Benidorm

Welcome to Benidorm, Spain

Rising dramatically from the Mediterranean shoreline like a mini-Manhattan bathed in sunshine, Benidorm Spain is one of Europe's most recognisable resort cities — and one of its most misunderstood. Yes, the skyline is packed with glittering high-rises, and yes, the promenades hum with karaoke bars and full-English breakfasts. But look beyond the postcards and you'll find golden Blue Flag beaches, a charming whitewashed old town, superb tapas, and a microclimate that delivers more than 300 sunny days a year. Whether you're chasing winter warmth, family-friendly waterparks, or lively nightlife on the Costa Blanca, Benidorm delivers with the confidence of a city that has been perfecting its holiday craft for six decades.

Why Benidorm Is Special

Benidorm sits on the sun-drenched Costa Blanca, sheltered by the Sierra Helada mountains, which trap warmth even in the depths of winter. The result is a resort that never truly closes — January afternoons on the beach with a caña in hand are entirely normal.

• Two spectacular bays separated by the rocky Balcón del Mediterráneo headland
• The Costa Blanca's most iconic skyline, including the Intempo tower, one of Spain's tallest residential buildings
• A blend of British seaside energy and authentic Valencian culture that you won't find anywhere else in Spain
• Excellent value compared to Barcelona or the Balearics, with generous menús del día and affordable hotels

Benidorm Beaches: The Main Event

You'll spend most of your time here shifting between two magnificent stretches of sand, both flying the Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety.

Levante Beach Benidorm is the bigger, louder, more famous of the pair. A two-kilometre curve of soft golden sand on the eastern side of town, it's backed by a palm-lined promenade jammed with bars, ice-cream parlours, and pavement cafés. The water shelves gently, making it ideal for families, and lifeguards patrol from spring through autumn. This is where the party happens — expect beach yoga at dawn, paddleboard rentals by mid-morning, and karaoke drifting from the bars by sundown.

Poniente Beach stretches even longer (nearly three kilometres) on the western side and feels noticeably more relaxed. Locals and long-stay retirees favour it, and the sculpted, undulating promenade designed by architects OAB is a work of art in itself. Sunset here, with the Sierra Helada glowing pink, is unforgettable.

For something quieter, slip around the headland to Mal Pas Beach, a small cove tucked beneath the old town, or take the short boat ride to Isla de Benidorm for snorkelling in clear, protected waters.

The Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

Between the two big beaches sits the original fishing village, and it's a delight. Wander up to the Balcón del Mediterráneo, a blue-and-white tiled viewpoint on the old castle site with jaw-dropping panoramas of both bays. Behind it, narrow lanes twist past the blue-domed Iglesia de San Jaime, tapas bars spilling onto tiny plazas, and boutiques selling espadrilles and ceramics.

Come evening, the old town transforms. Locals gather in Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Santo Domingo for the sacred ritual of tapeo — bar-hopping for small plates. Order gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, and a glass of local Alicante wine for under €15.

Things to Do Beyond the Beach

• Terra Mítica — A Mediterranean-themed park with excellent roller coasters, ideal for a full-day family outing.
• Aqualandia — One of Europe's original waterparks and still a scorcher on a hot July afternoon.
• Mundomar — Marine animal park good for younger kids, with dolphin and sea lion shows.
• Sierra Helada Natural Park — Lace up your trainers for the hike to the Cruz de Benidorm viewpoint; the sunrise views over Levante are the city's best-kept secret.
• Benidorm Island boat trip — Glass-bottomed ferries leave hourly from the port; you can snorkel, hike the island's short trail, or just picnic on the rocks.
• Guadalest day trip — A stunning fortified mountain village 40 minutes inland, perched above a turquoise reservoir.

Where to Eat

Skip the plastic-picture menus on the seafront and head to these zones instead:

• Calle Santo Domingo (Old Town) — For traditional Valencian rice dishes; try arroz a banda or a proper paella valenciana (with rabbit and chicken, never chorizo).
• Rincón de Loix — Confusingly, this is the British Square area, but tucked between the pubs you'll find excellent Indian, Argentinian steakhouses, and late-night eats.
• La Cala neighbourhood — Where locals go for fresh seafood straight off the boats.
• Mercado Municipal — Grab a stool at the tapas counter for morning-fresh anchovies and vermouth.

Nightlife

Benidorm's nightlife is legendary and remarkably varied. The British Square (Rincón de Loix) is famous for its tribute acts and cabaret shows — think ABBA impersonators and drag brunches. Calle Gerona attracts a younger Spanish crowd with cocktail bars and reggaeton. For a more sophisticated evening, try the rooftop bars along Avenida del Mediterráneo, where you can sip Spanish gin and tonics with skyline views.

Best Time to Visit

Thanks to its sheltered microclimate, Benidorm genuinely works year-round. May, June, and September offer the sweet spot: warm sea (around 22–24°C), long sunny days, and manageable crowds. July and August bring peak temperatures (often 32°C+) and packed beaches. Winter is mild — expect 16–20°C daytime highs — which is why so many northern Europeans overwinter here.

Getting Around

The city is compact and walkable, with a flat seafront promenade linking both beaches in about 40 minutes on foot. Local buses cost around €1.75 per journey, and the TRAM Metropolitano connects Benidorm with Alicante and the coastal villages of Altea, Calpe, and Dénia — brilliant for day trips.

Practical Tips

• Book accommodation on the seafront for the best views, but expect to pay a premium; streets one or two blocks inland offer excellent value.
• Beach loungers cost around €5–7 per day; arrive before 10am in summer to claim one.
• Tap water is safe but heavily chlorinated — most visitors prefer bottled.
• Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, but keep small change for market stalls and beach kiosks.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable — the reflection off the water intensifies UV even in winter.

Benidorm rewards travellers who embrace both sides of its personality: the exuberant, unashamed holiday spirit and the surprisingly authentic Spanish city beneath. Come with an open mind, and you'll leave planning your return.