'I'm a Brit living in Benidorm and tourists should avoid these three areas'

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

A British man living in Benidorm has shared a viral TikTok video, explaining the three areas of the Spanish resort that tourists should avoid at all costs this summer
A British expat living in Benidorm has issued a warning to holidaymakers, urging them to steer clear of three specific areas when visiting the sun-soaked Spanish resort this summer.
Harry Poulton, who regularly offers travel advice and insights about the popular destination to his 40,000 TikTok followers, recently shared a video that has racked up 29,000 views and hundreds of likes. In it, he reveals the top three most perilous spots in the party city, cautioning tourists to give them a wide berth.
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The 24-year-old begins by warning against what he calls the 'Yellow Brick Road' – a little public pathway that leads all the way up to the Rio Park.
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"Now, it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing," Harry warns. While he assures viewers that it's generally safe during daylight hours, he advises against traversing it after dark.
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"I have stayed at the Rio Park several times in the past. I would NOT recommend walking up the Yellow Brick Road late at night. Get a taxi. It's not that expensive. Better to be safe than sorry," a visitor to the area wrote on Tripadvisor.
Next on his list is Pueblo Alley, located behind the Hotel Pueblo. The Brighton-born content creator strongly advises against venturing into this area, especially late at night, due to the presence of pickpockets and occasional sex workers. He suggests finding alternative routes instead.
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Topping Harry's list of places to avoid is the infamously named Mugger's Alley. He warns: "It is the most notorious – it's the one we all know. It's crazy. Save yourself the hassle and cross the road."
Known for its high incidence of pickpocketing and sex work, Harry strongly advises visitors to avoid this area altogether. The alley is located at the start of the strip opposite the Hotel Flash and runs behind the white 'SATE' building, near Morgan Tavern.
"It's safe enough in the day but late at night you'll likely get approached by 'hugger muggers' (individuals who'll invade your space pretending to know you whilst swiping your valuables), prostitutes and robbers," writes Michelle Baker, who runs the Benidorm Forever Facebook page.
"Men on their own are the main target so stay together and walk in FRONT of the SATE building, not behind it. Remember, MOST crimes in Benidorm are non-violent, it's your phone and cash they're after, so keep both out of sight and if you do get robbed, you need to visit the SATE office (opposite the hotel Flash) in office hours to make a police report."
Often groups of women will approach men walking by themselves before attempting to give them a hug.
A Brit who has lived in Benidorm for decades told The Spanish Eye: "This has been going on for a long time, it's outside the Magic Villa de Benidorm and right next to the local tourist police station, which is closed in the evening."