Five Days in Benidorm (What Happens Here…stays here )

Benidorm. Usually, it’s somewhere we simply drive straight past, windows up, and eyes firmly on the horizon. But this time? This time we had a very good reason to stop…

Our son James had chosen Benidorm for his stag weekend. Yes, Benidorm. Deep breath. What could possibly go wrong?

So, rather than dive headfirst into the chaos, we did things our way, booking the motorhome into Camperlive in Finestrat for five nights.

Finestrat itself is a lovely, laid-back spot a nice mix of locals and travellers, just enough going on without feeling hectic. Camperlive turned out to be a great base: a friendly mix of nationalities, everything nice and relaxed, with shops nearby, the beach about a 15-minute stroll away, and Benidorm itself just under an hour’s walk… or a very quick bus ride if you’re feeling less energetic.

Benidorm, however, was very much on the agenda.

Our sons and their friends were staying right in the Old Town (brave souls), and before John disappeared into what we can only assume would be a whirlwind of questionable decisions and late nights, we decided on a gentler start.

We hopped on the train to nearby Villajoyosa and what a contrast. If Benidorm is all bright lights and buzz, Villajoyosa sea front is full of charm. Rows of colourful houses line the seafront, each one brighter than the last.

A calm before the storm, you might say.

Then, the moment arrived.

John headed off into Benidorm Old Town to join the stag party… and just like that, I was left to my own devices for a few days. No itinerary. No schedule. Just me, a motorhome, and a slightly suspicious amount of peace and quiet.

So naturally, I did what any sensible person would do I went in search of the Saturday market in Cala Finestrat.

Because while the boys were no doubt busy “making memories” (the kind that probably shouldn’t be written down), I had my own adventures to find… preferably involving tea, bargains, and absolutely no fancy dress.

Meanwhile… back in Benidorm

Now, I wasn’t there… but I’ve managed to piece together just enough to paint a picture.

There was, apparently, a fair amount of time spent “by the pool” which we all know is code for alternating between sunbathing, cooling off, sleeping and wondering whose round it is.

James, fully embracing his role as stag, was proudly sporting a captain’s hat (of course he was)… while all seven of them were dressed in matching Thomas the Tank Engine t-shirts.

Yes. Seven grown men. Thomas and friends.

To be fair, given that James is a train driver, it actually makes perfect sense… in a completely ridiculous, brilliant sort of way.

I can only imagine the looks they got strolling through Benidorm Old Town somewhere between amusement, confusion, and “only in Benidorm.”

There was, of course, the bucking bronco… because no stag weekend is complete without at least one activity that seems like a good idea at the time but almost certainly ends in regret (or at the very least, a few bruises).

Somewhere in between all that, they also went go-karting which I’m sure was taken very seriously, at least until competitiveness (and possibly overconfidence) kicked in. I can only imagine the debates over who actually won.

And by the fourth night, their fun was definitely starting to come to an end. I think John was quietly relieved after all those late nights and early starts and I’m not entirely sure he even realised there are two 5 o’clock’s in one day. Somewhere between the lack of sleep, the questionable decisions, and what I can only assume was some very bad karaoke, reality was beginning to catch up with them.

We won’t even mention some of the shows they apparently saw…..that’s best left in Benidorm along with everything else.

Benidorm is one of those places where you can have two completely different holidays without ever leaving town. Wander into the old town and suddenly you’re in “proper Spain” think cobbled streets, little tapas spots, and locals chatting away over wine like they’ve got all the time in the world. Then, take a short stroll to the strip and it’s a whole different story… full English breakfasts at all hours, karaoke echoing down the road, and Brits proudly living their best lives with a pint permanently in hand.

And for the short time I was there it honestly, feels like you’ve stepped straight into an episode of Benidorm…..you half expect to bump into a Mag or a Kenneth around every corner.

It’s chaotic, colourful, and somehow works perfectly, whether you’re after culture, sun, or just a fry-up that feels like home.

So as they head to the airport best of luck to the rest of the passengers on the plane let’s just say what happens in Benidorm stays in Benidorm… and honestly, that’s probably for the best.

The boys are back in town

Came for a quiet weekend. Left with emotional damage and a captain’s hat

Proof that grown men should not be trusted with themed t-shirts – Chay, Ashley, Richard, John, James, Kevin and James

Men versus mixed grill by all accounts it was huge

I meet the boys for lunch and it’s been a long time since it was just the four of us together

The Stag rappers…

My my… Waterloo was lost again tonight….and this time it wasn’t Napoleon, it was their vocal cords

Shots with a slap – because normal shots weren’t traumatic enough

Benidorm…sun, sea and full of bargain loving brits

Hey Tony, what’s your name?

The great go-kart debate of 2026 starts now

Pool dips and Siestas

One stag, many regrets the following morning

View towards Benidorm from Camperlive

Pretty houses I along the seafront in Villajoyos

Puig Campana ( The Magic Mountain ) Known for its distinct, fractured peak and steep limestone slopes. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.