A prominent British YouTuber has sworn off ever returning to the popular Spanish resort of Benidorm, branding it a 'crime ridden hell hole' after a week-long stay he described as truly awful.
A Holiday From Hell
The content creator, known online as Just Deano, told his 35,300 followers that the levels of crime he witnessed and experienced made the destination unsuitable, especially for solo travellers. During his stay in early December 2025, he claims he was the victim of an unprovoked assault and was approached by drug dealers 'hundreds of times'.
In a video titled 'CRIME RIDDEN HELL HOLE - Scams, Drugs, Fights, Pickpockets & more - I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO BENIDORM', Deano detailed his ordeal. He was quick to acknowledge that many people enjoy Benidorm, but insisted his personal experience was overwhelmingly negative due to the criminal activity.
Unprovoked Attacks and 'Muggers Alley'
Staying at the Hotel Magic Villa Benidorm, for which he paid £579 including a breakfast he praised, Deano's troubles began when he left the hotel. He reported witnessing up to three street brawls while searching for food. The situation escalated one evening when he was struck on the back of the head by an unknown object.
'I got whacked on the back of the head, I don't know if it was a punch, bottle, a bat, a stick,' he recounted. 'As soon as I turned around there was just a group of lads laughing.' He also warned specifically against travelling alone, stating his own stature as a '6ft, 18 stone bald man' did not make him feel safe.
From his hotel window, he claims he saw pickpocketing incidents unfold on a street locals have dubbed 'Muggers alley', describing the sight as 'absolutely disgusting'. His observations align with reports from a British resident earlier in the year, who highlighted that the area outside the Magic Villa was a hotspot for theft, even next to a tourist police station that closes in the evening.
Official Warnings and Mixed Reactions
The Policia Nacional has acknowledged issues in the area, confirming perpetrators have been arrested 'several times'. They advise tourists to keep belongings secure, avoid keeping phones in back pockets, and report thefts immediately without confrontation. They also emphasised that continuous patrols are carried out as a preventative measure.
Deano's stark review has sparked debate online. While some viewers agreed with his assessment, others defended Benidorm. One commenter who visited in February with a young child found it 'lovely, very clean and family friendly', suggesting trouble is found by those out late at night. Another current visitor claimed Deano was simply 'going to the wrong places'.
Beyond crime, Deano was unimpressed with the resort's famed budget offerings, criticising the quality of the cheap beer. Following his video, he reported receiving abuse for his views. Despite the backlash, his experience, coupled with comments from local business owner Frank the Stagman about a 'massive increase in crime', presents a stark warning for British holidaymakers considering a trip to the Costa Blanca hotspot.
