Geography Unit 2, Crowded Coasts Case Study 4 - Benidorm, Spain

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Benidorm has a permanent population of 67 000, but during the summer peak season its population exceeds half a million.

The development of Benidorm as a coastal resort started in 1954 when its young mayor drew up an ambitious plan of urban development. This took off in the 1960s when it became popular with British tourists on summer package holidays. Its tourist season is now year long. The night-life, which revolves around bars and clubs in the centre of the resort, is a strong pull, particularly for younger visitors. Within a few decades, Benidorm has been transformed from a sleepy village to a pulsating urban area of skyscraper hotels and apartment blocks, theme parks, pubs, clubs and restaurants. It says much for the original plan that the built-up area today retains a lot of greenery. Benidorm remains proud of its three main beaches. All of them have 'blue flag' status. At the height of the season, they are some of the most densely populated parts of the world.

Benidorm, Spain