Hello all. I live in the north of Spain but am visiting Benidorm from today for a week. My Mum is coming across from the UK tomorrow. I'd love her to move to Spain and I think she'll like Benidorm, but have some questions.

First, is the water ok to drink in one's 80s? (I've just been in Barcelona and nobody seems to drink it.) Is there an 'English neighbourhood' we could visit. Are there social activities for her to attend and make friends e.g. a crafts group?

Thanks for any help

Hi Lagoo,

I have lived in Benidorm for several years and drink tap water that I filter through a Brita jug and leave in the fridge. Brita filters are excellent and do the job. No need to purchase heavy bottles of water here in Benidorm. If you wanted to buy bottled water its exceptionally cheap.

There are many areas that are favoured by the expat community and really depends which area suits your mothers tastes. The Rincon de Loix area in the new town has the largest British expat area and has hundreds of bars and restaurants with english food and entertainment including bingo etc.

There are some group activities (including Crafts) arranged more so in the surrounding areas rather that in Benidorm itself and are advertised in the free local papers.

If you have some specific questions about living in Benidorm please ask.

Steve

Plenty of ExPat meeting groups, get the Round Town News, free, to find out or do an online search, the water is safe to drink, however straight out of the tap it's taste isn't very nice, so either use a Brita Filter as suggested or buy a bottle, the water is very cheap. There is an indoor market with very good book shops, almost all the books are English. We lived just outsie Benidorm at Albir, regular bus service to Benidorm and it's cheap, and you can get a discount card, also free. Albir has a few expat meeting places and isn't as busy as Benidorm particularly in summer, it's coastal as well, and doesn't have the high rise buildings that Benidorm has. If she has seen the TV prog. Benidorm, it's amazing just what areas have been used, including some in Albir.

Thanks Steve that's very useful. I hadn't thought there'd be more than one area. Is the Rincón dLoix the part at the very east of the long beaches? She'd want somewhere close to the beach.

Thanks Mike we'll pay a visit.
It's useful to know there's English books as she's a bit of a reader.

Rincon is at the Northern end of Benidorm, at the Albir end.

Hi Lagoo,
As said, Rincon de Loix area is North end of the town and covers a fairly large area. There are many areas that the brits have "occupied" and there is not a British area where we all live ;-).
I have friends who live at the other end of Benidorm and as Mike has said, many live close to Benidorm out at Albir (which is a very nice area) and at the other end at La Cala, Villajoyosa and Finestrat.

I live a stone's throw from Benidorm Palace and it takes me around 15 minutes walk to the beach.

Yes, the indoor market is in the Rincon area with about 70/80 stalls including the book stall(we regularly have book from there) they also have videos and DVD for rental.

2 bed apartments are about 500 € per calendar month......1 bed apartments are about 400€ per calendar month both plus electric.

hope that helps a little.

Steve

Thanks all for replies. Sorry not to reply, have been preparing for Her arrival and pick-up etc. Will look more closely tomorrow.

Just a quick update. We went to the market with the books and arond that area a bit, and today got the no. 10 to Albir and walked along to Altea - she liked this area the most. She's now talking about how she could swap her UK house for something smaller and using the difference to buy something here. Paso a paso.

I don't know if she will but I feel I've done my best, and that was made better through the info written on here so a big thanks.

One thing that's surprised me about Benidorm is how Spanish it is. I was expecting it to be all English / German but I've had more Spanish conversations than the past year up north where they don't have the patience for a dumb Englishman and his funny accent. I suppose they're more used to it down here, as people in London are more tolerant than those areas with little immigration.

Overall I've enjoyed my too few days in Benidorm and will plan to return some day.

Hi Lagoo,

Glad you've enjoyed your time here in Benidorm. Albir and Altea are both beautiful areas and are a favourite for retired brits (amongst other nationalities) and as you now know, are not far from Benidorm.

Steve

HI Steve.

I Hope you don't mind me contacting you and any others who are able to comment, I am currently living in Barcelona, but am from London. I am in Benidorm towards the end of next week and I am going to be viewing properties to rent. Do you or any of the other member have any good Estate Agents for rentals in the Benidrom / Albir / Altea Thanks in advance Mark

Hi,
Can't recommend any particular agency I'm afraid but I strongly advise you to come for a few days and wear good walking shoes to do the rounds of the agencies.

Apartments are getting rare and expensive and you need to be able and willing to sign up and put down the deposits to secure a rental otherwise it will be gone if you dither.

Steve

It's probably somewhat easier in places like Albir, there are plenty of agents there.

Thanks Steve, i will come very prepared.

Thanks Mike, yes I am happy to also look at Albir and Altea