Yes it’s that time of the year, when Benidorm is inundated with Stag & Hen groups, which are often easily identified from the array of outfits on display around the resort! With flights from the UK plentiful and generally inexpensive, coupled with the cost of alcohol a fraction of that in the UK, it’s hardly surprising that they arrive en masse on a Thursday or Friday for their pre-wedding celebrations.
They are undoubtedly an important and crucial contributor to the economy here and the vast majority are well behaved – there will always be the few that spoil it but that can be said of all walks of life. Most just come for a good time in the sun and to enjoy a beer or ten!
But with the approaching local elections here in Spain, political parties are all out for votes and one, the Ciudadanos (C’s) are criticizing the ‘shameful and scandalous images of such groups destroying the image of the resort and therefore destroying the chances of attracting a higher quality of tourism’.
They are obviously appealing to residents as opposed to the numerous businesses that rely on their custom! If these groups were to stop coming then the majority of bars and clubs in the Rincon area at least would fold, leaving hundreds without a job and vast swathes looking like a ghost town.
But as well as drinking ... lets face it, that is probably and realistically the main objective, especially when comparing the price of a pint in the UK, they do engage in some activities. A favourite for stags is Go-Karting and for the girls cocktail making classes and both also often enjoy the services of a private stripper in one of the bars here. It's all done behind closed doors so no fear of any children seeing anything!
Printed t-shirts, tiaras, coloured tutus – even for the stags are fine but maybe leave the blow up dolls at home. Enjoy yourselves and have a good time but know when to stop – or at least ensure one in the group is sober to make sure you all get back to your accommodation safely. Write your hotel/apartment name on your arm when going out in case you forget or lose your bag/wallet and then can’t remember and don’t take too much cash or valuables out with you. Apart from that – ENJOY and come back again.