Spanish holiday hotspot becomes 'ghost town' as Brits fear tourism is 'dead'

For decades upon decades, Spain has remained an incredibly sought-after holiday destination for Brits, yetcircumstances appear to be shifting. Based on recent accounts, certain regions of this beloved getaway have grown remarkably deserted, with one renowned location recently being branded as "dead."

Benidorm, situated in Spain, is allegedly "empty" according to certain holidaymakers, as video evidence has surfaced online displaying the deserted resort. A social media contributor, recognised as yorkshirebargainhunter, recently posted footage on TikTok demonstrating how dramatically different the resort appears, leaving viewers astounded given the destination's longstanding popularity amongst British holidaymakers.

Despite being primeholiday season, he claimed the Spanish streets are "empty", believing they ought to be bustling with visitors. In his view, Benidorm has become an "absolute ghost town", with fellow observers appearing to share this sentiment.

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He said: "If you're in Benidorm right now, what do you think? Why do you think it's so quiet? Why is nobody around? Even this bar here is fully shut down.

"We're in the height of summer. Everywhere should be absolutely rammed, but it's not. It's absolutely dead. This is one of the main strips in Benidorm and it should be absolutely rammed."

Within the footage, the content producer suggested this transformation stems from demonstrations occurring across Spain in recent months, which have deterred potential visitors.

More than 900 individuals shared their perspectives on this situation as well. One holidaymaker expressed their confusion, stating: "They told us not to come. What did they expect?"

Another chimed in with: "Spain stopped wanting tourists hence they might have gone elsewhere." A third person commented: "August is always dead in Benidorm."

However, some had a different experience, claiming the resort was "bouncing" during their visit. Another tourist shared: "I'm here now. It's rammed - busiest I've seen Benidorm."

A fellow traveller agreed, saying: "We just came back from Benidorm and it was very busy. People were staying at the pools by day because it was so warm, but pubs were very busy at night."

Another added: "It's busy at night, not the day time." Despite the quieter scenes, travel operators still recommend the resort for summer holidays.

Thomas Cook, now an online travel agent, suggests August as the perfect time for beach enthusiasts.

"The average temperature is a lovely 25°C and has been known to reach around 30°C," they advise, adding that the sea is at its warmest during this period. While the party atmosphere may be more subdued in 2025, many agree that Benidorm still has plenty to offer, albeit with a slightly different crowd and a steeper price tag.

However, reports suggest that Spain has been deserted by many tourists, with restaurants and beaches appearing almost vacant. Parts of the country are experiencing a drop in visitor numbers for the first time since the pandemic, alongside years of anti-tourist protests by locals.

Earlier this month, Daily Express reported photographs from Spain showed rows of vacant seats outside numerous bars and eateries alongside surprisingly deserted beaches. This proves particularly unusual for major tourist hotspots during the summer period.

Miguel Pérez-Marsá, chief of the nightlife association, previously informed Majorca Daily Bulletin: "The tourists we're interested in are being driven away; they don't feel welcome and are going to other destinations."

Tour operators are equally experiencing difficulties. Pedro Oliver, chairman of the College of Tour Guides, disclosed that excursion bookings have plummeted by 20% this summer.

"If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays," he explained. "We are sending the message that we don't want tourists and that everything is too crowded."