Content & Editorial in Benidorm.

Long-tail and second-language editorial rather than head-term battles. The English-language SERP is brutally defended by Booking.com, Expedia and major chains; the Dutch, German and Norwegian SERPs are materially less competitive despite meaningful tourist volume. Editorial in those languages and on long-tail neighbourhood-specific intent (Levante street-by-street, Poniente apartment-by-apartment) wins where head-term competition is impossible.

Yes — the three are functionally separate sub-markets with different buyer profiles. Levante skews younger British tourist trade; Poniente skews family Spanish and Northern European; town centre skews mixed visitor and resident commerce. Editorial that treats them as one Benidorm audience loses to specialist content for each. Distinct coverage with cross-linking is the correct pattern.

August-September of the prior year. Benidorm SERPs are the most competitive on the Costa Blanca, so the runway is longer than for surrounding towns — 6-9 months to begin moving on competitive terms, 12 months for stabilised top-3 positions. Starting in February is too late for the prime June-August window; you might catch the September-October tail at best.