Local authorities in Benidorm report a recurring trend of British tourists going missing during their stay, with alcohol consumption cited as the leading cause.
According to the British Business Association in Benidorm, at least one British tourist is reported missing each week, often due to excessive drinking and resulting disorientation. The incidents are part of a broader pattern observed during the summer season, which also saw over 900 items turned in to the city’s Lost and Found Office.
The spike in lost individuals and belongings is prompting concern from both police and local tourism stakeholders, who are urging for greater awareness around safety and responsible tourism. “The 99% of these incidents are resolved satisfactorily,” said Karen Cowles, President of the British Business Association. However, the frequency of such cases has triggered renewed calls for preventive measures, particularly during high-traffic months.
Alcohol-Driven Disorientation Raises Alarms
Most of the missing tourist reports involve individuals who become separated from their group or forget the name or location of their hotel. Local police say the problem typically stems from tourists—mostly young adults—consuming alcohol in excess and losing their sense of direction. In many cases, the missing person is located within 24 hours after wandering or sleeping off the effects of alcohol in public spaces.
“They come in groups, but when someone gets left behind, the others often don’t return to find them,” said a spokesperson from the Local Police. The issue has become so prevalent that many tourists use social media platforms, such as Facebook groups like “Lost and Found,” to search for friends, family members—or even their own belongings.
Spike in Lost Property Also Noted
Alongside lost tourists, Benidorm’s Lost and Found Office registered 902 lost items during the 2025 summer months, including phones, passports, wallets, and even unusual items like prosthetic teeth and a funerary urn. Of those, 175 were successfully returned to owners, and approximately 400 were forwarded to relevant consulates or local councils.
Mobile phones top the list of most common items found. Due to Spain’s data protection laws, police are only allowed to return them to verified owners. The office holds unclaimed items for up to two years before disposal. Any cash recovered is deposited into a special account managed by the city council.
Local Authorities Respond with Humor and Warnings
Benidorm’s police force has attempted to strike a balance between caution and approachability. They maintain an active Facebook presence and use humor to connect with tourists. In one post, referencing €2,500 found inside a handbag, the caption read: “Who said all banks are bad?” The money was eventually returned to its owner.
In another case, a funerary urn left behind in a church was kept by police until the legal holding period expired, after which it was respectfully transferred to the local cemetery. While these anecdotes might raise a smile, authorities stress that the overall trend poses safety and operational concerns for the popular beach destination.
According to Cowles, the combination of alcohol-fueled relaxation and high tourist volumes creates the conditions for such incidents. “It’s a seasonal pattern, but one that keeps repeating,” she said.
As Benidorm continues to attract large numbers of tourists, particularly from the UK, local officials are calling for more responsibility among visitors and are exploring measures to address safety concerns linked to alcohol consumption and property loss.
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