An honest look at safety in Benidorm with practical advice for residents and visitors.
One of the most common questions from people considering Benidorm – whether for holidays, extended stays, or permanent relocation – concerns safety. The honest answer is reassuring: Benidorm is a genuinely safe destination where millions of visitors enjoy trouble-free experiences every year. However, like any popular tourist destination, it does have some crime issues that awareness and sensible precautions can effectively mitigate. This guide provides an honest assessment of safety in Benidorm along with practical advice for staying secure.
Crime Statistics in Context
Understanding Benidorm's crime profile requires context. As one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, hosting over 10 million visitors annually, Benidorm inevitably experiences some crime. However, comparative statistics paint a positive picture.
Violent crime rates in Benidorm are significantly lower than in most major European tourist cities. Serious crimes against tourists are rare and make headlines precisely because they're unusual. The overwhelming majority of visitors experience no crime whatsoever during their stays.
The crimes that do occur are predominantly opportunistic property crimes – the kind that affect tourist destinations worldwide. Pickpocketing in crowded areas represents the most common issue. Bag snatching from restaurant terraces occurs occasionally. Rental and accommodation scams have affected some visitors. Drink spiking, while rare, has been reported in the nightlife areas.
These crime types, while unpleasant, are preventable through awareness and reasonable precautions. Understanding how they occur helps you avoid becoming a victim.
Pickpocketing and Theft Prevention
Pickpockets operate in Benidorm as they do in tourist destinations globally. They target crowded areas where distraction is easy and victims may not notice theft immediately. Prime locations include the busy Levante promenade during peak hours, crowded market areas (especially the Wednesday market), public transport, and areas around ATMs.
Effective prevention starts with awareness of your surroundings and belongings. Keep wallets in front pockets rather than back pockets. Use bags that close securely and wear them across your body rather than hanging from one shoulder. Avoid placing bags on the ground or hanging them on chair backs in restaurants – keep them on your lap or secured to your body.
Don't carry unnecessary valuables. Leave expensive jewelry, watches, and excess cash in your accommodation safe. Carry only the cards and money you need for the day. If you must carry larger amounts, distribute them between different locations rather than keeping everything in one wallet.
Be alert to common distraction techniques. Someone spilling something on you, asking for directions with a map, or creating any scenario that diverts your attention may have an accomplice ready to take advantage. Politely but firmly disengage from unexpected interactions with strangers, particularly if they involve physical contact or seem designed to distract.
ATM Safety
ATM-related crime includes both physical theft and card skimming. Use ATMs inside bank branches rather than street machines where possible. If using outdoor ATMs, choose busy, well-lit locations and remain aware of people nearby. Shield your PIN entry and check the card slot for any suspicious attachments that might indicate skimming devices.
Contactless payment is widely accepted in Benidorm, reducing the need to carry cash or use ATMs frequently. Consider using a travel card with spending notifications that alert you immediately to any transactions.
Accommodation and Rental Scams
The holiday rental market has unfortunately attracted scammers who advertise properties they don't own or properties that don't exist. Victims pay deposits or full amounts only to discover upon arrival that their booking is fraudulent.
Protect yourself by booking through reputable platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO that provide payment protection and verified listings. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true – significantly below-market prices often indicate scams. Never pay by bank transfer to individuals; use platform payment systems that offer buyer protection.
If dealing directly with owners or agencies, verify the property exists through Google Street View and request video calls showing the current property. Check for reviews from previous guests and search online for any complaints about the agency or property.
Nightlife Safety
Benidorm's famous nightlife attracts millions of visitors annually, and the vast majority enjoy evenings out without incident. However, the combination of alcohol, late hours, and unfamiliar surroundings does create some risks that awareness can mitigate.
The most important nightlife safety rule is to watch your drinks. Never leave drinks unattended, and don't accept drinks from strangers unless you watch them being poured. While drink spiking is rare in Benidorm compared to some destinations, it does occur. If you feel unexpectedly intoxicated relative to what you've consumed, alert your friends and seek help immediately.
Stay with your group throughout the evening, especially if you've been drinking. Agree on meeting points and check-in times. Keep your phone charged – a dead battery when you need to contact friends or call for help creates unnecessary vulnerability.
Use only official taxis (white cars with a green light when available) or licensed ride-sharing services. Unlicensed drivers approaching late-night revelers pose various risks. Official taxi ranks are located throughout the entertainment areas.
Know your limits with alcohol. The combination of holiday relaxation, all-inclusive drinks, and warm weather leads some visitors to consume far more than they would at home. Excessive intoxication makes you vulnerable to crime and accidents while impairing your judgment about risky situations.
Beach Safety
Beach-related safety concerns in Benidorm are primarily about swimming conditions and protecting belongings rather than crime.
The beach flag system communicates water conditions: green means safe swimming, yellow indicates caution (swim with care), and red prohibits swimming due to dangerous conditions. Respect these warnings – they exist because lifeguards have identified genuine risks. The Mediterranean is generally calm, but occasional strong currents, large waves, and jellyfish can create hazards.
Swim near lifeguard stations during patrolled hours. Lifeguards are positioned along both main beaches during the summer season and can respond quickly to swimmers in difficulty.
Protecting belongings while swimming presents a practical challenge. Never leave valuables visible on the beach while you're in the water. Options include waterproof pouches that you can wear while swimming, taking turns watching belongings, or simply not bringing valuables to the beach. Thieves specifically target unattended bags and towels whose owners are clearly visible in the water.
Sea urchins attach to rocks around the coastline. While the main sandy beaches are generally clear, rocky areas and access points to smaller coves may have urchins. Water shoes provide protection when exploring rocky areas or entering the water from rocky points.
Emergency Services and Police
Benidorm is well-served by emergency services, with response times generally quick and professional.
The universal European emergency number 112 connects to an operator who can dispatch police, ambulance, or fire services as needed. English-speaking operators are available.
The National Police (Policía Nacional) handle criminal matters including theft reports. Their emergency number is 091. The main police station in Benidorm can provide assistance and take crime reports.
Local Police (Policía Local) handle day-to-day matters including traffic issues, noise complaints, and general assistance. Their emergency number is 092. You'll see Local Police patrols throughout Benidorm regularly.
During summer months, a dedicated Tourist Police unit operates with English-speaking officers specifically trained to assist visitors. This unit is particularly helpful for tourists who need to report crimes or require assistance navigating Spanish procedures.
For medical emergencies, call 061 for ambulance services. The nearest major hospital is Hospital Marina Baixa in Villajoyosa, approximately 15 minutes from Benidorm center. Emergency departments (Urgencias) provide immediate care regardless of insurance status.
General Safety Mindset
The overall safety picture in Benidorm is positive. The town depends economically on tourism and invests significantly in maintaining a safe environment. Police presence is visible, streets are generally well-lit, and the community is accustomed to visitors.
Adopting a sensible safety mindset – the same common sense you would apply in any unfamiliar city – is sufficient for the vast majority of visitors. Be aware of your surroundings. Secure your belongings. Don't make yourself an obvious target. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
With these reasonable precautions, you can enjoy everything Benidorm offers with confidence in your personal safety.
