An American travel enthusiast has shared his candid impressions after visiting the Spanish coastal resort of Benidorm for the first time, expressing surprise at its strong British character and confusion over a mysterious local reference.
Benidorm's British Flavour Surprises American Visitor
Kalani, a travel content creator with over 3.3 million TikTok followers, documented his inaugural trip to the popular Spanish holiday destination after British friends recommended it. Having previously visited the United Kingdom multiple times, he was nonetheless taken aback by how thoroughly British the famous Benidorm Strip felt.
The American noted the proliferation of British pubs, fish and chip shops, and Full English breakfasts served throughout the area, creating what he described as a "home away from home" atmosphere for UK tourists, albeit with superior Mediterranean weather.
Mixed Impressions of Benidorm's Dual Personality
Kalani acknowledged that many people had warned him against visiting Benidorm, comparing it to "Blackpool with more sun." He agreed this description fit the Strip perfectly, stating he could only tolerate about one night in that environment as it was "too much" and not his preferred scene.
"For me, I could probably only do about one night on the Strip, it's just too much for me," he admitted. "That's not really my scene anyway."
However, he emphasized that anyone who enjoys that type of vibrant, party-oriented experience should definitely give it a try. His personal highlight proved to be exploring Benidorm's Old Town, which offered:
- Excellent panoramic views of the coastline
- Authentic Spanish cuisine in the area known as Tapas Alley
- A more culturally genuine Spanish atmosphere
- A welcome contrast to the British-heavy Strip
"Really good views, and then they have Tapas Alley, which we went to last night and you can get authentic Spanish food," Kalani explained. "It's a really cool atmosphere."
The Mysterious 'Charlie' Confusion
Beyond the cultural surprises, Kalani revealed genuine confusion about repeated questions he received regarding "Charlie" while exploring the Strip one evening. Multiple people approached him asking if he wanted "Charlie," leaving him completely baffled about the reference.
"I need someone to tell me about who Charlie is," he pleaded in his video documentation. Viewers quickly educated him that "Charlie" serves as common British slang for cocaine, solving the mystery but highlighting the cultural gap he experienced.
Unusual Sights on the Benidorm Strip
Kalani's documentation included several peculiar observations from his time on the famous Strip:
- A vending machine dispensing various "pleasure products"
- A visibly intoxicated woman driving a mobility scooter with a man clinging to the back
- The notorious Sticky show, a popular adult entertainment venue
Despite these unusual encounters and his limited tolerance for the Strip's intensity, Kalani maintained a positive overall impression of Benidorm.
"But you know what, I'm having a great time," he concluded. "I think it's really beautiful, great views. The other part of Benidorm, I'd have to do in very small doses."
The travel influencer suggested that critics who urge visitors to avoid Benidorm might not have explored the Old Town, which he found offered authentic Spanish culture away from the overwhelming British influence of the Strip. He recommended the area for travelers seeking genuine Spanish experiences rather than daily fry-ups and British-style entertainment.
