For several decades Benidorm has been host to British tourists who have flocked there since the 1970s and 1980s when package-holiday exploded in popularity in the UK. 

Since then, thousands have made the journey to south eastern Spain and Benidorm’s famous beaches, bars, and coastline to soak up the sun. 

Today, Benidorm is so popular with British tourists that there is even a “Little England” in one part of the town where Britons sometimes occupy up to half of the hotel beds.

Furthermore, in recent weeks there has been anti-tourism tension growing over fears mass tourism protests in the Canary Islands could spread to mainland Spain and impact British tourists who spend money in these areas during the summer months.

Despite the concerns over mass tourism protests, there is still hope that relations between British tourists and Benidorm can continue to flourish.

A set of photographs from the 1980s and 1990s opens a window into a booming time for Britons and Benidorm. The photographs show tanned British tourists relaxing on sunloungers and walking through the city’s wide open streets and provide a glimpse of what life was like nearly 30 years ago in one of Spain’s most iconic cities.