The Mediterranean skyscraper city that escaped the mass tourism protests
While cities like Barcelona face intense backlash against overcrowding, Benidorm stands apart. Once a quiet fishing village, this high-density metropolis has transformed into a global tourism juggernaut, yet it remains a place where local protests against the industry are notably absent.
Benidorm's evolution from a small settlement—with roots potentially dating back to 3000 BC—to the 'New York of the Mediterranean' is a study in radical urban planning. Following the decline of its traditional fishing industry in 1952, the city council pivoted toward a massive tourism market. A pivotal moment occurred in 1954, when Mayor Pedro Zaragoza Orts implemented the Plan General de Ordenación. This unique building code mandated that every new construction include a specific area of leisure land, a rigid rule that remains the only one of its kind in Spain, preventing the cramped, unregulated density seen in other coastal hubs.
The city's skyline is defined by its high density of skyscrapers, including the 186-metre Gran Hotel Bali and the Intempo building, which is the tallest in the Valencian Community. This verticality supports a massive population of 77,21 and a diverse demographic, including a significant number of residents from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Northern Europe. The city's economic success is tied to its role as a pioneer of 'package tourism,' a phenomenon that journalist Giles Tremlett notes once challenged the conservative social norms of the Franco era.
Despite its reputation as a playground for holidaymakers, Benidorm is increasingly focused on high-tech sustainability. In 2018, it became the first city to earn the UNE178501 Smart Tourism certification. Through its 'Smart Destination' plan, the city integrates data-driven management and energy efficiency to align with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This blend of 18th-century fishing heritage—such as the ancient tuna-catching almadraba technique—and 21st-century smart technology creates a unique, albeit contested, urban identity.
Source: Benidorm
