**Welsh Couple Reveal They’ve Visited Benidorm 25 Times in Seven Years, Spending £30,000**
A couple from Swansea say they have become so enamoured with the Spanish resort of Benidorm that they have visited 25 times in just seven years—spending an estimated £30,000 on their getaways, and even contemplating a future move.
Mark and Karen Gregory, both aged 50, first set foot in Benidorm in 2018 after years of enjoying holidays elsewhere in Spain, including popular island destinations like Majorca and the Canaries. The experience proved an instant hit, sparking a love affair with the resort that has drawn them back time and again.
Speaking about their devotion to Benidorm, Mark reflected on the couple’s first visit, saying, “We went for a week just to see what it was about, but as soon as we got home, Karen was already searching for their next stay.” The widely-held perception of Benidorm—often shaped by the British television series depicting antics of rowdy tourists—is, he argues, a misrepresentation of the town’s true character. “That only captures a fraction of it. There’s a quieter, friendlier side that really appeals to us,” Mark insisted.
For Mark and Karen, visiting Benidorm has become an annual tradition—sometimes even more frequent—with their trips mainly taking place outside of summer when prices drop significantly, sometimes by as much as 40%. They’ve established a routine, revisiting favourite bars and restaurants such as the Western Saloon and Katmandu Curry House, and rarely miss an appearance by the local Meat Loaf tribute act, affectionately known as “Meatloaf Benidorm”.
Although Benidorm’s reputation as a party hotspot is well known, the couple make a conscious effort to sidestep the more rambunctious corners. “You see the stag and hen parties now and again, but it’s easy enough to avoid them. We’ve witnessed a few sights—like people sleeping on benches—but there’s plenty of peaceful spots if you know where to look,” Mark commented.
Despite not being dedicated drinkers, the Gregorys acknowledge the appeal of the resort’s affordable prices, mentioning “pints for 80 cents” and bottles of cava for €2 among their budget-friendly pleasures. Their annual holiday spending amounts to roughly £6,000, something they prioritise in their otherwise thrifty lifestyle. “We live fairly frugally the rest of the time so we can afford to keep coming back,” Mark explained.
Their affection for Benidorm isn’t just about the nightlife. They enjoy the year-round entertainment—ranging from drag shows to tribute bands—and have found the winter months especially rewarding, both for the savings and the lively atmosphere that endures despite the season. “There’s always something to do, even out of season. You never feel bored,” Mark observed.
Accommodation is another aspect the couple have cleverly managed. They typically rent the same self-catered apartment each time, benefiting from loyalty discounts. With Karen being coeliac, having access to high-quality, affordable local gluten-free produce makes self-catering an attractive choice. While they do dine out on occasion, the ease of preparing their own meals suits them—and the wide selection of gluten-free options in Benidorm’s supermarkets is an added bonus.
The pair have dabbled with other destinations, but the pull of Benidorm has been relentless. Mark confessed, “We went to Tenerife once, but it just didn’t compare. Every other place gets measured against Benidorm—and nothing else feels quite as good.” For now, they see no reason to look elsewhere, making the most of every return by exploring new venues, while still revelling in the comfort of the familiar.
When asked if they had a message for sceptics, Mark was philosophical: “If you’ve never been, it’s easy to have the wrong idea. Some might judge us for loving it, but unless you’ve experienced it for yourself, you’re missing out. For us, it really feels like a second home.”
**Mark and Karen’s Benidorm Highlights**
– Favourite Bar: Western Saloon
– Best Restaurant: Country Ribs
– Top Meal: Curry from Katmandu Curry House
– Preferred Drinks: Cocktails at Hotel California Bar
– Must-see Entertainment: The Meat Loaf tribute act
For this Welsh couple, Benidorm is far more than its stereotypes—it’s a place of cherished traditions, joyful reunions, and lasting memories, prompting them to return at every opportunity, and perhaps, one day, to stay for good.