Share the article
Last updated
Although Europe is probably not the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about one winter If you want to get away from it all, not all parts of the continent will be plunged into darkness and experiencing bitterly cold temperatures from December.
Certainly not in this sun-drenched city on the southern coast of Spain, where the quiet season is blessed with a surprisingly warm or at worst mild climate. beachfront stays start from a cheap $40and where seeing people in shorts is not a strange sight at all.
We suppose our British readers need no further introduction, but to all our fellow Americans: welcome Benidormthe so-called Spanish Miami:
Mild winters and sunny beaches
On the southeast coast of Spain lies Benidorm, a large city that started as a picturesque fishing village.
From the 1960s onwards it turned into one of the busiest holiday destinations, highly sought after by Europeans all year round.
This is mainly attributed to the dry weather in Benidorm.
The average daily maximum in winter it can reach up to 63°For even higher on some days, and the average low is 44.6°F, usually late at night when a cold breeze blows.
Between December and March there is limited rainfall, at least compared to much of Europe TUIAccording to the review you have a 57% chance of a ‘perfect’ sunny dayand a 43% chance of ‘seeing clouds’ on others.
As for the sea, the Mediterranean is a bit too cold for swimming this time of year, at least for most, but if you have spent summers in Portugal before, or if you live on the east coast of America, and you If you are used to the divided Atlantic waters, water of 60 degrees will not faze you.
Thanks to its non-brutal winters, Benidorm is particularly popular among British and German tourists, who flock to Benidorm from their northern homes for the cheap holiday deals, the cheap beer and food, and the city’s similarity to your favorite Floridian hub:
Why is it called Spanish Miami?
It has a long sandy beach extends for several miles, supported by a beautiful Miami style boardwalk interspersed with tall palm trees and informal outdoor dining options.
The cityscape is generally more American than European.
We’re talking high-rise apartment blocks along the waterfront and a bar-packed center packed with young people you wouldn’t normally find in a quaint, cobbled Old Town: in other words, ‘Beni’ is the place you go to unwind come and have some fun.
Like its American counterpart, Benidorm also has a ‘Strip’ to use its own name: Calle Gerona runs parallel to the beach and is where the trendiest cocktail bars, karaokes and nightclubs are located.
The city itself is host to some of the most in-demand nightclubs in the world Spain, including the Hippodrome, infamous for its boisterous nightlife, a quirky, gay-friendly Gspot, and the well attended KM Playa, boastful $3 beer and unobstructed views of Levante Beach.
Benidorm is ordinary So Affordable
Benidorm’s affordability as a destination plays as big a role in attracting tourists as local favorites Lounge bar Stars serving tapas in the early evening as cheap as $5And Localolita burger and fries from $11.
Most Spanish restaurants in the city specialize in Valencia paella, a local variation on the traditional Iberian dish, and Mediterranean-style seafood. about $14.48 when dining out at mid-range eateries.
When it comes to accommodation, there’s a Meliá offer with an outdoor pool and buffet breakfast from $57 in low season, and an even cheaper Poseidon Resort, with 2 swimming pools, spa and leisure areas, negligibly priced $37 per night.
The fellow budget-friendly Hotel Primavera, 150 meters from the beach, costs $38 to book, and even if you’re actively looking for an all-inclusive stay, that’s A filthy cheap $85 per night at the Magical Cristal Parka 5-minute walk from Levante Beach.
There is a running joke among Europeans that Benidorm is the poor man’s Ibiza – as much as we love Ibiza, we are not snobs, and we can clearly see how good old Beni, despite being ‘of the masses’ ‘ is appealing to a wider audience.
It’s sunny. It’s lively. It’s by the ocean. It won’t break the bank — and for many Americans, it will remain that way largely undiscovered, despite being just one flight away.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
