Benidorm is far more than a simple sun-and-sea destination. This Costa Blanca city in the province of Alicante has become one of Spain’s most distinctive urban centres, defined by its skyscraper-filled skyline and lively tourist scene. But how many people actually live in Benidorm? Here, we examine its population in 2025, its summer peak numbers and its foreign resident community.
How many inhabitants does Benidorm have?
Benidorm recorded its highest-ever population in the 2025 census published by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), with 77,221 registered residents. This represents a 3.5% increase on the previous year. Within the province of Alicante, it ranks fifth, behind the capital, Elche, Torrevieja and Orihuela.
In the past year alone, the city has gained more than 2,500 new registered residents, driven by residential growth – particularly in the Poniente area – and by municipal policies aimed at encouraging registration.
How many people are there in Benidorm in the summer?
However, while its official population stands at around 77,000, the reality during the summer months is very different. On peak days, Benidorm’s population can increase fivefold. According to the City Council, during the summer of 2023, the city reached a record figure of more than 365,000 people.
The combination of hotels, holiday homes, second homes and day visitors makes Benidorm one of the Spanish cities with the largest floating populations, requiring public services, security and transport systems to be scaled accordingly.
How many foreigners live in Benidorm?
Benidorm also has one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in Spain. According to 2024 data, around 35% of its inhabitants are from other countries, a factor that has been key to the city reaching record demographic levels in recent years.
This growth is closely linked to strong interest from foreign nationals in settling in the city. While the range of nationalities is broad, the largest group is British, followed by residents from Colombia, Romania and other countries such as Pakistan, Ukraine and Russia.
Living in Benidorm
Living in Benidorm means enjoying a city that remains active all year round, with a mild climate, the services of a major tourist destination, and a labour market closely tied to tourism and hospitality. Its pace shifts with the seasons, but it consistently retains a cosmopolitan and dynamic character, making it an increasingly attractive destination both for permanent residents and for those relocating for work.