According to figures released by HOSBEC, the hoteliers association, campsite occupancy in December exceeded that of hotels in the resort! Only 7% were Spanish and a whooping 93% international visitors - with Brits leading at 70% followed by the Dutch at just under 12% which I find rather surprising considering the number of Dutch I see riding their bicycles to and fro the main sites. You can tell them miles off, apart from speaking very loudly and ignoring any traffic regulations which they obviously think they are exempt from,  the women in particular have a deep mahogany colour aka Madge-like with the texture of old cow hide. This is obviously a very popular look in Holland.....

 

Campsites are predicted to do much better than the hotels over the Winter months - figures for January alone forecast occupancy of 79% compared to only 59% for the hotels. A number of hotels in the centre have closed, as they do every year due to low visitor numbers and traditionally re-open before Easter, which this is very late ( 20th April) so maybe it will be sooner.  The hoteliers were trying to push through a reduction in the IVA rate over the low season, which may have encouraged more to remain open, but for this year at least it never materialised. With lower overheads maybe it would enable some of them to remain open, obviously benefitting the employees. 

 

All are located on the Rincon de Loix side of the resort and offer both permanent and short term pitches for holiday makers, who can drive over in their own motorhomes. Many arrive with bikes and scooters hooked onto the back and some also tow small cars. But be aware that it is illegal to tow here in Spain unless all 4 wheels are off the road - so you would need a trailer rather than an A-Frame, which only lifts up the front 2 wheels. I have heard many instances of motor-homers being pulled over and fined by the Guardia..... although as far as I am aware, it is perfectly legal across all other European countries!  

 

The largest by far is Villamar, with around 1,500 pitches and like a village in itself, followed by El Raco with 600. Both offer excellent facilities such as pools, clubhouse, restaurants, shops etc which is why both are very popular, especially with the Brits. If you want to stay close to the centre then the best options are either Villasol or La Toretta - located more or less behind Benidorm Palace and on the doorstep of the outdoor market. There are numerous others in Benidorm and also in Albir, Alfaz and Altea, all conveniently on the number 10 bus route - it all depends on what you want and how much you want to pay for it. Many of the permanent occupants go back to the UK in the hot summer months and you will find some of the smaller ones even close altogether in July and August. 

 

There is no shortage therefore totally bizarre why you find some motor-homers parked up along residential streets, as is often the case in Albir or in free public car parks with deck chairs and tables outside on the pavement!