Beautiful Benidorm

From lively streets to quiet bays, this fun eco hotspot has lots to delight Bridget McGrouther

- BRIDGET MCGROUTHER

Much-loved by fun-loving Brits of all ages, Benidorm is internationally reputed as a pulsating beach resort, famed for its heady night life. So I'm sure you may be as pleasantly surprised as I was to learn that this sizzling Spanish destination is now earning a revolutionary reputation as a global trendsetter in green and eco-friendly ventures.

Sustainable Surprises

◆ There are 140km of cycle lanes and a bike can be hired for the duration of your stay.

◆ Making tourist areas accessible for all is a top priority, with Braille signage, QR codes and the easy hire of mobility scooters.

◆ The Serra Gelada Natural Park includes a marine reserve around the Island of Benidorm, with exceptional biodiversity.

◆ Benidorm was voted the top Smart Tourist Destination of the World in 2018.

◆ A tram runs from Alicante to Benidorm and Denia beyond.

◆ A family of four spending a week in Benidorm produces around 2.2 tonnes of carbon, as opposed to 12 tonnes on a week's Caribbean cruise.

As we gazed over the dramatic skyscraper skyline during an adventurous off-road Jeep tour, our guide told us that the very nature of the resort's vertical architecture meant that it could accommodate a large number of tourists in the smallest possible space. So for modern-day buzz words "sustainable density", Benidorm, with its pioneering urban model, is one of the best examples you can find.