Benidorm is known for welcoming everyone. Young, old and people who have a handicap. I think it is hart warming that Benidorm includes everyone in enjoying a pleasant holiday by making a lot of efforts in helping people with a handicap.
A few weeks ago, acoustic aids are installed on major crossroads in benidorm. If you tap on this boxes, they will give the pedestrian a beep-signal. When the light turns green, they will beep faster and the visually impaired persons can safely cross. The boxes also vibrate, so it is also helpful for deaf people. At night, the volume of the beeping sound lowers, as to not disturb the people sleeping close to the crossroad. As for today, only 32 boxes are installed, but Benidorm is working close with the 'National organization for the Blind' to investigate where they can install new ones and what else they could do for the visually impaired.
On the beach, another helpful system is implemented helping the visually impaired people to swim safe. The pioneering system is installed at the start of Poniente Beach (Elche Parc). It basically are beacons, placed in the water. The user has to get a special watch at the Beach cabin. The beacons send out an acoustic signal to the watch, so the visually impaired swimmer knows how far he is swimming. When he reaches the end of the swimming zone, the watch gives a warning to the swimmer. Also the life guard is connected with the signal, so he can be extra alert.
Lets hope the town continues to do efforts in making the resort a safe and stress-free place for everybody.
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Beaches of Benidorm
News from Benidorm
Brexit - what will be the consequences?
The news had a big impact: The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. It dominated the newspapers for weeks and still there is a lot of uncertainty. This is also to be felt in Benidorm. What felt as far removed politics for the layed back Brits in the Benidorm sun, suddenly became a hot topic...
The Brexit had an impact on the British residents in Spain from the very first day. The Pound immediately sank lower. Your Pound is much less worth nowadays when you change them for EURO's... This does mean that a holiday to Spain could be more expensive than you would think. The level of the Pound also could potentially increase flight fares, because the Dollar is the currency in which fuel prices are calculated.
For the British living in Spain, an important topic is the health care. The great benefits the UK-citizens in Spain have today, might diminish and therefor health care could become more expensive for the lucky ones living in Spain.
Although the rumours, there is not a sudden price drop in the house-market in the Costa Blanca. Brits are not leaving Spain by the thousands. There is some hesitation with the Brits to buy houses and apartments in the Costa Blanca, but the prices will not drop significant because of the Brexit.
So -at least- for this year, not much will change in Benidorm. Sadly enough for the holidaymakers, a holiday will cost you some more Pounds to Euro's, flight prices might go up on the long term, and a phone call to home might get a little more expensive, but as for today, no big changes are bound to happen. Travel agency's note that there are hardly any holiday to Spain cancelled because of the Brexit. Don't worry. Remember that prices in Benidorm are cheaper then in the UK, so although you might pay a little more then the previous holidays, a vacation to Spain could still be a better bargain then Blackpool, especially considering the weather!
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News from Benidorm
Excursions / Experiences
A record summer for Spain in 2016
The Brexit had an impact on the British residents in Spain from the very first day. The Pound immediately sank lower. Your Pound is much less worth nowadays when you change them for EURO's... This does mean that a holiday to Spain could be more expensive than you would think. The level of the Pound also could potentially increase flight fares, because the Dollar is the currency in which fuel prices are calculated.
For the British living in Spain, an important topic is the health care. The great benefits the UK-citizens in Spain have today, might diminish and therefor health care could become more expensive for the lucky ones living in Spain.
Although the rumours, there is not a sudden price drop in the house-market in the Costa Blanca. Brits are not leaving Spain by the thousands. There is some hesitation with the Brits to buy houses and apartments in the Costa Blanca, but the prices will not drop significant because of the Brexit.
So -at least- for this year, not much will change in Benidorm. Sadly enough for the holidaymakers, a holiday will cost you some more Pounds to Euro's, flight prices might go up on the long term, and a phone call to home might get a little more expensive, but as for today, no big changes are bound to happen. Travel agency's note that there are hardly any holiday to Spain cancelled because of the Brexit. Don't worry. Remember that prices in Benidorm are cheaper then in the UK, so although you might pay a little more then the previous holidays, a vacation to Spain could still be a better bargain then Blackpool, especially considering the weather!
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News from Benidorm
Excursions / Experiences
A record summer for Spain in 2016
Our vacation during the Benidorm Fiestas Patronales 2015
This is a report on my
vacation to Benidorm in 2015. We went especially for the Fiestas
Patronales, the big fiestas of Benidorm. I hope this report gives an
idea of the atmosphere during the festivities and encourages holidaymakers to visit Benidorm outside of the peak season.
We
arrived on Friday in Benidorm and checked into our hotel near the
park. The weather was exceptionally good and there was not a cloud in the sky.
This was important to us, because the last time we went to Benidorm
in November, It rained throughout the Fiestas and spoiled the fun. I
don't mind one or two days of rain (usually just a half and our and
then the sun is back), but only the day we arrived had good weather
and the rest of the vacation we only saw rain and grey clouds...
Not
this year. Normally the weather in November is pretty stable. A
pleasant 22 to 24 degrees Celsius and lots of sun during the day. In
the beginning of November, we still have lots of people sitting at
the beach. Taking a dip in the sea takes a little courage, but
nonetheless, you can see a lot of people swimming and having a good
time in the water. The only real downside of Benidorm in November is
that the sun will start to set around 5-6 PM. In the evening, a
pullover or a light vest will be enough though. It cools down, but never
really gets cold.
The funfair of Benidorm is even more beautiful at the evening |
On
Saturday the festivities opened with church bells and an air
bombardment. Its looks as horrible as it sounds. Anyone who isn't
used to the fireworks in Spain will have a great scare. They fire off
bombs that just explode in the sky! Keep some distance with small
kids, it could be very pain full for their ears.
Deafening mascletta every day |
The
afternoon mascletta (every day) at 14h on the Av. Del Mediteraneo is
a must do if you have never experienced mascletta. Some tourist hate
it, others would not miss it for the world. Basically, they hang
thousands of bags of gunpowder on strings. These explode very loud
while they also shoot bombs in the air... This unbelievable racket
lasts 20 minutes and will leave you stunned. No need to see them
every day, the last ones are the biggest and they even have one night
time mascletta.
Avoiding an attacking bull. Spectacular and bull-friendly |
The correfoc, if you like the suspense of being chased by firework spitting monsters |
We
also saw a lot of things by just walking around in the old town. Not
only the penyas having a party in the small streets, but also big
concerts and free open air party's and even serene night masses with
beautiful singing in the church of the old town. If you really want a
taste of the atmosphere of the Fiestas, you should be in the old
town!
This child had the time of her life, throwing confetti from the float |
After
the big fireworks, the party is done for the Spanish, but then the
Brits wake up and throw in another day of festivities... It all
started years back when Sinatras offered a free drink on the Thursday
after the Fiestas to anyone who came in a fancy dress. After a while,
this became one of the biggest fancy dress parties I ever witnessed.
The whole Square (Av. de Mallorca and surrounding streets) is full
packed with people wearing the craziest outfits. Almost everyone
joins the fancy dress party! The party already starts around 14h and
goes on until midnight (continues throughout the night, but the small
fireworks at midnight give the signal for most of people to go home).
Walk around, drink a beer, and have a laugh. You really will enjoy
the fancy dress party! We went back to the hotel around 2AM to get
some sleep before having to check out, tired but satisfied about one
of the best vacations we ever had!
Practical information
- The Benidorm fiestas are always around the second Sunday of November. They start the day before.
- The Fiestas do seem a less appropriate time for children, but one day of the Fiestas is always for the children. They have a mini-mascletta and many more activities in front of the town hall. Also, the fair behind the bullring will certainly be liked by your kids.
- As said before, if you are not into fireworks, loud bangs and people partying on the streets, maybe you should consider another period for your vacation or try to stay in a hotel away from the crowds near the centre of town or Levante Beach.
- Prices for flights and hotel rooms can go up around the Benidorm Fiestas. Most hotels get booked full for this week, so if you like a specific hotel, don't try to book to late and do not hope for a last minute, because chances are you will not find a room in your preferred hotel.
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Excursions / Experiences
Benidorm Fiestas
Benidorm City
Nightlife in Benidorm
Some more photo's of the memorable Fiestas Patronales in Benidorm
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Excursions / Experiences
Benidorm Fiestas
Benidorm City
Nightlife in Benidorm
Practical information
- The Benidorm fiestas are always around the second Sunday of November. They start the day before.
- The Fiestas do seem a less appropriate time for children, but one day of the Fiestas is always for the children. They have a mini-mascletta and many more activities in front of the town hall. Also, the fair behind the bullring will certainly be liked by your kids.
- As said before, if you are not into fireworks, loud bangs and people partying on the streets, maybe you should consider another period for your vacation or try to stay in a hotel away from the crowds near the centre of town or Levante Beach.
- Prices for flights and hotel rooms can go up around the Benidorm Fiestas. Most hotels get booked full for this week, so if you like a specific hotel, don't try to book to late and do not hope for a last minute, because chances are you will not find a room in your preferred hotel.
READ MORE
Excursions / Experiences
Benidorm Fiestas
Benidorm City
Nightlife in Benidorm
Some more photo's of the memorable Fiestas Patronales in Benidorm
The huge fireworks at the end of the Fiestas |
Benidorm girls in traditional dresses |
The crazy fancy dress party |
Fancy dress party in Benidorm |
Fancy dress party in Benidorm |
A typical Penya group |
The church is decorated with flowers, donated by the Penyas |
Weird, but impressive show at the Correfoc |
Almost 100 floats on the big parade |
These little girls only think about the candy ending up in their bags |
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Excursions / Experiences
Benidorm Fiestas
Benidorm City
Nightlife in Benidorm
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