Spain's Las Vegas — a skyline of hotels and holiday apartments, non-stop entertainment and a British holiday atmosphere
Benidorm is a landlord's paradise with the right expectations. High turnover, lower rental rates but extremely high occupancy. The Valencia region's tourist licence applies here.
Why Benidorm?
Let out property in Benidorm — the letting market
Looking to let out property in Benidorm? Benidorm on the Costa Blanca has solid demand for holiday accommodation year round. Letting out property in Benidorm provides an ongoing return and covers maintenance and property tax during the periods you are not using it yourself.
Benidorm is a landlord's paradise with the right expectations. High turnover, lower rental rates but extremely high occupancy. The Valencia region's tourist licence applies here.
Tourist licence and rules in Benidorm
To let your property in Benidorm on a short-term basis (under roughly 2-3 months per tenant) you need a valid tourist licence. In Valencia region this is issued by the Generalitat Valenciana, and you must register the property with a specific licence number that must appear in all listings.
The rules are actively enforced, and fines for illegal letting can run into several thousand euros. It is therefore essential to have the licence sorted before you start advertising the property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.
Expected rental income in Benidorm
In high season, a property in Benidorm can typically be let for 400-900 EUR per week in high season for an apartment. Over a full year, with a realistic occupancy rate of 50-70% in the most popular areas, this can provide a solid ongoing return — particularly if the property is also used privately outside the season.
Remember that rental income must be taxed in Spain (typically 19% for EU citizens on net income) and may also need to be declared in your home country — but double taxation treaties typically prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income.
How to get started letting in Benidorm
Start by applying for a tourist licence from the Generalitat Valenciana, and make sure the property meets the requirements for safety, fire equipment and signage. Next, you should invest in professional photos — in a market like Benidorm, where enormous tourist capacity — never a dull moment is a big part of the appeal, good photos make a real difference to your booking rate.
Consider whether you want to manage the letting yourself, or use a local property management company that handles key handover, cleaning and guest communication — particularly relevant if you do not live in Spain full time.
Long-term letting as an alternative in Benidorm
If you prefer a more stable, less administration-heavy solution, long-term letting (over a year) to locals or expats can be a good alternative to seasonal short-term letting. It does not require the same tourist licence, but is instead governed by the general tenancy law (LAU), which gives the tenant stronger rights.
Life and culture in Benidorm
Benidorm celebrates its Fiestas Patronales in November in honour of the town's patron saints, with processions, fireworks and street parties, but the town is primarily known internationally for its huge tourism industry and skyline of high-rises, which has earned it the nickname "Spain's Manhattan" or "Spain's Las Vegas". The old town around Plaza de la Constitución, however, still retains a more authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Nightlife in Benidorm is intense and varied — particularly the British-style "Square" with its pub scene, but also a large Spanish and international club and bar landscape. It is one of Europe's most entertainment-heavy destinations, with theme parks such as Terra Mítica and Aqualandia just outside town.
Location and infrastructure
Alicante-Elche airport is around 45 minutes' drive from Benidorm. There is no direct train connection to Benidorm itself, but good bus connections run along the coast.
Taxis are widespread and easy to find thanks to the huge tourist flow. The short distance to Alicante airport makes Benidorm practical for Danish travellers, although transport from the airport requires a bus, taxi or car.
Tourism & leisure
Benidorm has two long, wide sandy beaches (Levante and Poniente) of high quality — among the best urban beaches on the entire Costa Blanca. Golf is not a major part of the town's identity, though a few courses exist inland.
Benidorm is one of the noisiest towns on the coast in the evenings and at night, especially around "the Square" and the central tourist streets — for most buyers here, this is part of the town's character rather than a downside. The climate is mild and dry, typical of the Costa Blanca, with slightly less rainfall than the Costa del Sol.
Everyday costs & what to know before you let out in Benidorm
Eating out in Benidorm is affordable and varied, with everything from cheap British pub menus to authentic Spanish restaurants. Rent and property prices are among the most affordable on the entire Spanish Mediterranean coast, giving strong return potential for investors.
Before you buy: Benidorm is primarily an investment and rental market rather than a quiet residential destination — be realistic about the type of buyer or tenant you're targeting. The Valencia region's tourist licence is required for short-term letting.
Areas in Benidorm
Explore the individual areas in Benidorm for more specific information on prices and character:
Frequently asked questions about letting in Benidorm
Do I need a tourist licence to let my property in Benidorm?
Yes, if you let it short-term to tourists. The licence is issued by the Generalitat Valenciana in Valencia region, and the licence number must appear in all your listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
How much can I earn letting out my property in Benidorm?
In high season, a property can typically be let for 400-900 EUR per week in high season for an apartment. The annual return depends on the occupancy rate, but 50-70% during the most popular periods is realistic for a well-located property in Benidorm.
Which platforms should I use to let my property in Benidorm?
Airbnb and Booking.com are the most widely used platforms and offer the broadest exposure. For luxury properties, specialised platforms aimed at premium holiday rentals can attract a more qualified pool of guests.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term letting in Benidorm?
Short-term letting requires a tourist licence and generates higher income per night, but requires more administration and is subject to seasonal swings. Long-term letting does not require a tourist licence, provides a more stable income, but is governed by the general tenancy law, which gives tenants stronger rights.
Do I need to declare rental income from Benidorm in my home country?
In most cases, yes — rental income typically needs to be declared in your home country, but you usually pay Spanish tax on the income first (around 19% for EU citizens), and this can then be offset against tax owed at home under the relevant double taxation treaty, so you are not taxed twice on the same income. Check the specific rules that apply in your country of residence.
Need help letting out your property in Benidorm?
Contact us for a no-obligation chat about your options in Benidorm. We give impartial advice and help you move forward — whether you're just starting your research or ready to take the next step.
Contact us about Benidorm