Benidorm is one of the most popular holiday destinations of Spain, both British and Dutch tourists. But it owes its current prominence as the day a convenient resource for the courage of its current mayor Pedro Zaragoza, as was the solo that began the revolution of beach in Spain in 1953.

Ideally located on the Costa Blanca of Alicante, the fishing village of Benidorm had everything necessary to become a popular tourist destination, long sandy beaches on the shores of beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea, fantastic year round sunshine and plenty of room to build new hotels. However, in the early 1950s visitors were far.

A young entrepreneur named Pedro Zaragoza was convinced that the most important cause of non-reporting was because women were banned in bikini in public. There was no point spending time on the beach if they were forced by law to remain covered, so that Peter knew what to do, go to London and persuade dictator General Franco of Spain to remove the ban applies throughout the country deeply religious Catholic.

The bikini ban was the only preventing the transformation of his idyllic village, but lacking in a fishing vacation destination financially lucrative. So in an act of courage Zaragoza has on his Vespa and drove eight hours to plead for an audience with Franco. Even with its oil-stained trousers, Peter sat in front of the dictator and passion made case. Surprisingly Franco agreed to overturn the ban.

Fast forward 55 years and Benidorm is now a thriving tourist center, a souvenir of New York in miniature, with many hotels skyscrapers dotted along its three-EU beautiful Blue Flag beaches, Poniente, Levante and Mal Pas.

Pedro Valiente is now in his 80s, was the mayor of Benidorm and definitely does not regret the outcome of their long motorcycle trip, over 55 years. In fact, continues to promote his hometown – which is now a leading European resort – and recently got into the opening of the city's newest and highest in Benidorm. Although much of the accommodation in Benidorm close to the beach is offered in high-rise hotels, as the new construction, there are a significant number of houses in the town, for those not on high, or the need for something more private.

And the evolution of the beach, Peter and his fellow businessmen have invested heavily in Benidorm family-friendly water and theme parks. Near Levant are two magnificent parks, amusement park Aqualandia water and exotic marine Mundomar Animal Park.

Further inland is the wonderful Terra Mitic, who is in four thematic areas based on the ancient civilizations of Rome, Egypt, Greece and Iberia with the islands in the center area is the center between them. The park offers exciting attractions including roller inverted mountains and adrenaline ride and increase when combined with all the other attractions in Benidorm is irresistible for many tourists.

Benidorm is now a world away from its fishing village roots, with many residents living With the likes of which could never have imagined in 1953 – before Peter went to the bike and visited the General!

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

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