Benidorm might be best known in popular culture as a party town, but the reality is that this well-established Mediterranean resort offers much more for those seeking a less transient stay. Especially so in these rapidly evolving times… when people are having to adapt to new professional circumstances and priorities.
With immediate holiday travel plans currently on hold for most people, Visit Benidorm tourism authorities are adjusting their focus to less traditional options – and they have identified “digital nomads” as a potentially key new growth market.
In a special section on its website for this burgeoning group of nomadic workers, Visit Benidorm highlights a combination of factors that make the Costa Blanca city “the perfect place to work and live”: friendly people, professional services, safety and security, and excellent connectivity. Information and resources are provided for those considering Benidorm as a workplace – “in other words, your new home” – such as accommodation, coworking spaces, study centres, transport and mobility.
“The powerful attraction of the sea and more than 300 days of sunshine a year have made Benidorm, decade after decade, the preferred destination for visitors whose desire is to continue enjoying life.”
Transport
- Benidorm is conveniently located along the Mediterranean corridor from Barcelona to Málaga (Costa del Sol), ensuring easy access by road.
- The high-speed AVE rail network connects Alicante city with Spain’s main cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, while a tram service links Benidorm with Dénia (to the north) and Alicante (45 kilometres away to the south).
- Alicante-Elche International Airport is just a 30-minute drive from Benidorm (along the AP-7 highway).
- Within Benidorm’s urban area, the city is served by a new bus station and a wide variety of public transport options.
Connectivity
- Benidorm was the second city in the Valencian region (after Valencia capital) to have commercial 5G, and is one of the few cities in Spain with this latest-generation internet access – thus ensuring the highest quality connectivity for “digital nomads”.
- The city has deployed a network of 30 free Wi-Fi access points throughout the Poniente and Levante beach boardwalk areas, as well as in the Old Town, libraries and tourist offices.
Coworking
- Benidorm is serviced by a Coworking TouristLab that provides a meeting point for professionals who want to work within a flexible office model with different workspaces adapted to their needs. Amenities include well-equipped executive board rooms and training spaces, private offices and collaborative spaces.
- Numerous “working spots” are dotted around Benidorm: bars and restaurants specially adapted to cater for workday needs – “while you relax over a coffee or a meal”.
- Various groups have been set up on Facebook for new visitors wanting to take part in events, and meet and network with members of both local and international communities.
- Comprehensive information is available for both EU and non-EU citizens planning to start their own business in Benidorm.
Relaxed Lifestyle
- In addition to being well-equipped with work-based amenities and services, Benidorm also – just as importantly – provides inspiration for new residents keen to discover the local lifestyle without having to disconnect from their work.
- Bendidorm’s stunning environment is highlighted by the Sierra Helada Natural Park and mountainous surroundings that protect the city from inclement weather, effectively creating its own microclimate. The municipality also extends along seven kilometres of Mediterranean coastline.
- The advent of COVID-19 has encouraged restaurants to adapt to the new situation by boosting their take-away and home (and office) food delivery services.
- Benidorm’s extensive and diverse range of accommodation options are monitored to ensure a safe environment and, in many cases, provide exceptional rental settings close to the beach and/or with breathtaking views.
Pet-Friendly
- Visitors with dogs will find Benidorm warmly welcoming. The area’s mild climate (especially during autumn, winter and spring) is ideal for taking dogs for walks and enjoying outdoor activities, and there are four official dog beaches less than 30 minutes away by car.
- Local legislation allows hostel and hotel clients to stay with their dogs at certain accommodation and restaurant establishments.
Sustainability
Benidorm has aligned the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the five axes of a “Smart Destination”: accessibility, sustainability, governance, innovation and technology.
Main photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
