A British holidaymaker who famously visits Benidorm five times annually has delivered a brutally honest and viral verdict after daring to try a different Spanish resort for the first time in years, vowing never to make the same mistake again.
From Benidorm Devotee to Disappointed Tourist
James O'Brien, a 39-year-old self-employed investment trader from Reading, is a self-confessed Benidorm superfan. However, this month he decided to break his long-standing tradition and explore Benalmadena, another popular resort on the Costa del Sol, to see if the grass was truly greener elsewhere.
A Holiday of Regret and Boredom
The experiment, according to James, was an immediate failure. He took to Facebook to explain his disappointment, stating his holiday was simply "boring". Throughout the entire underwhelming trip, his mind was filled with thoughts of "wish we just went Benidorm" and "imagine if we was in Benidorm now".
He criticised the lack of entertainment, bars, and atmosphere in Benalmadena. A walk along what he described as a "depressing looking beach" was further ruined by its proximity to a busy road. His humorous but scathing post concluded with a firm declaration of loyalty to his favourite spot.
"Yes it's January but if we was in Benidorm at least we would have had plenty of entertainment, nice walks, nice beaches, plenty to do/explore and could get a kebab at 3am," he wrote. "Just confirms how much we love Benidorm and how much it has to offer. We won't be making this mistake again!"Why Benidorm Remains Unbeatable
After his post was picked up by various Benidorm fan pages, James explained his deep connection to the Costa Blanca resort. "I felt I had to write something as I turned my back on Benidorm for the first time in years and it backfired on me," he said.
He first visited in 2015 and instantly fell in love, even living there for a period. "Benidorm just has something special that I have never found anywhere else, I just feel at home when I’m there," he added, praising the "unbelievable" year-round entertainment and the friendly atmosphere where everyone simply wants to enjoy themselves.
Discovering Benidorm's True Scale
James's appreciation for Benidorm has evolved over time. While he initially visited for the famous strip, he has since discovered the resort's vast offerings. He now spends considerable time in the Old Town, which he describes as a "different world" to the strip, enjoying its architecture, wine bars, and tapas.
He also highlighted the stunning Poniente beaches and the family-friendly Rincon de Loix neighbourhood, emphasising that the place is huge and caters to all tastes and ages. "You really could have two or three different holidays in one as there is so much to do and experience," he concluded.
The Resort That Couldn't Compare
The resort that failed to impress, Benalmadena, is located roughly five hours from Benidorm, just outside Malaga. While it boasts its own attractions, including amusement parks, a harbour, an aquarium, and nightlife, for James O'Brien, it simply could not hold a candle to the unique charm and constant buzz of his beloved Benidorm. His experience serves as a cautionary tale for holidaymakers considering a switch from their tried-and-tested favourite.
