In the late 70s, Spain’s LGBTQ+ community rejoiced as homosexual activity was legalised across the country. All this meant was that they could no longer be sent down for going down after a night out – something they’d been doing since the beginning of time anyway!

Today, Spain is one of the most liberal countries in the world in terms of LGBTQ+ freedoms. In fact, according to a 2013 study by Pew Research Centre, a whopping 88% of Spanish citizens accept homosexuality as a part of the country's culture. Join us in raising a glass to Spain which came out on top (or so to speak) against the 38 other countries who were polled. 🥂

If you're up for a bit of glitz and glamour then you have to pop in to the Old Town to see Miss Tina Gloss at Klee Kaffe. Opened in 1994 - Klee Kaffe is Benidorm's longest established drag cabaret bar and boy do they know how to rock it in there. Grab yourself a pink gin and lemo, sit down and watch Tina do her thing!

There's around 30 LGBTQ+ bars across Benidorm, from cabaret bars, those bars that are a bit 'darker' in nature (you know what we mean) or LGBTQ+ run where you can sit with a lovely G&T and watch the world go by. Most bars are quite small and usually hold around 30-50 customers at any one time.

For something a bit bigger - head in to the new town (Levante). Café Benidorm is one of the biggest bars in Benidorm and whilst it's not specifically an LGBTQ+ venue - is very welcoming and plays everything from Celine to Billy Ocean. You won't find a modern tune in here - so get your dancing shoes on!

Benidorm has so much to tickle your tastebuds... a personal favourite is China Garden in the Rincon de Loix area of Benidorm (end of the Levante beach opposite the Red Lion 2 bar). Here you can get a 3 course Chinese meal and a beer or half bottle of wine for around 6 euros! Yep, you read that right... 6 euros. The menu is a set menu but we've never seen so many options on a set menu before. 4.8/5 on Google and our own 20+ visits - definitely recommended.

If you're looking for something a bit more 'local' (we definitely mean food there) then you need to head to the old town. Situated in the heart of the old town are the small, cobbled streets affectionately known as Tapas Alley - lined with local tapas restaurants where you will dine with the locals. Some of these restaurants are loud and really come to life in the late evening... but the food is to die for! It's not uncommon to be walking the streets of the old town at 10pm with shops, bars and restaurants all bustling and you feeling like it's the middle of the day.

Busy, quiet or nude... that is the question. The busiest beach by far is Levante Beach - stretching miles across the whole of the new town this beach is stunning. The whole promenade is lined with shops, beach front cafes and bars (Tiki Beach is the liveliest of them all) but plenty to keep you refreshed as you glisten in the midday sun. Sun loungers are chargeable and it's not uncommon to see the locals heading down to the beach with their own picnic chairs... so take a few euros with you or a beach towel to lay directly on the beach.

For those wanting something a bit quieter head over to Poniente (just on the other side of the old town) for miles of stunning sand that's a lot quieter. There's not as much lining the promenade over this side but still some bars and shops to keep you hydrated or to have a wander to. There are a number of nudist beaches in the area - you'll need to drive or grab a taxi... Raco de Conill is possibly the best known nudist beach in the area and is in a small, quiet and beautiful bay surrounded by steep mountains, access is quite good with steps down to the beach with safety rails.

At almost every twist and turn of the new town (Levante) you'll see cabaret everywhere. Singers, dancers, comedians and it's not unusual to see drag shows in the new town too. This is a very open and accepting City and you're guaranteed a laugh. There are more drag shows in the new town than there are in the traditionally LGBTQ+ areas of the old town. With some very NSFW humour, grab a drink and a seat and prepare for a great night...or if that's not your thing, grab a taxi because you WILL be offended!

nobody likes rain, right?