http://www.insidethetravellab.com/benidorm-debate/

An interesting article which should prompt all those who dismiss Benidorm and other successful resorts to ask themselves why they are so popular. It may not be for you but at least concede that it offers something attractive to a great many people. Benidorm is extremely popular with very many Spanish people and saw the largest growth in tourism in Spain last year compared to the previous year. (refer to Euro News article posted in an earlier thread a few weeks back).

My feelings exactly, I don't like the place, nor the likes of Torrevieja, Torremolinos, Fuengirola et al, but it's a huge attraction for millions, it serves an obvious need, so long may it survive. My sister loves it. A bit like Blackpool, I'd hate to go there, but it's a huge draw for millions. Equally I'm sure the average Benidorm visitor would be bored in the quieter, more rural parts of Spain I prefer to visit. Sobre gustos, colores.

I can hear them shouting hooray from here.

Well, I for one love the place, we often stay in hotels there, were are only a few miles away, but have friends that go there for hols, we have stayed in some hotels for a pittance, about 35 to 40 euros full board.

Given the choice between a more rural setting and Benidorn, I would choose it everytime, and so do loads of others.