'I'm a Brit living in Spain and anyone visiting should avoid three locations'
Harry Poulton, 24, visited Spain on a lads' holiday when he was 18 and has been living there ever since. He has spoken out about the best and worst locations in the holiday hotspot
Attracting approximately five million visitors annually, Benidorm ranks among Spain's top holiday hotspots. And Harry Poulton grew fond of the location after a holiday with mates at 18. Now, aged 24, he sees his move as the best life choice.
However, it's not all sunshine, sand and fun. The British expat is eager to offer guidance to holidaymakers considering a stay in the popular coastal city. Issuing advice to his audience of 40,000 on TikTok, Harry listed the three spots he deems most hazardous in the nightlife capital, suggesting tourists avoid them altogether.
Topping his list is the so-called 'Yellow Brick Road,' bustling with a slew of pubs and eateries, constituting a focal point of local entertainment, with thoroughfares like Leanto Street, Ibiza Street, and Leerida Street falling within its precincts.
Harry advised: "The Yellow Brick Road – this little public pathway [...] leads all the way up to the Rio Park. Now, it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing. Generally, during the day, it's absolutely fine. I'd recommend avoiding it at night."
Pueblo Alley by the Hotel Pueblo, close to Levante Beach, comes in at number two. The Brighton-based content creator cautioned: "This is one I definitely recommend avoiding, especially late at night, as you do get the pickpockets hanging around this area."
Harry went on to say: "You also get the odd lady of the night. There are plenty of other ways around."
Topping the list as the prime spot to steer clear of is 'Mugger's Alley', in Harry's view. He asserts: "It is the most notorious – it's the one we all know. Known for pickpocketing, ladies of the night, it's just an area I would avoid.
"They're even doing these new taxi scams. It's crazy. Save yourself the hassle and cross the road."
Another caution came through a public Facebook page entitled Benidorm Forever, where someone posted: "It's located at the start of the strip opposite the Hotel Flash and runs behind the white 'SATE' building, near Morgan Tavern. It's safe enough in the day but late at night you'll likely get approached by 'hugger muggers' (individuals who will invade your space pretending to know you whilst swiping your valuables), prostitutes and robbers."
They warned: "Men on their own are the main target so stay together and walk in front of the sate building, not behind it. Remember most crimes in Benidorm are non violent, it's your phone and cash they're after, so keep both out of site and if you do get robbed you need to visit the SATE office (opposite the hotel Flash) in office hours to make a police report."
Despite highlighting the riskier spots, Harry is full of praise for this sunny holiday hotspot. He argues that many Brits have a completely skewed view of the place, dismissing common beliefs about tricky scams and exorbitant bar prices as mere myths.
Additionally, since moving from Brighton to Benidorm, Harry has found his cost of living dramatically lower, with monthly expenses ranging from £500 to £1,000, bills included.
Harry declared: "If you live here, you get it. Benidorm is paradise - and anyone who says otherwise is lying."
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