Benidorm Guide
The Legendary Zaragoza Dies, age 85
Pedro Zaragoza Orts, the former mayor of Benidorm who died yesterday aged 85, transformed this small fishing village into a centre for package tourists keen to feast on fish 'n' chips as they cultivated their "lobster pink" sunburn.
Zaragoza, who held the post from 1950 to 1967, realised that allowing northern European visitors to bask on the sun-soaked beaches would change the village forever.
Unfazed by church efforts to excommunicate him for a plan that bishops suspected might pervert the morals of the average Spaniard, he got on a Vespa and drove to Madrid to persuade General Franco himself.
El Generalissimo saw the potential for tourism to bring in badly needed foreign currency and turned a blind eye to religious objections.
It opened the floodgates for hordes of Britons who have headed to Benidorm ever since, to spend their holidays in English bars such as Lineker's, promenade on a replica Wigan pier or simply roast on the beach.
The experience was repeated across Spain, setting the model for the Costas.
Zaragoza, who died from heart failure in hospital, also changed the skyline of Benidorm from that of a quiet village of 1,700 people to a city of 70,000, and known as the Manhattan of the Costa Blanca, with skyscraper hotels designed to cram in as many tourists as possible.
Benidorm is now the high-rise capital of southern Europe, with 330 skyscrapers, including the 52-floor Hotel Bali.
Zaragoza also ensured a steady supply of water. From a quiet resort with just a handful of pensiones for summering Spaniards in the early 50s, Benidorm now attracts 500,000 Britons each year.
The resort also mirrors the way Spain has taken off as a tourist destination. It overtook France in 2003 as the favourite destination for Britons, with 14.4 million spending their holidays there every year.
Keen to transform Benidorm into a resort, Zaragoza brought in the first bylaw in 1956 to allow sunbathers to wear bikinis and forbid others from insulting them.
Zaragoza said: "People had to feel free to be able to wear what they wanted, within reason, if it helped them to enjoy themselves as they would come back and tell their friends about the place."
It raised quick objections from the church and two of Franco's ministers, who feared the average Spaniard might be morally corrupted by the influence of fair-skinned, scantily clad foreigners.
Before then tourists were sometimes asked to cover up and one British woman was fined for slapping a Civil Guard officer who asked her to put on a shirt.
But Zaragoza, who had powerful friends in the Franco regime, was undaunted and ultimately changed the course of Spanish tourism, causing a small social revolution in an austere country groaning under the yoke of the National Catholic regime.
Juan José Chiner, an architect who commemorated Zaragoza's work in an exhibition, said: "During the 50s, tourism was the only way to get money to revive the economy which had been ruined by the civil war but the regime did not know how to do this.
"Zaragoza understood well how to achieve this."
Though the attraction of package tourism, symbolised by Benidorm, has waned in recent years in favour of short-stay trips or more cultural travel, the resort itself remains popular with Britons.
Frances Tuke, of the Association of British Travel Agents said: "Some package deal operators did pull out a few years ago but that had more to do with the way the market is changing. Benidorm remains just as popular as ever."
Benidorm has declared two days of official mourning for Zaragoza, who will be buried today.
From the Guardian OnlineWelcome to your re-styled free guide to Benidorm from Centrictravel.com.
This guide to Benidorm will supply you with information on bars, nightclubs and beaches in Benidorm. Use the Benidorm jobs forum to ask questions or add information about jobs. Or use the Benidorm Community to ask questions about hotels or apartments in Benidorm, meet friends and write articles about Beinidorm.
Benidorm Bars
Where to have a quiet drink/ karaoke or where are to watch the football in Benidorm?
Benidorm Food
Find out about the Restaurants and Bistros in Benidorm.
Benidorm Hotels
Benidorm has 100's of hotels, get reviews and find out which bars are near the hotel you want to book
Benidorm Celebrities
Benidorm has a long history of visiting celebrities, find out the who's who of Benidorm's famous visitors.
Staying long term?
We have apartments available for long lets. 3 month winter lets or ongoing lets...
Benidorm Offers
Benidorm Weather
Temp: 61°C
Sun, 11 May 2008 11:30 pm CEST
Sun
Temp 72 °C:
Showers Early
Mon
Temp 76 °C:
PM Showers
Benidorm Bars
Go to Benidorm Bars to find out more.
Benidorm Bars: Irish Bars in Benidorm
The Bodhrán Bar - Irish Bar in Benidorm
The Bodhrán Bar, run by the Hourigan family, from Cork, is THE Irish bar in Benidorm. Here at the Bodhrán Irish bar we offer live music, sports on the big screen, reasonably priced drinks all day and outstandingly cheap drinks during happy hour (9.30pm - 11.00pm).
The Irish bar in Benidorm is about 20 metres from Levante beach on Calle Dr Orts Llorca, which runs away from the beach - between it and the Av. Mediterraneo.
Benidorm Bars: Benidorm Old Town
Bar Domino is an internet bar with games room and pool table. Situated in the Old Town of Benidorm it is a great place to relax in the afternoon and catch up with the English newspapers with a cup of tea... or even a cheeky San Miguel!
Quality food served from 11am - 5pm everyday (Monday - Saturday).
Your hosts Del and Gareth from Bristol will always make you feel welcome. Domino Bar is open again in the evening from 9pm - 2am.
Opened 2007 - The Honey Pot Cafe bar in Calle de Palma 7, Benidorm Old Town.
Sit out on our open fronted bar and watch the comings and goings of Calle de Palma, in the heart of the Old Town of Benidorm.
Full menu available all day, hot and cold food, Sunday Lunches and kids 'Tigger' menu.
Ramon welcomes you to the Britannia 2 Sports Bar in Benidorm. All matches shown everyday of the week on up to 7 different screens.
Never miss your team, if they're on, they're on at the Britannia 2 Sports Bar, calle Mirador (next to Hotel Princesa)
The Pig and Whistle Music Pub in Benidorm Old Town is one of Benidorm's longest established pubs and is famously known for it's music. The Pig and Whistle has been here over 35 years and we're are still as popular as ever.
Our selection of music played seamlessly thoughout the night is unique and really works to bring the generations together: from 18-102 !!
The Beer Barrel, Old Town Benidorm. Enjoy all the live sports on one of our two large plasma screens. We offer some great pub grub including pie, mash & mushy peas or salads and baguettes... or you can choose to sit on the terrace and order your food from 'The Queens' menu, next door.
The Intimate English bar is the premier Karaoke Bar in Benidorm Old Town.
After a meal at one of the many restaurants in Calle de Palma, make your way down to the Intimate English Bar for a spot of Kareoke.
Guide to Gay Bars, Benidorm Old Town
The Company Bar (CoBar), Benidorm Old Town
Visit us any evening of the week to be welcomed by your hosts Trev & Dave. Enjoy our lively atmosphere with music supplied by Almighty Records and Klone and also mixed with other upbeat dance and pop hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's to the present day.
Viva gay Bar Benidorm Old Town
Introducing the Viva Bar in Benidorm, Benidorm's latest addition to the gay scene where we offer a contemporary and relaxed atmosphere and everyone can feel welcome.
Whether you're on your own, or with a group of friends, you'll find Viva the place to relax, enjoy the company and meet new people.
Benidorm Offers
Guide to Eating Out in Benidorm
Whether it's a full A-La-Carte menu, or a great quality English Breakfast you're after, you'll find it here.
Witches Bistro in Benidorm
Witches Bistro Great Food at (very) reasonable prices. We are open all day from 10am for breakfasts till 10pm (except Monday). Calle Mirador (Near to Hotel Princesa and Hotel Victoria), Benidorm
Call: (0034) 96 680 99 52
White Dove Restaurant Benidorm Old Town
The White Dove Restaurant is one of Benidorm's best kept secrets. Tucked away in one of the narrow streets of the Old Town (Calle de Palma), you'll find a great choice of small speciality restaurants. One of which being The White Dove.
White Dove Restaurant in Benidorm has been established over 6 years and has been consistently serving top quality food that the restaurant is renowed for by locals and tourists alike.
Call: (0034) 966 805 164 / Mob: (0034) 605 469 593
Hogwarts Bistro in Benidorm New Town offers quality Al La Carte menu at a reasonable price. We also offer great selection of steaks, seafood, vegetarian meals and a Sunday Roast with all the trimmings.
Call: (0034) 606 203 675
Vagabonds Bistro - Restaurant Benidorm Old Town
At the newly redecorated and renamed Vagobonds (formerlly Frankie and Jonny's) restaurant in Benidorm Old Town you'll
find a wide a varied menu to suit all tastes; from simple steaks and classic dishes
to some more exotic culinary delights accompanied by Mark's very own speciality sauces.
Top class service, great food and fine wine, all in a modern, clean and stylish restaurant, you won't be wanting for more as a start to your evening in Benidorm Old Town.. and with a very reasonable price even the bill should make you smile!
Call: (0034) 966 811 682
Benidorm Offers
Gudie to Benidorm Apartments
Find an apartment here and don't miss out on Benidorm this summer. Contact the advertisers directly to enquire about any specail, last minute deals they may have!
Benidorm Apartments A collection of apartments available to rent in the historic Old Town and the New Town areas of Benidorm. All apartments are close to shopping, bars and restaurants. Ideal for anyone.
"Apartamentos turisticos para alquiler en Benidorm."
At Benidorm Spotlight you'll find everything you need to plan and book the perfect Benidorm Holiday. The site is full of local, insider knowledge with many tips for things to do and see, both in Benidorm and the surrounding Costa Blanca...more...
Folies Vacances is an Apartment Renting agency in the area of Benidorm and we specialise in 1 and 2 bedroom apartments close to the beaches. All the apartments are well equipped with washing machines + TV’s, and all have pools. We also specialise in long stays during the winter months (October – May).
From 30 April until 31st October 2007 and for stays of minimum 7 nights, Folies Vacances has the pleasure in giving a welcome bottle of champagne in each of our apartments plus 2 invitation tickets to the famous theme parks “Aqualandia” or “Mundomar”. Folies Vacances wishes the very best for our clients.
Contact details:
Folies Vacances
Avda Atmella de Mar nº20, Edificio Loixmar, local 7.
Benidorm (Alicante)
Tel: 00 34 96 680 35 58 / 00 34 96 585 76 12
Fax: 00 34 96 680 55 80
Email: info@foliesvacances.com
Guide to Excursions and Getting Around Benidorm
The choice of excursions available from Benidorm is vast. Ranging from visits to the beautiful mountain village of Gaudalest and the waterfalls of the Fonts del Algar to down hill mountain bike tours and the famous 'Jeep Safari'.
Getting to Benidorm - Airport Transfers to Benidorm
resorthoppa.com provides a reliable, low cost one-way and return airport transfer service by either shared shuttle bus service, or private taxi and mini buses all of which will take you from your overseas arrival airport to your holiday accommodation whether it be a holiday apartment, hotel or private accommodation in Benidorm.
Operating 365 days a year resorthoppa.com provides this service to popular holiday destinations in the Balearics, Canaries, Mainland Spanish resorts and the Algarve. We have a great selection of transfers from Alicante and Murcia airports to accommodation in Benidorm - a perfect start to your holiday in the Costa Blanca.
A2Btransfers provide both individuals and travel agents with a comprehensive range of international transfers (from airport transfers, harbour transfers and resort transfers) via taxi, minibus services, coach and shuttle service.
We can provide no-hassle airport transfers to your hotel or accommodation with many of the favourite airport gateways covered!
Transfers can be booked online in 3 easy steps. We provide instant online confirmation, cancellation and amendment of your booking.
Alicante Private Transfers offer you a first class professional service, that will get you to your chosen accommodation, whether it be a hotel in Benidorm or a private villa in Javea, in the shortest possible time. We meet flights 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and have a range of fully licensed and insured vehicles and drivers ready and waiting to take you straight to your holiday accommodation, so that in no time at all you are ready to begin your holiday.
SOUNDS LIKE GOOD NEWS? - Well it gets better, ALICANTE PRIVATE
TRANSFERS offer prices that are so competitive they are often
cheaper, than using a shared transfer service.
Email : info@alicanteprivatetransfers.com
Guide to Benidorm Real Estate - Bars for sale in Benidorm
Ever wanted to buy your own business or property in Spain and escape to the sun?
Costa Blanca Business Agency
We at Costa Blanca Business Agency now offer on leasehold businesses a no comission policy,saving in some cases thousands of euros, we only charge the sellers a small fee to advertise with us. We will put you in contact with the seller direct and a lawyer or gestor to advise with legalities.
No hidden charges or money put on top of sale price, do not hesitate to contact us for a full list of business for sale and contact numbers.
CBBA Estate Agents
Property for sale Benidorm, Altea, La Nucia, Albir, Alfaz Del Pi Villas, Bungalows Apartments,Inland Property,Land for sale.
We at the CBBA Estate Agents have a wide range of properties for sale and with 25 years experience on the coast, offer a reliable a professional service.
Just like you we also had a dream to live and work in Spain and to educate and raise our daughter in this beautiful country with its wonderful culture and friendly people who really need no excuse for a party. We are a FAMILY RUN business with a NO PRESSURE APPROACH.
So if you're looking to purchase a Commercial or Residential property please Email, give us a Call or even better WHY NOT COME AND MEET US AND OUR EXISTING CLIENTS? - ROLAND NAYLOR
Suenos Overseas Property is an established Overseas Property Consultancy based in the United Kingdom. We offer a one to one professional service for Clients looking for property and investments abroad.
We specialise in Villas and Apartments for sale in excellent Worldwide Locations, which offer good investment. Our portfolio of countries include Bulgaria, Cyprus Dubai, Florida, Spain and Turkey.
We also have various properties for sale in and around Benidorm. So check out our website for property for sale in Benidorm
Sunshine Villas specialises in selling new and resale property in the Northern Costa Blanca, South of Alicante, the Costa Calida and Murcia which covers still relatively undiscovered Spanish coastal towns as well as the golf resorts of Polaris World and La Manga.
With a constantly updated database of properties, we are able to email you free Spanish property listings to match your requirements.
We have properties available now in the Benidorm area.
Global Property Online Ltd
Property for sale Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Morocco and more.
Discover the world of overseas property with Global Property Online
Online Property Sale.
For sale by owner, advertise your property for sale and save thousands in estate agents fees.
Less than £50 for a years advertising, free SMS alerts.
RTA Europe
When it comes to buying or selling a Business then come to RTA, the Business Sales Specialist. We are the largest privately owned Business Transfer Agency in Europe and for us to be this successful, our clients have to be successful - successful in selling!
Established in 1972 we have in excess of 35 years experience in selling Businesses priced from as low as €10,000 up to €50 million. Each year we list over €500 million of Business and Commercial Property and so is it hardly surprising that RTA really do sell more!
E-mail: enquiries@rta-europe.com
Telephone: (+34) 96 649 2588
Fax: (+34) 96 547 3339
Costa Blanca Business Sales
If you are looking for a business on the North Costa Blanca we would be pleased to meet you.
We provide the full package from selecting your business,help in getting your NIE numbers, finding housing and schools.
We have an excellent legal team to help assist you, making your move to Spain enjoyable.Give us a call.
Telephone Mick on 626494588 or Susan on 680788288
E-mail: info[at]costablancabusinesssales.com
Tattoo Studios in Benidorm
For people that wish to have a tattoo or piercing whilst in benidorm, make sure you choose a professional and experienced tattooist.
Primal Art is a family run tattoo studio in Benidorm. The business is well established in Benidorm and has many returning customers over a 6 year period.
Trev and Nikki have been running Primal Art for 3 years now. Primal Art prides itself on the highest standards of hygiene,
unique designs and customer satisfaction.
Benidorm Services
If you have already bought your holiday home in Benidorm or live on the Costa Blanca, you may be interestes in the following services:
Using the latest vacum tube Solar technology we can provide your home with hot water powered by the sun, even in the winter months. In an average household (3-4 people),
one unit is suficient, and we will install the correct size panel for your needs.
website: www.solec-costablanca.com
e-mail: info@solec-costablanca.com
tel: 965 865 509
mobile: 630 284 794
