Benidorm

I completely understand why the Brits search for Winter Sun.. especially as I am sitting writing this in a freezing cold room in January. This year the Autumn didn't bring an Indian Summer more of an Indian Monsoon. It rained and rained through September and October so by November I was ready for a short break and some Winter Sun.

I saw an advert for cheap flights to Alicante with Norweigan Air..Within minutes my seats were booked with hand luggage only. As the departure date loomed closer I thought to myself.."hand luggage will not be sufficient space for a trip to Benidorm". I went online and booked an extra suitcase. Already, my cheap three night break was not looking so cheap!. Of course, to friends and family I was taking baby clothes for my niece who had recently had a baby..In reality of course I was planning to head straight to the market and the shops in Benidorm Old Town.

I picked the perfect Hotel just round the corner from the market and also in a good spot for the bus to the Old Town and the Tram Station. I remember years ago travelling on the lovely Limon Express which chugged from Alicante to Denia and Altea. Not so now the train has been replaced by the tram..All very modern and when I think back to the terrifying times that the train would break down and we would be stuck on it for hours while help arrived it is probably a relief!.

I had a great hotel room with a balcony and view of the Town. As a solo traveller I enjoyed the great big bedroom with ensuite bathroom and not the normal pokey single room that solo travellers often have to endure. I would recommend the Melia Alicante with its Old Spanish charm, pools, spa and the helpful staff.

I went to bed early as I wanted to get up for breakfast and head to the market. I was woken at around 2am. by some drunk Brits trying to get into a room. They were shouting to "John" to let them in. This went on for some time and eventually I opened the door as asked them to go to reception for help as I was trying to sleep. For a while there was silence and then the door banging started again. I looked at my clock and it was 2.30am. I called reception who said they would send up security staff. Eventually, there was silence but I didn't get quite the calm night I was expecting.

Anyway, the next day I had my breakfast ... all 6 courses and walked to the market. The temperature was about 20 degrees and the sun was shining. Immediately, I felt great. I walked down every aisle in the market, stopped twice for a cafe con leche and a final ensaladilla and then walked home laden with bags full of shoes, nuts, chocolate and even a mantilla!

I love the way the menu caters for the Brits as well as Spanish and French. However, I was a little surprised that it wasn't in Dutch as there are quite a few cycling around Benidorm.

In Benidorm the British are all you imagine them to be. All walking around in flip flops, wearing shorts and T shirts even in November. The Winter sun still attracts them. One evening I strolled back from the Old Town along the sea front. I had to smile to myself as I observed the Spanish walking on the paseo in their winter coats and scarves and many sitting at a cafe eating churros with hot chocolate. The British on the other hand were still dressed in shorts and T shirts drinking pints of ale etc. There were several groups of Stags and Hens celebrating. It was as though the Spanish and English were travelling down parallel railway lines never actually meeting or having anything much to do with each other.

Benidorm is full of bars and I found myself wandering into one as they were advertising an hypnotic show. I was sceptical but ended up being pretty surprised when the Presenter asked me to lock my hands together. I honestly could not get them apart nor could the lady sitting next to me! We had to wait for a tap on the head to be released!.

I also had a salsa lesson which was amazing, energetic and exhausting!

During my time there the locals were preparing for Fiestas. The Spanish certainly know how to put on a show as you can see from the photo of the complicated structures.

Benidorm certainly  is the concrete jungle which grew up in the 1960's with the launch of the first charter flights from Companies such as Courtline and Cosmos.

However, I did notice from my hotel Balcony a gaggle of small houses and wondered if they are the start of an emerging new Benidorm.

There certainly is something for everyone. I took the tram into Alicante City. A city well worth a visit with the beach, the shops and the Central Market still open selling all kinds of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Outside the Market are beautiful flower stalls which is a feast to the eyes. In fact the Tram travels along the coast to Denia and Altea Hills..

Although some people regard Benidorm as the place to drive through without stopping. I would suggest that you do stop for some Winter Sun and sit in a beach front bar and watch the sunset. Certainly, in November the Town is fairly quiet and easy to get around as the buses run frequently. Also, there are cheap transfers from companies such as Benibus for about 5 euros each way.

I will certainly be visiting again.

Hasta la pronto..