A new study has identified the Spanish towns with the highest concentration of British expats, highlighting popular destinations along the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. The research, conducted by holiday rental search engine Spain-Holiday, analysed the percentage of British residents and the number of British-oriented establishments such as pubs, shops, and restaurants.
Benidorm on the Costa Blanca topped the list, with 3,389 British residents making up nearly five percent of the local population. The resort town boasts over 40 British shops, restaurants, and pubs, earning it the title of the most British spot in Spain. Known for its popularity with British tourists, Benidorm offers a 'home from home' experience with easy access to Sunday roasts and English breakfasts.
Second place went to Orihuela in Alicante, also on the Costa Blanca. This area, which includes Orihuela Costa and a medieval old town, has 10,025 British residents—over 12 percent of the population. Despite the high number of expats, Orihuela has fewer British establishments than Benidorm, with 18 recorded.
In third place was Benalmadena in Malaga, on the Costa del Sol. The study found 3,420 British expats live there, just under five percent of the population. One expat described the resort as a 'ghost town' during winter due to the lack of tourists. Fourth place went to Mijas, also in Malaga, where 8,610 British residents make up nearly ten percent of the town's population, though it has only three British-oriented businesses.
