Benidorm, located in Alicante along Spain’s sunny Mediterranean coast, is a massive hit with Brits craving a dose of sunshine.
A YouGov survey has found Spain to be the top holiday destination for UK travellers abroad, and TripAdvisor bestowed the title of Spain’s number one holiday town for Brits upon Benidorm in 2023.
However, if Benidorm beckons you for an upcoming holiday, you should listen to a “serious warning” from a British expat now calling the beachside haven his home – don’t forget to pack one vital item.
Harry Tokky took to TikTok with an important message for those travelling to the Spanish resort. In his video alert, he emphasised the necessity of packing sunscreen given the soaring temperatures this week in Benidorm.
In his own words: “This is a serious warning for anyone coming out to Benidorm. Honestly, you must pack sun cream. The temperature at the moment is unbelievable. When you see the temperature, you are going to be shocked.”
Further substantiating his claim, Harry captured footage of a local pharmacy’s outdoor LCD display, evidencing extraordinarily high readings. He remarked that at 6 pm, the thermometer displayed a sizzling 35°C.
BBC Weather projects a continuation of warm weather in Benidorm, forecasting highs of 29°C in the coming days before temperatures ascend once more into the sweltering 30s as the weekend approaches and the following week commences.
The UK is also set to sizzle with temperatures rivalling those of Benidorm, as forecasts predict parts of the country, including London and Birmingham, could see the mercury soar past 30°C this weekend.
With Benidorm basking in continuous sunshine and sweltering heat, holidaymakers are reminded of the importance of slathering on sunscreen and topping it up regularly to shield themselves from the intense UV rays.
Some commenters even reported experiencing hotter weather, with one individual claiming their car’s temperature gauge showed a blistering 43°C in direct sunlight.
One soon-to-be visitor exclaimed: “I fly out on Saturday, wasn’t expecting temperatures like that in June!” Meanwhile, another currently soaking up the sun advised: “I’m here now, [wearing] factor 30 and still got burnt today! Spent most of the day in the sea.”
How to stay safe in the sun
According to the NHS, staying safe when the weather is sunny is important as sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer. There is no healthy way to get a tan, and a tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.
In order to keep yourself safe, the NHS recommends that you:
- Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Never burn
- Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
- Take extra care with children
- Use at least factor 30 sunscreen
However, they also caution that sunscreen shouldn’t be your sole defence against the sun’s rays. It’s essential to don appropriate apparel and seek out shade during peak sunlight hours.
When shopping for sunscreen, ensure it has a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and boasts a four-star UVA rating. The presence of “UVA” inside a circle on the label is also a good sign, signifying conformity with EU regulations.
For more information on staying safe in hot weather, visit the NHS website.