The popular destination in Spain has been described as “empty” in recent weeks, with many Brits staying away from the hotspot. Scenes emerged online showing the resort’s “deserted” streets
For years, Spain has been a favourite holiday spot for Brits, but it seems the tide might be turning. Reports suggest that some parts of this beloved destination are eerily quiet, with one well-known spot recently dubbed as “dead.”
Benidorm, a Spanish favourite, is reportedly “empty”, according to some holidaymakers, with online videos revealing the deserted streets. A TikTok user by the name of yorkshirebargainhunter has caused quite a stir with a clip showing the resort’s unexpected tranquillity, leaving many gobsmacked since it’s usually heaving with British tourists.
Despite being smack bang in the middle of the holiday season, he remarked that the streets in Spain are “empty”, and he says they should be bustling. He described Benidorm as having turned into an “absolute ghost town”, a sentiment echoed by others.
He commented: “If you’re in Benidorm right now, what do you think? Why do you think it’s so quiet? Why is nobody around? Even this bar here is fully shut down.
“We’re in the height of summer. Everywhere should be absolutely rammed, but it’s not. It’s absolutely dead. This is one of the main strips in Benidorm and it should be absolutely rammed.”
In his video, the poster suggested that recent protests in Spain might have deterred visitors. The topic has sparked a conversation, with over 900 people chiming in with their opinions.
One person remarked: “They told us not to come. What did they expect?” Another commented: “Spain stopped wanting tourists hence they might have gone elsewhere.”
A third chimed in with: “August is always dead in Benidorm.” However, some holidaymakers had a different take, with one saying the resort was “bouncing” during their visit.
Another individual noted: “I’m here now. It’s rammed – busiest I’ve seen Benidorm.” Someone else also added: “We just came back from Benidorm and it was very busy.
“People were staying at the pools by day because it was so warm, but pubs were very busy at night.” One more mentioned: “It’s busy at night, not the day time.”
Despite quieter scenes, travel operators continue to endorse the resort for summer getaways. Thomas Cook, which has transitioned to an online travel agent, recommends August as the perfect month for beach enthusiasts.
“The average temperature is a lovely 25°C and has been known to reach around 30°C,” they advise, noting that the sea temperature is also at its most inviting during this period. While the party scene may be toned down in 2025, many concur that Benidorm still offers a lot, albeit catering to a different crowd and with steeper prices.
Yet, reports indicate that Spain has seen a drop-off in tourists, with eateries and beaches looking deserted. The country is experiencing a downturn in tourism for the first time since the pandemic, alongside years of anti-tourism demonstrations by residents.
Earlier in the month, snapshots from Benidorm revealed by the Express showed rows of unoccupied chairs outside numerous bars and eateries, alongside unusually tranquil beaches – a sight seldom seen in such a bustling holiday hotspot during the summer season.
Miguel Pérez-Marsá, who leads the nightlife association, previously confided to Majorca Daily Bulletin: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.” The impact is also hitting tour guides hard.
Pedro Oliver, head honcho at the College of Tour Guides, disclosed that there’s been a 20% slump in excursion sales this summer. He remarked: “If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays. We are sending the message that we don’t want tourists and that everything is too crowded.”