For a lot of people shopping is a very important part of their vacation. It just happens to be that Benidorm is a great place for a shopping spree.
In
Benidorm centre, there is a rule that forbids big foreign brands.
Only Spanish shops are allowed. For example, in the centre of
Benidorm, one can find a “Mango” clothes shop, but no H&M's.
This rule was implemented because Benidorm didn't want to have a
shopping street full of international brands, like you find anywhere
else in the world. Benidorm preferred small creative boutiques. This
makes shopping in Benidorm unique. You will find very cheap and nice
boutiques in the small streets of the old town. You will find
everything, from clothes to brand watches (cheaper then the UK!),
jewelry, shoes, leather, gadgets, etc...
 |
| Small shopping mall |
I
must admit, this rule did generate some problems: a multitude of
Chinese gadget/junk stores. Some people keep on ranting about these
shops, but I personally don't mind them. They really sell VERY cheap
things and I like walking around in these stores, finding out new
things. For the one who don't like these shops, there is good news; I
have a feeling that every year a few of these Chinese junkstores get
replaced by boutiques.
Shopping
in Benidorm is calm and relaxing. You won't be harassed by
shopkeepers like in most of the Muslim countries. I remember my wife
buying a 3 EUR -no brand- watch in a small store in the old town. Two
days later, the watch stopped ticking. We went back to the store. The
friendly owner gave us something to drink and went out to find a new
battery and took his time to replace it. It took him a half an hour
and of course we didn't need to pay anything...
 |
| La Marina Shopping Centre |
For
the people who do like brand stores, there is a big Shopping Center
“La Marina” on the outskirts of Benidorm. Just a cheap bus ride
of 15 minutes away, it is the ideal location for when the weather is
not that good. There you will find all sorts of brand stores, a
bowling alley and restaurants. There is also a big supermarket.
A
tram ride away (almost 2 hours though) is Alicante. Another Shopping
walhalla where you can find all sorts of shops. My wife certainly
likes the Mango-Outlet!
Then
you have the markets. In Benidorm there are two big markets. One at
the back of the old town, which focuses more on the locals, and one
in Rincon de Loix (English town) which focuses on the tourists. The
market is a nice way to spend a morning, shopping for souvenirs.
 |
| The HUGE market on sundays |
If
you are into antiques, there is a antique/flea market in El Cisne.
Only 15 minutes by bus. If you prefer arts and creative handcrafts,
you should visit Altea. Here you will find very small, but
interesting little shops.
In
short: leave some space in your suitcase, you will need it!
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