The modern Eurovision is seen much more than just as a tv show; and more as a global event, with year on year seeing a rising demand for tickets as fans look for that full Eurovision experience.
With demand massively outstripping the capacity of not just the arenas, but also the major city’s hotels in recent years – many fans are likely to end up disappointed or seriously out of pocket as they try to match the hefty price tag.
Many fans, our editors included, are now looking to the National Final season to get that euro-holiday fix and over the coming weeks we will be sharing our experiences across the various selection shows we attend to show the best of what is on offer if you still want to get away, enjoy a show, get a glimpse of the stars and dance the night away to your favourite Eurovision songs.
We start with Spain’s national final ‘Benidorm Fest’ which over the last two seasons really has become one of the go-to shows, with an awful lot to offer. And here is all you need to know if you might consider going along!
What is BenidormFest and when and where is it held?
The festival takes place in Benidorm (of course!) on Spain’s Costa Blanca (or the Costa Blanca Paloma as we are now calling it!) and the third edition of the event takes place over two semi-finals (30 Jan and 1 Feb 2024) and a Grand Final on 3rd Feb 2024. As one of the earlier national finals, it avoids the superest of Super Saturdays, making it a great one to visit.
How easy is it to get to?
Benidorm is very well connected with flights to and from most major destinations across Europe via Alicante airport. So getting there is not a problem at all
Tickets on the other hand can be difficult to get hold of, but if the show’s trajectory of success continues a larger arena could be an aspiration for the city. But BenidormFest does offer the unique opportunity of three shows in a single week with two semifinals ahead of the grand final which increases the chances of getting tickets for a show.
Tickets go on sale on 18th December and can be purchased via this link
Finding a place to stay is also not a problem. There are an abundance of hotels, especially as this is outside of Benidorm’s peak tourism season. There’s something for everyone’s budget with many apartments, 3* and 4* hotels at reasonable prices; and if you want more luxury, then there are some beautiful 5* hotels and a golf resort just outside the city.
What can you expect in Benidorm
You can expect some winter sun, with temperatures still very comfortable in January/February. And of course there are great opportunities to party, with the city providing club nights for the fans, and even a Eurovision village style area for a free public concert! There is a real buzz in the city for the event!
And it goes without saying that you will get the opportunity to meet some of the most passionate eurofans in the world. Spanish fans really know how to party and we were really made to feel very welcome!
Aside from the show, what else is on offer?
Benidorm has a huge tourism industry and if you are visiting out of season, it really is easy to fill your time with the many attractions the city has to offer. We certainly did, and here are our top 5 tips for things to do in Benidorm based on our experience from last year:
1. The Yellow Submarine tour to Illa Benidorm… From as little as €18 you can take a submarine tour to an island just off the coast for some fantastic views of the city, with a fun nod to our Eurovision host city from 2023.
2. Taking in the incredible views with a tour by e-bike (from €16 for a half day) you can reach every part of the city to take in the full experience. We took ours from Marco Polo Expedicions (IG: marcopoloexpediciones) and were impressed with the quality of the bikes.
3. Jeep tours. If you want to go a bit further out of the city, you can get some breathtaking views and even a hike in the mountains. Again we recommend Marco Polo Expeditions for providing a safe and exhilarating experience.
4. Rooftop cocktails. The best views we had this week were probably from the rooftop cocktail bar at Hotel Primavera at sunset.
5. Enjoy great food. There are so many fantastic restaurants in and around Benidorm. We sampled local cuisine, and some great wine.We particularly enjoyed the seafood and homeliness of Restaurante La Señoria in the Old Town.
Whilst we were there we created a quick vlog highlighting some of the fun we had…
So how would we rate Benidorm Fest overall?
Quality of the event. 💙💙💙💙💙
Accessibility / Tickets 💙💙💙💙🤍
Affordability 💙💙💙💙💙
The Vibe/Atmosphere 💙💙💙💙💙
Things to do 💙💙💙💙💙
Overall 💙💙💙💙💙
Our view: Benidorm Fest will only continue to grow. The only thing holding it back is the size of the arena and availability of tickets. They really do have everything else a Eurofan could need in a winter break. The introduction of BenidormFest has attracted a great quality of artists and songs, showing that Spain mean business and are here to win! In time we expect this National Final to match Melodifestivalen for its quality and its reach.
Have you visited many national finals, and what have your experiences been like?, and which would you recommend to travellers? Let us know in the comments section!
