Of course the lively atmosphere of Benidorm is not for everyone at this time of year and for those who like a peaceful Costa Blanca winter break holiday Christmas in Benidorm is definitely off the menu! But if there is one thing that Benidorm does well it’s hosting a celebration and anyone seeking a Christmas that is ‘catered for’ need look no further than ‘party central’ – Benidorm.

The Costa Blanca’s most successful holiday resort has honed exuberant entertainment down to a fine art so if you fancy an escape from the inevitable piles of Christmas washing up you can’t do better than jump in your Drivalia car rental and drive to Benidorm for several days over the festive period.

There is a vast range of packages to choose from that include cheap and cheerful two-star hotels offering Christmas Dinner and a Cabaret at knock-down prices to opulent Five Star luxury with a sumptuous six-course Christmas banquet complete with all the bells, whistles, bow ties and party hats as well as spa treatments, rounds of golf at nearby luxury courses and escorted city tours. Often Christmas and New Year are offered as a grand package.

The Benidorm Nightclub Scene

Famous for its nightclub scene, the city pushes the boat out for a winter break holiday, each venue competing for customers with unbelievable offers – drinks that include food – food that includes drinks – traditional Spanish tapas to try at the Old Town’s renowned ‘Tapas Alley’ and all against a mixed background of Christmas carols, traditional Spanish Flamenco and beach entertainment despite the cooler weather.

‘Gala Dinners’ are often included in a hotel package but if not they usually run from a reasonable 20€ up to about 40€ as an ‘extra’. Cava or Champagne is often included in the price and sometimes traditional Christmas turkey with all the trimmings is served as one course with a Spanish dish served as a starter and a choice of desserts. Spanish guests always dress to the nines for such occasions so it is best to opt for your best bib and tucker if you want to fit in!

Dance until Dawn

You can be sure of great value for money in this colourful enclave famous for its high standard of entertainment and broad choice of international cuisine. Here you can start the day with a delicious English breakfast or a Continental range of specialty breads and croissants and yummy Spanish coffee…Stroll around the shops for Christmas gifts in the morning; drift into lunch and end the day with the cuisine of your choice for dinner before settling into a relaxing evening of cabaret entertainment – or head to the nearest nightclub if you have the energy to dance until dawn.

No cooking, no cleaning, no stress… And by the first week of the New Year you can feel like a whole new person – or sometimes two people if you have over-indulged on Benidorm’s hospitality over your winter break holiday!

Benidorm is only a 40-minute drive from the Drivalia Car Rental depot at Alicante Airport on the AP-7, a comfortable 60km. The city is chock full of public car parks but of course many hotels offer free parking. However, be sure to check as some charge up to 10€ per day for parking.