**British Tourist Astounded by Bargain Beer Prices in Benidorm**
Benidorm, a sun-soaked jewel on Spain’s Costa Blanca, has long attracted British holidaymakers hoping to make the most of their money while soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere. Now, one visitor’s social media post has reignited debate over just how affordable Benidorm remains, after he found that a pint of beer cost less than a standard cup of tea.
Graham White, a 48-year-old holidaymaker from the UK, made waves online this week when he shared a brief video from a local bar in Benidorm. In the video, he poses a simple question to the bartender: “How much is it for a pint of Estrella?” The worker responds, “One euro for a pint.” For context, Graham points out that a cup of tea in the same establishment is priced at €1.95 (around £1.66), making the beer almost half the cost of a teabag and hot water.
White’s disbelief was clear to his viewers. Facing sceptics who doubted such bargains existed, he confidently proclaimed, “People called me a liar and said there’s no place in Benidorm where you can get a one-euro pint. So I went in and got one.” Describing the venue as “the cheapest bar in Benidorm,” White was almost incredulous that non-alcoholic options could be pricier. His experience reflects a common theme among tourists drawn to the destination not just for the sun, beach, and entertainment, but also for the wallet-friendly prices.
Online reaction was swift and positive. Under his post, comments poured in from others who shared stories of similar British holiday bargains. One person quipped, “Why would you bother with anything else?” while another described Benidorm as “cheap as chips” when compared to other sun-drenched locations across Europe. Others highlighted that it wasn’t just the drinks that were affordable, but the food as well, with one noting, “Went here yesterday, the food is ace as well,” and another declaring, “May as well get the pints in!”
Benidorm’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its comprehensive offering for budget-conscious tourists. The cost of a holiday can of course vary, influenced by season, accommodation type, duration, and activities. Budget visitors can expect to pay as little as £20–£40 per night for basic hotel rooms or apartments, with mid-range options averaging £50–£100 and luxury stays sometimes surpassing £150–£300. A return flight to Alicante, the nearest airport, can be booked for £50–£150 if arranged in advance, but last-minute or peak season flights can exceed £200.
Package deals provide another route to savings, with all-inclusive holidays (including flights, accommodation, and some meals) starting at approximately £250–£500 per person for a week, and climbing above £600 during major holiday periods. Food and drink remain accessible, too: a typical breakfast costs between £3 and £6, casual lunches or dinners fall between £8 and £15, and pints at most venues are priced at or below £3, though special offers and certain bars beat even that low mark.
For many, affordable transport further enhances Benidorm’s appeal. Airport transfers are efficient and reasonably priced, with shared shuttles costing between £10 and £20 for a roundtrip, and private taxis available for £65–£100 each way. Regular local buses offer another budget-friendly way to travel, typically at £1–£2 per journey.
Entertainment and activities are equally accessible. The golden beaches are free, while popular destinations such as Terra Mítica theme park and Aqualandia water park have entry fees of £20–£40. Benidorm’s renowned nightlife, renowned for its variety and vibrancy, offers club nights and shows with entry ranging from £10 to £30.
White’s experience and the ensuing viral discussion serve as a reminder of Benidorm’s enduring draw: sunshine, beaches, and nightlife at prices many find hard to match elsewhere in Europe. While some Spanish destinations have witnessed price hikes in recent years, Benidorm seems determined to hold onto its reputation for value—at least for those who know where to look.