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Getting a Tattoo in Benidorm: The English-Speaker’s Guide to Doing It Right

Every year, Benidorm welcomes over a million and a half tourists. And every year, a small but significant number of them decide that the best souvenir of their Costa Blanca holiday is not a t-shirt or a fridge magnet: it’s a tattoo.

If you’re reading this in English, chances are you’re planning a trip to Benidorm, you’re already here, or you’re one of the many Northern European residents who call the Costa Blanca home for part of the year. Either way, this guide is for you. Because getting a tattoo abroad is one of the best decisions you can make… or one of the worst. And the difference is almost entirely about how you do it.

Aaron Sanchis Tattoo (Puig Campana 2, Benidorm) is a studio used to working with international clients – many of our Google reviews are from visitors who don’t speak a word of Spanish. Here’s everything you need to know before you get inked on holiday.

First, the honest truth: not every holiday tattoo is a good idea

Let’s not start with sales talk. Benidorm is a city designed for leisure, spontaneity and fun – and in that context, the tattoo is often one of the worst decisions made under the influence of the sun, a few drinks and the feeling that «everything in Benidorm is cheaper».

A tattoo is permanent. Alcohol, heat, sunburn and euphoria are not good advisors. If you’re reading this at 2 a.m. after a night out, with the idea of walking into the first shop you find on the seafront tomorrow: bookmark this page and sleep on it. A good tattoo will still be a good idea next week. A bad one will be with you forever.

Now, if you’re serious about it – keep reading. This is how to do it properly.

Why getting tattooed in Benidorm can be a brilliant idea

1. The Costa Blanca deserves to be remembered in ink

A custom piece inspired by the Mediterranean – the skyline, the sea, the mountains of Puig Campana that watch over the city – can be a beautiful, meaningful souvenir. The key word is custom. Not a dolphin flash design pulled from a wall folder.

2. Spain has serious safety regulations

Professional tattoo studios in Spain operate under strict health and safety regulations: single-use needles and cartridges, sterile disposable materials, autoclave sterilisation, and registered inks. When you choose a licensed studio, you’re getting tattooed under European hygiene standards – as safe as it gets anywhere.

3. The price-quality ratio is excellent

Compared to studios in the UK, Ireland, Germany or Scandinavia, professional Spanish studios often offer better prices for the same quality – especially outside the big cities. But beware: «cheaper than home» should never mean «the cheapest option on the strip». Quality has a floor price everywhere in the world.

How the process works at Aaron Sanchis Tattoo (no Spanish required)

Step 1: Contact us before you travel

The best way is WhatsApp or email. You can write to us in English – we’re used to it. Tell us your idea, the body placement, an approximate size, and your travel dates. A photo of the area and any reference images help a lot.

WhatsApp / Phone: +34 606 900 674
Email: info@aaronsanchistattoo.com
Studio: Puig Campana 2, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 – 20:00

Step 2: Custom design, made for you

Our studio philosophy is simple: we don’t repeat tattoos. Every design is created for one person only. During your consultation – in person or by message – we develop your idea into a unique piece. No two clients ever leave with the same tattoo.

Step 3: Appointment and closed budget

Everything works by appointment, so we can dedicate the time your piece deserves – no rushing, no walk-in chaos. You’ll get a clear price for the session before anything starts. No surprises.

Step 4: The session

Sterile, single-use setup, and a calm, professional studio. Bring ID – in Spain, you must be 18 or older to get a tattoo, no exceptions. Tell your artist if you need a break: sessions are paced for quality, not speed.

Step 5: Aftercare, explained in English

You’ll leave with written aftercare instructions you can understand, and direct contact with the studio if anything comes up while you finish your holiday – or once you’re back home. A tattoo done at the start of your trip needs proper healing: no pools, no direct sun, no sea swimming on a fresh piece.

Tattooing around your holiday: the smart planning

If your trip is…	Our advice
Long weekend	Contact us 2-3 weeks in advance. Book the session for day 1 or 2, small to medium piece, and plan a calm end to the trip (beach is fine after healing, not on day 1).
One week	Ideal for a medium piece. Session early in the week; by the time you fly home, the first healing phase is done.
Two weeks or more	Perfect for larger projects. Even two sessions if the design needs it.
You live here part of the year	You’re our favourite kind of client: we can plan multi-session projects and long-term pieces across your stays.

Why NOT to get tattooed on the seafront

We’ll say it clearly, even though the shops doing it won’t like it: the walk-in tourist studios along the promenade, open late, with portfolios of identical flash designs, are where holiday tattoos go wrong. No consultation, no custom design, no proper aftercare guidance, and often no clear compliance with Spanish health regulations.

A tattoo is a permanent mark made with a needle on your body. It deserves the same seriousness you’d give it at home. Ask to see the studio’s hygiene setup, the sealed single-use materials, and the artist’s healed work – not just fresh Instagram photos.

A tip worth remembering: if a studio advertises primarily with «cheap tattoos», that tells you everything you need to know. A tattoo you’ll love costs what it costs. A tattoo you’ll regret was always cheap.

Already got a tattoo you regret from a past holiday?

It happens more than you’d think. Cover-up work is part of what we do: transforming an impulsive piece into something you’ll actually want to wear. Sometimes a bad tattoo can be redesigned; sometimes it needs laser fading first (available in the area). Get in touch with a photo and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible – in English or Spanish.

Frequently asked questions from our international clients

Do you speak English at the studio?

Yes. We work regularly with international clients and many of our reviews are in English. Communication is never a problem – and patience is part of the service.

How far in advance should I book?

For small and medium pieces, 1-3 weeks is usually enough. For larger projects, contact us before booking your flights so we can plan the sessions around your stay.

Can I see the design before the session?

Yes. We share the custom design with you before starting. Adjustments are part of the process – the design is yours.

How much does a tattoo cost in Benidorm?

It depends on size, style, placement and time. You’ll always receive a closed budget before the session – no surprises. If you mention you found us through the website, you get 10% off your first tattoo.

Is it safe to get a tattoo in Spain?

In a licensed professional studio, yes: single-use sterile materials, strict hygiene protocols and registered inks are regulated and standard practice. The risk comes from unlicensed operations – which is exactly why you should choose your studio carefully.

How old do I have to be?

18 or older, no exceptions. Bring a valid ID or passport.

Can I swim in the sea or the pool with a new tattoo?

No. Not for at least 2-3 weeks. Sea water, pools and sand are the enemies of a fresh tattoo. Plan your session accordingly: tattoo first, beach last.

Will the sun ruin my tattoo?

Sun is the number one enemy of tattoos, both fresh and healed. During healing, no direct sun at all. After healing, always use high-SPF sun cream on your piece – especially on the Costa Blanca.

Can I pay by card?

Yes. The studio accepts card payment as well as cash.

What if something goes wrong after I fly home?

Contact us. We guide clients through healing remotely all the time, and if your piece needs a touch-up, we’ll find the best way to sort it out.

Conclusion: the best souvenir is the one done properly

A tattoo from Benidorm can be a story you tell for the rest of your life – a piece of the Mediterranean you carry with you. Or it can be a warning story. The difference is not luck: it’s choosing a professional studio, planning around your trip, and respecting the healing process.

If you’re visiting Benidorm and want a custom tattoo done properly, Aaron Sanchis Tattoo is ready for you – in English, with a closed budget and a design made only for you.

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Getting a Tattoo in Benidorm