Home

Brought to you by Shine Design

Cool Playlist

Local & Spanish

‹ Back

Benidorm Tourists Warned To Avoid Notorious ‘Pea Men’ Street Scam As Fresh Safety Concerns Emerge

Benidorm / 10 June 2026

Holidaymakers Urged To Stay Vigilant

Fresh warnings have been issued to tourists visiting Benidorm over the long-running "Pea Men" street scam, following renewed reports on social media alleging aggressive behaviour towards people attempting to film or expose the operation.

While no recent police-confirmed assault linked directly to the scam has been publicly reported, local residents, tourism groups and consumer awareness websites continue to urge visitors to steer clear of the illegal gambling games, which have targeted tourists in the resort for decades.

What Is The Pea Men Scam?

The scam, commonly known as the "Pea Men" or "Potato Men", involves operators using cups, shells or potato halves to conceal a small object before rapidly moving them around.

Tourists are encouraged to place bets on where the object is hidden, often after seeing apparent winners collecting cash prizes.

However, scam-awareness groups warn that:

• Many members of the crowd are accomplices

• Fake winners are used to attract new victims

• The games are manipulated through sleight of hand

• Tourists have little or no chance of winning

• Pickpockets often operate nearby targeting distracted spectators

Consumer groups say thousands of euros are lost by holidaymakers each year through the scam.

Why The Scammers Remain Active

The continued presence of the Pea Men often surprises first-time visitors.

According to local scam-monitoring organisations, enforcement can be difficult because operators frequently move locations, disperse when police approach and avoid carrying significant amounts of cash.

Police patrols regularly move the groups on, but they often return shortly afterwards in another part of the resort.

The scam is most commonly reported along:

• Levante Promenade

• Avenida del Mediterráneo

• Areas surrounding the Indoor Market

• Busy tourist thoroughfares

Reports Of Aggressive Behaviour

Recent online reports have alleged that some operators have become confrontational when challenged or filmed by members of the public.

Although these claims have circulated widely on social media, no official confirmation of a specific incident has yet been released by local authorities.

Safety experts nevertheless advise tourists not to confront suspected scammers and to avoid becoming involved in disputes.

Tourist Safety Advice

Visitors to Benidorm are advised to:

• Avoid stopping to watch street gambling games

• Never place bets or hand over money

• Keep wallets, phones and bags secure

• Stay aware of pickpocketing risks in crowded areas

• Report suspicious activity to local police

• Walk away if approached by street gambling operators

Tourism officials continue to stress that the vast majority of holidays in Benidorm are trouble-free, but visitors should remain alert to common scams that target busy tourist areas.

A Long-Running Problem

The Pea Men scam has become one of the most recognised tourist traps on the Costa Blanca and is frequently highlighted in visitor safety guides.

While authorities continue efforts to reduce illegal street gambling, local residents and business owners say education and awareness remain the best defence against falling victim to the fraud.

For many seasoned visitors, the advice remains simple: if you see a crowd gathered around a street game promising easy money, keep walking.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.