‘I’ve lived in Benidorm for 20 years – you must keep your wits about you in these areas’

A British expatriate who has called Benidorm home for over 20 years has advised tourists to be vigilant in certain areas of the popular Spanish seaside resort. Lucy Young, known as The Benidorm Enthusiast and originally from Leeds, first visited Benidorm on a gap year after college and decided to stay. She appreciates the diversity of the area and has made friends from around the world during her time there.

Lucy also works as a presenter for the ‘Benidorm stuff’ YouTube channel, where she shares insights on local life, travel tips, and the best restaurants in the area. Despite the charm of Benidorm attracting over 832,000 British visitors in 2023 alone, Lucy emphasises the importance of being aware of surroundings in the Costa Blanca destination. She encourages visitors to keep their common sense intact and be cautious, especially when indulging in the renowned nightlife.

In particular, Lucy cautions against a group known as the pea-men, who engage in a scam involving a centuries-old game to dupe unsuspecting tourists. These scammers target individuals in nightlife areas where bars are concentrated, taking advantage of intoxicated individuals to commit theft. Lucy warns against interacting with the pea-men, as they work in groups to identify vulnerable targets and steal belongings.

While anti-tourism protests have emerged in various parts of Spain, including the Canary Islands, Lucy states that Benidorm has not witnessed such demonstrations. Despite challenges faced in other tourist destinations, Benidorm continues to attract visitors, with a record number of tourists this year. Lucy speculates that the unwelcoming atmosphere in other parts of Spain may have driven more tourists to Benidorm, but the impact on next year’s tourism remains uncertain.

In summary, Lucy Young’s extensive experience in Benidorm provides valuable insights for tourists to enjoy a safe and memorable visit to the vibrant seaside resort. By staying vigilant, keeping common sense, and avoiding potential scams, visitors can make the most of what Benidorm has to offer without compromising their safety.