Benidorm (Valencian pronunciation: [beniˈðɔɾm], Spanish: [beniˈðor]) is a Valencian coastal town and municipality located in the comarca of Marina Baixa, in the province of Alicante, Spain, by the western Mediterranean Sea.

Prior to the 1960s, Benidorm was a small village. Today it stands out for its hotel industry, beaches and skyscrapers, built as a result of its tourist-oriented economy. According to the 2004 census, Benidorm has a permanent population of 64,956 inhabitants, ranking as the fifth most populous town in the Alicante province. It is one of the most important holiday resorts in Spain, with an area of 38.5 km² and a population density of 1,593.56 inhab/km². Due to the unique skyline formed by its numerous tall hotels and apartment buildings it is sometimes referred to as the "Manhattan of Spain" or "Beniyork", which is unlike any other on the Costa Blanca (White Coast). According to the Urban Age project, Benidorm has the most high-rise buildings per capita in the world.^[1] Benidorm itself is dwarfed by the 1406 m tall Puig Campana, which is one of the most impressive mountains of the Costa Blanca.

Contents [hide] 1 Local politics 2 Geography 2.1 Climate 3 Tourism 3.1 Events and attractions 4 Demographics 4.1 Ethnicity 4.2 Population growth 5 See also 6 References 7 External links