tourists
Referencing the sitcom, which aired from 2007 to 2018, Mark reflects: ' The TV show is about typical Brits in the sun, but that's only about ten per cent of the place.
'Yes, you get your typical beer-bellied Brits abroad, but there is a much nicer, quieter side too.
"We mainly go outside of the peak season as it's much cheap­er, but there's entertainment all year round.
'People do have their own opinions of Benidorm and it is a bit of a 'Marmite' resort — but lots fall in love with it and we can see why.'
The couple enjoy the year-round nightlife, particularly the live music, tribute and drag acts.
And they love it so much they've visited 25 times since late 2018 — barring the pandemic lockdowns — having spent over £30,000 at various resorts in the town.
Mark said: 'We mainly stick to the winter but we've been in May a couple of times.
" In winter it can be nearly 40 per cent cheaper — not just to get there, but at the bars and restaurants too.
'And there is still so much to do — you never get bored.'
The couple say they avoid the spots frequented by large stag dos and hen parties.
Karen said: 'We know the spots to avoid.
'Simply the best'
"But we do still occasionally see the stag groups zigzagging home at 6am.
'There's plenty of mad behaviour to see sometimes — and plenty of people passed out on benches.'
But they find lots of quiet­er locations to enjoy their evenings.
5
5
Some of their favourite nights out have been to see a Pink Floyd tribute act, a Tom Jones tribute and a comedian called Tony Scott.
The couple largely stay in a self-catered apartment which they visit several times a year — and get a discount because of their loyalty, which keeps costs low so they can afford more visits.
But they don't mind, as all the local produce is better quality for their home-cooked meals.
Mark explains: 'We do sometimes go for meals but Karen is coeliac so it's not that easy.
'The supermarkets are much better than in England and there are so many ­gluten-free options for us.'
The couple say that since discovering their love for Benidorm they have only holidayed elsewhere once, in Tenerife.
But nothing compared to their beloved Benidorm, so they have decided to forget further travel elsewhere.
Mark says: 'There are times we think we might be 'Benidormed out'.
'But then we realise it doesn't compare to anywhere else. And when we go, it just gets better and better.'
They now have no plans to visit elsewhere, and live a frugal life at home so they can afford their £6,000-per-year trips.
Mark added: 'Whenever we go back there are new places that have opened, but we like the familiarity.
'If we go to a new place it takes a few days to find our feet, whereas going here, it's like coming home.'
He added: 'People do have their own opinions, but I don't like it when people share derogatory views about it when they've never been.
'If you've never tried it, and you've just watched the TV show or read about it, don't just jump on the bandwagon. Benidorm is quite simply the best.'