EXCLUSIVE: A leading travel guide declared three Spanish holiday hotspots as ‘forbidden’ to travel to this year – but not all hope is lost for sun-seeking Brits
Holidaymakers have been warned over three Spanish hotspots ‘forbidden’ for travel – but Benidorm insider says it’s ‘buzzing’ with Brits already this winter.
In a new blow for those looking to get some winter sun or pre-emptively book their summer getaway before the mad rush, leading travel guide Fodors announced that Barcelona, Majorca and Canary Islands have made their ‘no-go’ list due to tourist oversaturation.
The Spanish, or Catalonian, city and the popular islands were at the centre of anti-tourist protests last year as locals were getting to the end of their tether with temporary visitors for a number of reasons.
Although the three popular Spanish holiday destinations have made the ‘forbidden’ list, it looks like fellow Brit tourist favourite Benidorm is already alive and kicking, welcoming tourists with open arms – along with plenty of sun.
Our insider ‘King of Benidorm’ Nigel Pope, who moved from Cornwall to Costa Blanca seven years ago, has revealed how the party town is still ‘buzzing’ off season, with Brits basking in temperatures of 22C in January.
Nigel exclusively told us: “During January Benidorm is buzzing as always. We just had an amazing Three Kings parade ending in a fabulous fireworks display on the evening of the 5th. The weather during January can be great, warm and sunny during the day and temperatures reaching 22C plus in the shade. But, it does get chilly to cold at night.
“It has been as busy as summer for the Three King’s Parade and the final weekend of the mini fairground with a real ice skating rink.
“I have seen Benidorm a lot busier than normal and I hear from my followers about some really cheap deals with hotels, apartment rentals and cheap flights to get away from the bad weather – especially from those in the UK.”
The unofficial royal of the coastal resort town gained his title after posting his in-depth digital tour guides on TikTok, where he has amassed over 70,000 followers.
He is that popular that Brits have made the 900-mile pilgrimage to meet their ‘King’ and to get a taste of Benidorm with Nigel’s recommendations – that don’t just involve booze. Despite Brits setting up home and visiting Benidorm in their droves, Nigel believes that the atmosphere is very different among locals and tourists in comparison to the destinations on the ‘forbidden’ list.
Nigel shared that January can be a great time to visit Benidorm for good weather, nightlife that lasts until 7am and all without the fear of anti-tourist protests.
He explained: “Visiting Benidorm at this time of year can bring a little bit of summer during the day and amazing entertainment at night even with a few of the nightclubs and bars closed, there is always something to do.
“Excursions to surrounding areas are still going and public transport is very cheap, a day trip to Alicante on the train is still only 4.80 euros return and it’s a lovely coastal trip. And, booze prices are always cheap throughout the year.
“Best way to treat Benidorm for a visit is that normally it feels like a UK sunny spring or autumn day, with a few chilly to cold nights.
“There are more retired people here than youngsters, but usually a few more youngsters at weekends. Most hotels bars, nightclubs and restaurants stay open all year, making it the perfect place for some winter sunshine virtually guaranteed.”
Nigel’s comments come after travel guide gurus Fodors released their ‘forbidden’ 2025 list – which provides advice on where not to go for several reasons. Barcelona, Majorca and the Canary Islands seem to be the victim of their own popularity after locals have become frustrated with swathes of tourists.
Not only does it make locals peeved off, tourists in busy places are said to be “rarely happy travellers.” The travel guide said: “Touring cities full of tourists is frustrating; Sightseeing in villages where locals resent your presence is disturbing and wandering through nature plagued by garbage is depressing.”
Anti-tourist protests kicked off last year after locals said to be ‘priced out’ of their own homes, due to holiday rentals making it difficult for natives to find affordable housing. Other reasons include environmental and sustainability concerns after the masses of people booking ‘all inclusive’ deals in beach areas.
In Barcelona, mayor Jaume Collboni shared that tourist rentals will be ousted by November 2028. He says these type of properties hinder the local housing supply and drive up prices, which is fuelling the housing crisis in the city.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Nigel has provided some ‘must-see’ gems around the Benidorm area that are seen as ‘hidden gems’ away from all the masses of tourists.
King of Benidorm’s must-see ‘hidden gem’ guide:
- El Castell de Guadalest
- Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls
- Altea
- Denia
- Alicante
- Valencia