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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 | 27 July - 2nd Aug 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another fantastic week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly 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 weeks 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
Jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities
New Seafront Attraction

Visitors continue 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 most popular new photo spots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm continues hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive family activities
Meet-and-greet sessions
Benidorm Cable Ski – 60th Anniversary

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski continues celebrating its 60th anniversary with commemorative displays and special summer activities honouring one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife remains in full swing with:

Live tribute shows
Comedy and cabaret
Karaoke
Rooftop bars
Beach clubs
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

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

Things to enjoy:

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

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues welcoming visitors to one of the Costa Blanca's most colourful seaside towns.

Popular attractions include:

Valor Chocolate Museum
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Seafront promenade
Artisan markets
Summer concerts
Beachfront restaurants

🏟️ La Nucía

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

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

Throughout the week La Nucía continues its summer cultural programme featuring:

Outdoor concerts
Local exhibitions
Evening entertainment
Family activities
Traditional markets

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities include:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Scenic countryside walks
Exploring the historic village
Relaxing at La Cala Beach
Shopping & Dining

La Marina Shopping Centre continues offering:

Summer sales
Outdoor terraces
Beachfront restaurants
Family entertainment

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme with:

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

Summer Safety

Enhanced summer policing remains in place across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas to help keep residents and visitors safe during the busy holiday period.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography tours

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
Evening artisan markets
Family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended attraction opening hours
Beach events and water sports
Live music every night

🌴 Quick Summary

✅ Beaches at full summer capacity
🧜 Aqua Natura's Mermaids & Mermen Convention continues
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled BENIDORM letters remain a must-see
♿ Accessible bathing service at Albir extended until September
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail welcomes walkers daily
🎨 Altea's summer arts programme continues
🎶 Live music and nightlife across the Costa Blanca
🚔 Enhanced summer policing remains in place
☀️ Peak holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Another week of hot, sunny Mediterranean weather is forecast.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evening: 24°C–27°C

A yellow heat warning remains in place in parts of Alicante Province, with temperatures expected to peak during the afternoon. Visitors are advised to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the day and keep up to date with local weather and wildfire warnings.