How to Stay Safe in Benidorm: The Ultimate Holiday Safety Guide
Benidorm is Europe’s most popular holiday destination, attracting millions each year with its beaches, nightlife, and entertainment. However, like any busy tourist resort, it has its share of pickpockets, scammers, and opportunistic crime. Here is a practical, realistic guide to staying safe in Benidorm, so your holiday remains enjoyable and stress-free.
Is Benidorm Dangerous?
Fact: Benidorm is not listed among the top 10 European destinations for crime rates.
False: Benidorm has the highest crime rate among European resorts – this is a myth.
The reality is simple: any place with large crowds and distractions can attract petty crime. Markets, shopping centres, and packed nightlife areas create opportunities for thieves. By staying aware and following these tips, your risks remain low.
Essential Safety Tips in Benidorm
1. Stick Together
If you are travelling in a group, stay with your group. Pickpockets and muggers target people who are alone. At crowded events like football matches, incidents are rare because thieves avoid groups.
✅ Agree on a meeting spot in case you get separated
✅ Set up a WhatsApp group or use apps like Life360 to track each other
✅ Never walk back to your hotel alone, especially at night
✅ Know your hotel name and address before heading out
2. Drink Responsibly
It’s easy to get carried away on holiday, but excessive alcohol makes you vulnerable.
✅ Never let a friend walk home drunk
✅ Don’t give a heavily intoxicated friend more alcohol
✅ Always keep an eye on each other’s drinks to prevent spiking
✅ Avoid wandering off without telling someone where you are going and who you are with
3. Protect Your Valuables
✅ Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables
✅ Men: Never keep wallets, phones, or keys in back pockets
✅ Women: Carry handbags securely across your body and never leave them on chairs
✅ Do not leave jackets containing valuables draped over seats
✅ Only take what you need for the day or night – leave the rest in your hotel safe
4. Be Aware of Common Scams
The ‘Stain’ Scam
Someone squirts a green pasty liquid (similar to bird droppings) on you, then offers to clean it while pickpocketing your belongings.
✅ If a stranger points out a stain, politely decline their help and check your belongings immediately.
Stay Safe in Benidorm
Distraction by Touch
Pickpockets often tap your shoulder, brush off ‘dirt,’ or engage in playful physical contact to divert your attention from your pockets.
✅ Stay alert to unexpected touch or physical distractions.
THE PEA MEN CON
Street gambling scams involve large teams of conmen, including watchers, players, and pickpockets. You will never win.
✅ Do not stop to watch. Walk straight past without engagement.
Street Prostitutes
Avoid engaging with street prostitutes. They often operate with pickpockets or other criminals.
5. Street Beggars and Scams
While some beggars are genuine, many are scammers. For example, individuals posing as disabled have later been seen walking normally or or being picked up by luxury cars.
✅ If you wish to help, donate to a reputable local charity instead.
6. Avoid Dark, Quiet Streets at Night
Although most quiet streets in Benidorm are safe, it’s best to stick to busy, well-lit areas, especially if you are unfamiliar with the town.
7. Carry Appropriate ID
Spanish law requires you to carry photographic ID.
✅ A notarised copy of your passport is acceptable, but you may need to show the original at a police station later
✅ Hotels are legally required to register your passport details at check-in – do not leave your passport at reception
MOBILE PHONES: Be careful how you list your personal numbers.
8. Mobile Phone Safety
Be cautious about how contacts are listed in your phone. Thieves can use it to their advantage:
✅ Avoid contact names like ‘Hubby,’ ‘Mum,’ or ‘Home’ – use initials or codes instead
✅ Never respond to texts asking for personal info or PINs without calling to confirm
✅ Always double-check unexpected texts requesting you to meet somewhere
What to Do if You Become a Victim
If you are unfortunate enough to be a victim of theft or any crime in Benidorm:
✅ Report it to the police immediately
✅ Use the SATE office for assistance filing a police report
You will find a list of emergency numbers HERE
You will also find lots more information on all aspects of crime HERE
Have you been a victim of crime in Benidorm?
If you’d like to share your experience to help others stay safe, please leave a comment below.
