Benidorm eyes UNESCO World Heritage status

Can Benidorm’s combo of beaches, bars and boozers earn it Unesco recognition?

The Taj Mahal, the Egyptian Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, Ayers Rock… and Benidorm?

The list of Unesco World Heritage sites comprises some of the world’s most breathtaking man-made creations and natural wonders, but city officials at the famous Costa Blanca resort of Benidorm have revealed they are set to apply for Unesco world heritage status, confident that Benidorm’s, erm, cocktail of sun, sea, sand, sangria and shenanigans can earn it a place alongside these cultural icons…

The idea is actually not as fanciful as it sounds. Spain has more than 40 Unesco world heritage sites, including the beautiful Alhambra Palace in Granada, and status is reserved for those locations that have a “special cultural or physical significance”.

Few could argue that a large part of Spain’s culture is its ability to cater for millions of sun-seeking tourists each year, and for this Benidorm is arguably the Mecca.

“During the past 50 years, some 250 million visitors have enjoyed Benidorm,” said Mario Gaviria, a sociologist who is backing Benidorm’s bid. “The resort is a symbol of harmonious coexistence that happily brings together people of all nationalities and languages,” adding that there are few better resorts in the world able to make sun and sand accessible to all.

The second-half of the 20^th century saw Benidorm grow from sleepy fishing village into high-rise heaven for hedonists seeking cheap hotels, swimming pools, beaches, plentiful bars and the all-important Spanish sunshine.

Regularly derided for hosting the type of behaviour that makes tabloid headlines across Europe, city officials are intent on seeking ways to alter Benidorm’s image. “We wanted to protect all that we’ve achieved during the recent decades as well as give it dignity and value,” said Benidorm mayor Agustin Navarro.

Full approval could take up to six years, but in the meantime one thing is certain: Benidorm will continue to be the go-to destination for Brits, Germans, Scandinavians and many other nationalities intent on a sun-soaked good time, Unesco World Heritage Site or not.