Benidorm is preparing for a surge in British visitors as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, with local authorities launching a special security operation amid expectations that thousands of England supporters will flock to the Costa Blanca resort.

The measures will affect residents, businesses and tourists throughout the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19. Although the matches themselves will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Benidorm is expected to become one of Europe’s biggest unofficial fan zones as football supporters choose sunshine and sea views over long-haul travel.

Why Benidorm is preparing for the World Cup

Authorities are not taking any chances. Flights from the UK into Alicante are up by more than 16 per cent during the opening weeks of the World Cup, fuelling expectations that thousands of England fans will choose Benidorm as their base for the tournament.

With hundreds of venues expected to show matches and accommodation demand already rising, local officials believe the resort could become one of Europe’s biggest unofficial gathering spots for supporters this summer.

Town Hall officials, Local Police and National Police have joined forces to coordinate plans ahead of what could be one of the busiest sporting periods of the year.

Additional police patrols are expected across the resort, particularly in entertainment districts, nightlife areas and locations where large numbers of fans are likely to gather to watch matches.

Authorities say the operation is designed to ensure public safety while allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the tournament.

The preparations come as travel data points to increased demand from the UK. Airline capacity between Britain and Alicante is expected to rise during the opening weeks of the competition, suggesting a significant increase in visitor numbers.

What this means for residents in Benidorm

For local residents, the World Cup is likely to bring a mixture of benefits and challenges.

The expected influx of visitors should provide a welcome boost for bars, restaurants, hotels and local businesses at the start of the busy summer season. Many establishments are preparing for packed terraces and busy trading periods as football fans gather to watch England’s matches.

At the same time, residents should expect busier streets, particularly during evenings and on major match days. Popular entertainment areas could see larger crowds than usual, especially if England progresses to the latter stages of the tournament.

The increased police presence is intended to help manage those crowds and minimise disruption while maintaining safety across the resort.

Planning a visit?

Anyone planning a trip to Benidorm during the World Cup should consider booking accommodation and popular venues early.

Bars showing England matches are expected to be particularly busy, and visitors may want to arrive well before kick-off to secure a good viewing spot.

Travellers should also allow extra time when moving around the resort on match days, particularly in areas known for their concentration of bars and entertainment venues.

Why Benidorm remains a favourite with British football fans

For decades, Benidorm has been one of the most popular overseas destinations for British holidaymakers. Its familiar atmosphere, wide range of accommodation, English-speaking venues and vibrant nightlife continue to attract visitors year after year.

Major football tournaments have traditionally brought an additional wave of tourists, many of whom prefer to enjoy the competition from a Spanish terrace rather than face the expense of travelling to host nations.

This year is expected to be no different, with hundreds of venues preparing to screen matches throughout the tournament.

Common questions from residents and tourists

Will there be more police on the streets?

Yes. Authorities have confirmed additional security measures and increased patrols throughout the World Cup period.

Are more British visitors expected?

Local officials believe so, with increased airline capacity between the UK and Alicante indicating strong demand during the opening weeks of the tournament.

Will matches be widely shown?

Yes. Hundreds of venues across Benidorm are expected to broadcast games, creating a festival-like atmosphere throughout the resort.

A busy summer lies ahead

With England supporters expected to arrive in large numbers and businesses preparing for increased demand, Benidorm is gearing up for a summer where football could become almost as big an attraction as its beaches.

For local companies, the tournament represents an economic opportunity. For visitors, it promises a lively atmosphere. And for residents, the coming weeks could offer a glimpse of just how powerful the combination of football and tourism can be on the Costa Blanca.

Police in Benidorm have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of fraud, misappropriation and document forgery. He rented out homes and parking spaces he neither owned nor had any legal right to let. The case has left multiple victims out of pocket, including British holidaymakers and long-stay renters.

The investigation began after several people reported losing money to the same individual. He offered properties for both long-term lets and short holiday stays, collected deposits and then either cancelled at the last minute or disappeared.

How this particular scam worked

One victim paid €650 as a deposit for a long-term rental after being introduced through a work colleague. She signed a contract with a planned April move-in date. Weeks before she was due to arrive, the man claimed the owners had pulled out. He promised to return the money but blocked all further contact. Two other people from the same workplace lost money in the same way.

A woman who lived in the same building lent him her keys for a few days so his family could stay. Months later she discovered strangers living in her flat. They had paid the man €700 a month in cash after he presented himself as the legitimate landlord.

Holiday lets followed a similar pattern. A man from Gijón paid €350 to reserve an apartment for a short break. When he arrived he could not reach the supposed owner. Staff at the building told him several other people had turned up with identical bookings for the same dates.

The biggest single loss came from a Dutch woman who already owned a flat in the same building as the suspect. She agreed to buy a garage space from him for €22,000, signed a deposit agreement and paid €2,200 upfront. She also booked flights and a hotel to complete the purchase. Days before travel he cancelled, blaming health problems on the seller’s side. She later discovered the contract had been falsified and the space was never for sale. Her total losses, including travel costs, exceeded €4,300.

Tactics that caught people out

This case shows how scammers sometimes operate through personal connections rather than public websites. Victims were approached via work colleagues or by someone living in the same building. Key lending and fake garage sales added extra layers that made the offers feel more legitimate.

How British visitors can protect themselves in similar situations

Be especially cautious with any rental offer that comes through a personal introduction or someone already living in the building. Always insist on seeing proof of ownership before handing over money or keys.

For any parking space or garage purchase, carry out an independent check through the local property registry or town hall rather than relying on documents supplied by the seller.

When booking holiday lets, confirm with the building management or concierge that your booking is recognised before you travel. If several people arrive for the same dates, report it to the police straight away.

Never send large deposits by bank transfer for long-term rentals arranged privately. Use a proper contract with clear cancellation terms and keep records of every payment, including cash withdrawals if necessary.

Report any suspicious approach or sudden cancellation to the Policía Nacional immediately. Early reports help officers connect cases and warn others. Benidorm police stations tend to have someone who speaks English well, but if concerned about language barriers, crimes can be reported online in various languages at denuncias.policia.es

British tourists heading to Benidorm this summer should treat any offer that feels unusually convenient or comes through informal channels with the same level of checks they would apply to buying a second-hand car. Quick verification steps can prevent the kind of losses seen in this case.