Yes, it's a fine balance that needs to be found, but one which is constantly subject to incremental expansion which can tip the scales before you know it.

Benidorm actually performs a positive role in this regard, by mopping up a huge volume of tourists into a very small area - less impact on the surrounding coastline and towns than the model seen in many other areas, with sprawling villa developments.

But cultural tourism inevitably passes through - and by its very presence changes - smaller communities, more vulnerable to outside influence.