Join thriving expat communities in Benidorm with social clubs, sports groups, and special interest organizations.
One of the most common concerns for people considering a move abroad is the fear of loneliness and isolation. How will I make friends? Will I find people with similar interests? These worries are entirely natural, but in Benidorm, they quickly prove unfounded. The town boasts one of the most active and welcoming expat communities on the Costa Blanca, with established organizations, social clubs, and informal groups covering virtually every interest imaginable. For newcomers willing to put themselves out there, making connections and building a fulfilling social life in Benidorm is remarkably easy.
The British Community: A Home Away From Home
The British represent the largest expat group in Benidorm, and decades of British settlement have created a comprehensive infrastructure of social organizations, clubs, and support networks. For British newcomers, this community provides an instant connection to familiar culture while also serving as a gateway to broader international friendships.
The Royal British Legion maintains an active branch in Benidorm, providing a focal point for veterans and their families. Monthly meetings combine social activities with the Legion's charitable mission, and the Remembrance Sunday ceremony draws large crowds each November. Beyond the formal meetings, Legion members form lasting friendships and support networks that extend throughout the year.
The Benidorm British Business Association brings together entrepreneurs and professionals, offering networking opportunities and practical advice for those running businesses in Spain. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers covering topics from Spanish employment law to digital marketing, while informal events provide opportunities for business connections and socializing.
Facebook has become an essential tool for British expats in Benidorm. Groups like "Brits in Benidorm" and "Benidorm Expats" count thousands of members and serve as virtual community centers where newcomers can ask questions, seek recommendations, and arrange to meet up. These groups often organize informal gatherings at local bars, creating opportunities for face-to-face connections that grow from online introductions.
International Organizations and Service Clubs
While the British community is the largest, Benidorm's expat population is genuinely international, and several organizations bring together people of all nationalities around shared interests and values.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) Costa Blanca represents perhaps the most comprehensive social organization for retired expats. Operating across multiple branches in the region, U3A offers an astonishing range of courses and activities – everything from Spanish language classes and art appreciation to hiking groups and technology workshops. The educational focus attracts intellectually curious members, but the primary benefit for many is the social connections formed through regular participation in activities. Monthly general meetings feature guest speakers and provide opportunities to learn about new activities and meet fellow members.
Rotary Club Benidorm brings together members from various nationalities united by the Rotarian mission of service above self. Weekly meetings combine fellowship with charitable planning, and members often develop close friendships through their shared commitment to community service. The international nature of Rotary means that members come from diverse backgrounds, enriching the social experience.
Lions Club operates similarly, focusing on charitable work while providing a social framework for members. The informal atmosphere and regular social events make these service clubs accessible even for those whose primary motivation is meeting people rather than formal charitable work.
Sports Groups: Active Social Connections
For those who prefer to combine socializing with physical activity, Benidorm offers numerous sports groups welcoming newcomers of all abilities.
Walking groups represent one of the most popular activities, taking advantage of the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Benidorm. Groups typically meet weekly for guided walks through the Sierra Helada Natural Park, surrounding mountains, and coastal paths. Walks are often graded by difficulty, accommodating everyone from serious hikers to those preferring gentle strolls. The shared experience of exploring beautiful landscapes naturally generates conversation and friendship, and many walking groups finish their outings at local restaurants for lunch together.
Tennis clubs welcome players of all standards, from beginners taking their first lessons to competitive players seeking match practice. The year-round playing conditions make tennis an ideal sport for the region, and club memberships provide both court access and social opportunities through organized games and club events.
Running clubs cater to the growing number of expats who maintain their fitness through regular runs. Group runs take place several times weekly, with routes and paces suited to different abilities. The supportive atmosphere encourages newcomers, and the post-run coffee or breakfast has become as important as the exercise itself for many members.
Bowls clubs have long been popular with British retirees, and several active clubs in the Benidorm area welcome new members. The gentle nature of the sport makes it accessible regardless of age or fitness level, while the club environment provides structured social opportunities through competitions, social matches, and club events.
Golf clubs bring together players on the region's excellent courses, with regular competitions and social rounds. Many golfers find their primary social network through their golf clubs, with friendships extending well beyond the course into restaurants, social events, and travel.
Special Interest Groups
Beyond sports, an enormous range of special interest groups allows expats to pursue hobbies and passions while meeting like-minded people.
Art groups and painting clubs meet regularly for sessions that combine instruction with social interaction. Some groups focus on specific techniques or subjects, while others provide informal environments where amateur artists work alongside each other. Exhibitions and group outings to galleries add additional social dimensions.
Bridge clubs meet several times weekly at various venues, providing structured social opportunities for card game enthusiasts. The intellectual challenge of bridge attracts engaged, interesting players, and the regular schedule of sessions allows for the development of lasting friendships.
Photography clubs organize regular outings to capture the stunning landscapes, architecture, and street life of the region. More experienced photographers share their knowledge with beginners, and club meetings provide opportunities to share work and receive constructive feedback.
Book clubs meeting in English gather monthly to discuss selected titles, combining literary discussion with social interaction. The focused discussion format helps break the ice for newcomers, and the regular monthly meetings allow friendships to develop over time.
Choir and music groups bring together those who love to sing or play instruments, with several English-speaking choirs active in the region. Performance opportunities at local events add purpose and excitement to regular rehearsals.
Building Your Social Network
For newcomers to Benidorm, building a social network requires some initial effort, but the rewards come quickly. The key is simply to show up – attend meetings, join activities, and be open to conversation.
Most organizations welcome newcomers warmly, understanding that everyone was new once. Many groups specifically designate welcomers or mentors to help new members feel comfortable. Attending the same activities regularly allows recognition to build into acquaintanceship and eventually friendship.
The informal social infrastructure of Benidorm also plays an important role. Regular patrons of local bars and cafés become known to each other, and conversations struck up over morning coffee often develop into lasting friendships. The open, friendly atmosphere of Spanish bar culture encourages social interaction in ways that can feel liberating for those from more reserved Northern European cultures.
Volunteering provides another excellent avenue for making connections while contributing to the community. Organizations like SCAN (Supporting Cancer Awareness Network) and Help Vega Baja always welcome English-speaking volunteers, and the shared purpose of volunteer work creates strong bonds between participants.
The digital world complements face-to-face connections. Beyond Facebook groups, forums like BenidormSeriously.com provide platforms for discussion and connection. The Nextdoor app helps neighbors connect, particularly useful for building hyperlocal social networks.
For those willing to make the effort, Benidorm offers social opportunities that many find exceed what they experienced in their home countries. The concentration of people in similar life situations – often retired, seeking active lifestyles, open to new experiences – creates an unusually fertile environment for friendship. Many expats report that their social lives in Benidorm are busier and more fulfilling than anything they experienced before their move.
