Benidorm has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers flying from Newcastle International Airport.
And with a four-day weekend on the horizon, many will be jetting off to Alicante and heading to Benidorm for some sunshine, sunbathing and sangria. Spain has relaxed its coronavirus regulations in recent months, as have the regional governments within Spain, including Valencia's, which sets the rules for the region Benidorm is in.
There is still a requirement for adults travelling from the UK to be vaccinated or recovered from Covid to enter Spain as a tourist. Children aged 12-17 can enter by showing a negative Covid-19 test. Those under 12 don't need to be vaccinated or show a negative test.
Read more: The rules for taking food through Airport Security
While masks are no longer required outdoors in Spain, unless social distancing is impossible, they are still worn indoors, including bars and restaurants. Spain also changed its smoking rules during the Covid pandemic, you are not allowed to light-up on outdoor terraces, and that is still the case.
But with clubs, restaurants and bars back to being fully open, a trip to Benidorm should feel a bit more back to normal.
You can fly from Newcastle International Airport to Alicante, near Benidorm, with Ryanair or Jet 2.
Benidorm and Spain's Covid-19 rules
Around Spain there are rules that apply to the whole country, as well as different measures in each autonomous community. Benidorm is in the province of Alicante, in Valencia's Community.
Do I need to be vaccinated to go to Benidorm?
If you are a UK citizen, travelling from the UK, you will need to be either fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 to enter Spain as a tourist, if you are 18 or over.
To qualify as fully vaccinated, you must have either two doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one shot of a one-dose vaccine, and the final dose must be no longer than 270 days before travel. If it has been more than 270 days since your final dose of a one-shot or two-shot course, you will need a booster jab.
Children aged under 12 do not need to show any proof to enter Spain. Children aged 12 to 17 can either prove they are fully vaccinated or present a negative PCR Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival, to gain entry into Spain. Lateral flow tests are not accepted.
Adults who are unvaccinated can enter Spain as a tourist if they can prove they have recovered from a Covid-19 infection within the last six months. Your NHS Pass will show that if it is the case, or you can get a doctor's letter.
If you are unvaccinated and have not recovered from Covid, you may be banned from entering Spain.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) says: "Under the Spanish government’s current measures, you can only enter Spain from the UK for tourism purposes if you can show valid proof of meeting the vaccination requirements set out above or a medical certificate certifying that you have recovered from Covid-19 in the last 6 months prior to travel."
All travellers will need to fill out a passenger locator form. The NHS Covid pass can be used to prove your vaccine or recovery status.
Do I need a vaccine pass to visit bars, clubs and restaurants in Benidorm?
No. In February Spain ditched its requirement to show a vaccine pass to enter venues like bars and restaurants. A vaccine pass is not required to go out in Benidorm.
Where do I need to wear a mask in Benidorm?
Unlike England, the use of face coverings is still required in indoor settings in Spain, including Benidorm, for people aged over six years old. Face masks are also required at open-air events where keeping a 1.5m distance apart is not possible.
Customers are supposed to wear masks indoors, including inside bars, restaurants and cafes, with exemptions for when they are eating and drinking.
The Spanish Government's safe travel site says: "To minimise the risk of infection, it is advisable to wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth for as much of the time as possible. When your food arrives at the table, take it off and enjoy, but it’s best to keep it on until your order is served, between dishes, and after your meal."
Those who can not wear face coverings for health reasons must be prepared to produce a letter from their doctor saying so.
Do I have to wear a mask on the beach, by the pool or walking around in Benidorm?
No, as long as you can maintain a 1.5-metre social distance, you are not required to wear a mask outdoors in Spain anymore. The requirement to wear masks at all times outdoors was scrapped in February.
Are clubs and bars open in Benidorm?
Yes, clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants are allowed to open in Benidorm. According to Spain's Government, there are no Covid-19 limits on closing times anymore in Benidorm. The 10 person limit on tables was dropped in the Valencia region, which includes Benidorm, in February, so now there is no legal limit on how big groups can be. Venues can open at full capacity.
Smoking is not allowed on outdoor terraces at bars, clubs and restaurants.
Is dancing allowed in Benidorm?
Yes, dancefloors are open in Benidorm. The law states that masks should be worn while dancing indoors. Drinking is technically not allowed on dance floors at the moment.
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