
Benidorm: The Spanish Town with a Skyline Rivalling New York
Benidorm, a coastal town in Spain's Alicante province, has garnered attention for its impressive skyline, often drawing comparisons to major metropolises. With a significant number of high-rise buildings, Benidorm stands out in Spain for its vertical urban landscape. The town's architectural transformation began in the mid-20th century, evolving from a modest fishing village into a bustling tourist destination. This rapid development led to the construction of numerous skyscrapers to accommodate the influx of visitors, making Benidorm's skyline one of the most distinctive in the country.
While Benidorm's skyline is remarkable, it's essential to contextualise its stature on the global stage. According to data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, cities like Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and New York City lead in the number of skyscrapers exceeding 150 meters in height. Benidorm's tallest building, the Gran Hotel Bali, stands at 186 meters, making it the fifth tallest in Spain. Despite not surpassing global giants in skyscraper counts, Benidorm's unique blend of Mediterranean charm and vertical architecture offers a distinctive urban experience. Its skyline serves as a testament to the town's rapid development and its role as a significant player in Spain's tourism industry. In conclusion, while Benidorm may not outnumber New York City in skyscrapers, its remarkable transformation and iconic skyline make it a noteworthy example of urban development in Spain.