**Benidorm Holidaymakers Capture ‘Sunbed Wars’ in Frantic Morning Dash**
The daily scramble for sunbeds at Spanish resorts has become something of a grimly humorous holiday rite, and recent footage captured by a pair of British tourists staying in Benidorm has reignited the debate. Mark and Karen Gregory, both aged 50 and hailing from Swansea, visited the hugely popular Costa Blanca destination in May, only to find themselves with a front-row seat to the now-familiar ‘sunbed wars’.
Observing from the comfort of their apartment — a favourite choice as regular visitors — the couple were astonished at the scenes that unfolded each morning below. Instead of participating in the rush, they opted to document the spectacle. Mark, who operates an online business, described the scenes as ‘chaotic’, with determined holidaymakers lining up at the crack of dawn, keen to stake their claim by the poolside.
“It was quite a sight,’ Mark remarked. “We’d look out and see huge queues from early on, everyone jockeying for position. The moment the pool gates opened at half-past eight, it was a mad dash – and by 8.33am, every single sunbed was reserved with a neatly placed towel.” He added that this frenetic tradition seemed universal in the area, attributing it to hotels being unable to provide enough loungers for all their guests.
This phenomenon, often referred to colloquially as the ‘sunbed dash’, has for years been a point of contention for British tourists, many of whom travel to Benidorm and other Mediterranean hotspots hoping for a relaxing break. Instead, the sight of early-morning bed reserving — sometimes involving entire families — has left some holidaymakers bemused, while others express frustration at being left without a spot by the pool unless they join the rush themselves.
For Mark and Karen, the situation was more a source of amusement than aggravation. “It obviously annoys lots of people, but to us it’s just funny to watch,” Karen shared. “We’d much rather observe than stress about rushing down ourselves. It’s become a part of the Benidorm experience.”
The couple’s recordings, which have since circulated on social media, feature spirited scenes of individuals and families making a beeline for the poolside, some breaking into a run, towels in hand, determined to secure a prime spot for the day. The spectacle has drawn both laughter and sighs from viewers online, sparking a fresh round of debate over whether hotels should impose stricter policies on reserving sunbeds.
Experts in the travel industry have noted that the ‘sunbed wars’ are partially a result of hotels and resorts operating at or near full capacity, especially during peak travel periods. In Benidorm, where tourism serves as the backbone of the local economy, accommodating the sheer volume of guests seeking the sunshine is an ongoing logistical challenge. Some establishments have attempted to address the issue by instituting rules such as only permitting sunbed use when the guest is physically present, but enforcement varies widely.
The situation raises larger questions about balancing guest expectations with operational reality, and whether holidaymakers themselves can do more to foster a spirit of courtesy and cooperation. While some travellers argue that ‘first come, first served’ is the only fair policy, others call for greater hotel intervention to prevent sunbed hogging and promote equitable access for all.
For tourists like the Gregorys, who prefer a more laid-back approach, the morning dash is best experienced from afar with a cup of coffee in hand rather than a towel. Their footage has provided a light-hearted window into one of Europe’s most persistent – and divisive – holiday rituals, gently reminding us that while the quest for sunshine is universal, there might be better ways to start your day on holiday.
As summer arrives and the travel season shifts into high gear, the great sunbed dash looks set to continue in Benidorm and beyond. For many, it remains both an unavoidable irritation and a source of enduring holiday comedy.