After a 20-month absence, Brits are finally flooding back to Benidorm as the popular resort bounces back from the crippling pandemic.
Bar owners and holidaymakers told of their joy at the return, with hen and stag parties back on the agenda.
The Costa Blanca hotspot was almost brought to its knees when Covid closed it down early last year.
But after testing rules were relaxed for fully vaccinated visitors, clubs are again open until 7am, and the late-season buzz was making up for lost time.
The Bulldog pub owner Scott O’Brien, 55, declared: “At last, the Brits are back. Benidorm is alive again. You can feel the relief and the joy.
“The atmosphere is amazing. It’s freedom for these people. Everyone’s much happier and calmer than I can remember them being in previous years.”
As of last Sunday, UK tourists who have had both jabs only need a lateral flow test on their return home - costing around £20 – rather than a PCR, which can be up to £100.
Bride-to-be Jade Fieldhouse, from Warrington, and 16 pals flew to Benidorm on Wednesday.
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The 27-year-old is not fully vaccinated, but is happy to pay for a PCR to spend time in the sun.
She said: “It’s costing me a lot more than the others but it is 100% worth it.
“Forget the money. I’ve not been away during Covid and I’m getting married in February, it’s time to let my hair down.”
Teaching Assistant Angie Barker, from Hull, was joined by mum Janet Tomlinson, 75, and 12 pals and family members to celebrate her 50th birthday.
She said: “We booked it back in February and just hoped for the best. I’ve honestly had such a brilliant time.”
Liam Booth, 30, and friends from Townville Cricket Club in Castleford, West Yorks, arrived at the resort for an end of season party.
He said: “It’s our first time away for two years so you can bet we’re going to make the most of it.”
Debra Powell, 55 and husband David, 56, from Huddersfield enjoyed their first break since before the pandemic.
David said: “It’s so much easier now to get away and we couldn’t be happier.”
Up to 60,000 Brits are expected to pack into Benidorm soon for the town’s first annual festival since 2019.
But holidaymakers have denied claims the hordes of visitors have caused a Covid spike in the region.
Local health minister Ana Barcelo said cases started rising when UK tourists began arriving. Scott branded the claim “nonsense”.
He added: “Everyone here is outdoors, masks are still worn in shops and before you sit down in a pub or restaurant.”
Benidorm mayor Toni Perez also insisted Brits were not the problem.
He added: “There are no incidents I’ve heard of concerning tourist infections at hotels and apartments.”
Non-vaccinated Brits still need negative PCR tests to enter mainland Spain.
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