Brit living in Spain reveals the reality of Benidorm in the winter

In the summer months, Benidorm is packed with sun-seeking Brits enjoying the many sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and entertainment.

But despite its nickname of the New York of the Mediterranean, Benidorm seems to be the city that does sleep.

The Spanish holiday resort, long famed for its 24-hour party scene, is facing a quiet winter after a subdued peak season.

Over the summer, videos on TikTok showed shuttered pubs, deserted terraces and rows of empty sun loungers.

And now an expat living in the coastal city has revealed what the Benidorm strip looks like in December.

Posting on YouTube, a British expat who uses the name 'Benidorm Enthusiast' (@benidormstuff3337) described the area as being 'as dead as it gets'.

She showed that while multiple entertainment venues were open during December, they were mostly empty or closed early in the evening. 

'There are just two people in there watching the football,' she said of one bar.

'Through the week, on the square, it's completely dead.'

But, she admits, it's not a case of the whole of Benidorm being abandoned at this time of year.

'If you go down on the beach during the day, you'll see plenty of people out and about. And the Old Town has life pretty much all year round,' she said.

'In the evening, most of the tourists who come in December will just stay in their hotels rather than venturing out in the cold.

'Another reason why it's very quiet around here in the winter months, I think, is down to the age group as well. We do get a slightly more mature age group at this time of year.

'And I think sadly, some just don't feel particularly safe around here on the strip late at night anymore.'

The video, which has been viewed more than 80,000 times, received a mixture of comments, with some users describing it as a 'ghost town', while others said they enjoy visiting Benidorm in December.

It comes as earlier this month, it was reported that Benidorm was preparing for one of its most active winter seasons in recent history.

Many travellers from the UK choose to spend the Christmas and New Year period in Benidorm.

Due to the heavy British presence in the coastal city, there are familiar festive traditions, social gatherings and lively evening entertainment - without the cold weather.

In December and January, the weather in Benidorm is mild with minimal rain. 

Figures revealed a notable increase in off-season visitors, particularly from the UK. 

Recent data shows hotel occupancy in November reaching 83.3 per cent within the resort, while the broader Costa Blanca registered 77 per cent.