Benidorm has just had the best August since 2007, with hotels reporting 94% occupancy. Traditionally, August is the month that domestic tourists flock to the resort, particularly the Madrileños, the term referred to of residents from Madrid. Spaniards made up 50% of visitors, with Brits in second position coming in at just under 33%. The roads were chock-a-block and parking was a challenge to say the least, so a relief that they have now returned back to the cities.

This month, September, sees children going back to school – both here in Spain and in the UK and also a rise in the number of British holidaymakers returning, without school-age children. The beaches, particularly the popular Levante are far more comfortable now, with plenty of space available along the shoreline – unlike the reports last month in certain National UK papers of “sardine-like conditions”!

The group of girls pictured arrived from Bedford for a long weekend of fun in the sun....

There are still plenty of things to do – the water sport kiosks at the end of the beach continue to be busy, with many booking and enjoying the Cable-Ski, Jet Ski, Snorkeling, Flyfishing and banana boat ride. Temperatures this week are still 30 degrees so certainly warm enough to enjoy water activities - or those less active, a paddle in the warm waters of the med.

Aqualandia water park closes at the end of this month (Wednesday 30th September) although you´ll be pleased to know that Aqua Natura is open throughout October, opening daily from11am till 5:30pm until Monday 2nd November, which covers the Autumn half term.
There is plenty to do all year round here – and you certainly can´t beat it for value. A colleague who lives here has just been away to Ibiza and couldn´t believe the price differences between the two resorts. A bottle of Coronita was €7, pint €4.50 and sunbed an eye watering €9… all I´d say is stick with Beni!