Is Benidorm Safe in January 2026?

Promoters outside supermarkets and on the Paseo de Levante approach tourists with scratch cards that always win a prize such as a free meal, holiday voucher, or cash reward. Collecting the prize requires attending a resort presentation that is presented as 60-90 minutes but runs three to five hours. High-pressure sales tactics are the standard conclusion.

How to avoid: Decline all scratch card approaches. No legitimate business gives away meals or holidays through scratch cards handed out on the street. If you are interested in timeshare or resort ownership, consult a licensed property adviser independently of any street promoter.

Promoted bar crawls in Benidorm collect upfront fees of 15-30 EUR per person promising free shots, entry to multiple venues, and a professional guide. In practice, the included drinks are single shots of low-quality spirits, several venues on the itinerary charge additional entry on top of the wristband fee, and the group is often abandoned mid-route. Some operators disappear after collecting payment.

How to avoid: Only book bar crawls through operators with reviews on TripAdvisor or your hotel concierge. Ask for a written itinerary listing every venue and exactly what is included before paying. If an operator cannot tell you which bars are on the crawl, that is a warning sign.

Restaurants on the Levante and Poniente strips, particularly those targeting British package tourists, present English menus on arrival with competitive prices and then present bills that include bread cover charges of 3-6 EUR per person, service charges of 10-15 percent, and occasional items at prices different from the menu. When disputed, staff claim the printed menu had a date or note excusing the difference.

How to avoid: Read the menu carefully before ordering and ask explicitly whether any items on the table — bread, olives, condiments — carry a charge. Ask for an itemised receipt when the bill arrives and compare each item against what was ordered and its menu price. If billed more than agreed, request the manager.

Vendors on the Paseo de Levante and in the area around the old town market sell counterfeit designer sunglasses, handbags, football shirts, and accessories. Items are presented as genuine surplus or heavily discounted brand merchandise. Spanish authorities conduct periodic enforcement operations and confiscated goods are not returned.

How to avoid: Do not purchase goods from unlicensed street vendors regardless of how authentic the packaging appears. Genuine designer goods are not sold from blankets or folding tables. Possession of counterfeit goods can result in confiscation by police at the border without compensation.

Unlicensed private cars and informal taxis wait outside clubs and bars on the Levante strip at closing time, offering rides to hotels at flat rates that are three to four times the licensed taxi fare. Disputes over price at the destination are common, with some drivers refusing to unlock doors until an inflated fare is paid.

How to avoid: Use the Cabify or Bolt apps, which operate in Benidorm and provide fixed fares. Licensed taxis are available from the official rank on Avenida del Mediterraneo. Agree an explicit fare before entering any unmarked vehicle. Never travel in a vehicle where the driver locks the doors before reaching your destination.