A British expat residing in Benidorm has issued a stark warning to tourists about the resort’s most dangerous spots to steer clear of during their summer holidays. Despite its allure, attracting approximately five million visitors annually and ranking as one of Spain’s hotspots, Harry Poulton cautions holidaymakers to be vigilant.
Having been smitten with Benidorm since his first lads’ holiday at 18, the now 24-year-old Poulton considers moving there the best choice he’s ever made, and he’s on a crusade to enlighten potential visitors about the city he calls home.
With a substantial TikTok following of 40,000, Harry Poulton is no stranger to dispensing travel wisdom and insights about the Spanish resort. His latest video, amassing over 29,000 views and a flurry of likes, discloses the three most treacherous zones in the bustling city, advising tourists to avoid them.
Topping Harry’s list is the notorious ‘Yellow Brick Road’, a vibrant strip brimming with bars, eateries, and entertainment, encompassing streets such as Leanto Street, Ibiza Street, and Leerida Street.
Harry shared: “The Yellow Brick Road – this little public pathway […] leads all the way up to the Rio Park. Now, it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing. Generally, during the day, it’s absolutely fine. I’d recommend avoiding it at night.”
Pueblo Alley by the Hotel Pueblo, adjacent to Levante Beach, ranks second on the list of areas to steer clear of, with the Brighton-based content creator advising: “This is one I definitely recommend avoiding, especially late at night, as you do get the pickpockets hanging around this area.” Harry continued: “You also get the odd lady of the night. There are plenty of other ways around.”
Topping the list as the place to avoid at all costs is ‘Mugger’s Alley’, with Harry saying it’s the most notorious and infamous for nefarious activities: “It is the most notorious – it’s the one we all know. Known for pickpocketing, ladies of the night, it’s just an area I would avoid.”
Harry pointed out alarming trends in local crime, saying: “They’re even doing these new taxi scams. It’s crazy. Save yourself the hassle and cross the road.”
Additionally, a warning post from a public Facebook page called Benidorm Forever alerted readers about this hotbed of criminal activity, saying: “It’s located at the start of the strip opposite the Hotel Flash and runs behind the white ‘SATE’ building, near Morgan Tavern. It’s safe enough in the day but late at night you’ll likely get approached by ‘hugger muggers’ (individuals who will invade your space pretending to know you whilst swiping your valuables), prostitutes and robbers.”
They warned: “Men on their own are the main target so stay together and walk in front of the sate building, not behind it. Remember most crimes in Benidorm are non violent, it’s your phone and cash they’re after, so keep both out of site and if you do get robbed you need to visit the SATE office (opposite the hotel Flash) in office hours to make a police report.”
Despite highlighting the potential dangers, Harry is full of praise for his chosen holiday spot. He believes that many Brits have a misguided view of Benidorm, dismissing rumours of scams and overpriced pubs as far from reality.
Moreover, since trading Brighton for Benidorm, Harry has seen a significant decrease in his monthly expenses, now ranging between £500 and £1,000, bills included. Harry stated: “If you live here, you get it. Benidorm is paradise – and anyone who says otherwise is lying.”
Have you visited Benidorm? Comment below.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
