Summary
If your ideal vacation revolves around ample beach time, favorable weather, excellent family attractions, and vibrant nightlife, then Benidorm should be at the top of your list. Located on the Costa Blanca, this resort is renowned for its iconic skyline of apartment towers arranged in two gentle arcs adjacent to expansive sandy beaches.
The plethora of activities available will leave you amazed, whether you prefer golf, go-karting, paintballing, water sports, or mountain hikes. You can choose from an exhilarating week in the sun or a leisurely break indulging in relaxation. Families with young children will particularly enjoy the prominent theme parks and aquatic attractions located nearby.
Let us explore the most noteworthy attractions in Benidorm:
1. Levante Beach
This beach is the most recognizable image associated with Benidorm: an arc of soft golden sand bordered by a long row of skyscrapers and dotted with a sea of blue umbrellas.
While the beach tends to become crowded in summer, even during peak days, it is still possible to find a secluded spot away from the bustling crowds that gather along the shore.
If the fresh sea air sparks your appetite, the base of the tall apartment buildings hosts a variety of restaurants and northern European pubs.
You are sure to find something to suit your palate.
2. Poniente Beach
The neighboring beach to Levante offers a distinctly different ambiance; although it features a similar lineup of towers, the majority of the resort extends further east.
Poniente is typically quieter and more suited for families.
This beach has seen considerable investment in recent years, notably with the introduction of a network of boardwalks that enhance accessibility for wheelchair users.
These paths branch off the main road approximately every 30 meters, eliminating the need for a strenuous trek to the shoreline.
As with Levante, the surf conditions at Poniente are moderate; however, less experienced swimmers should refrain from venturing out too far, as the undercurrents can be quite powerful.
3. Mundomar
Although wildlife parks with shows and demonstrations may not appeal to everyone, Mundomar offers a modern facility with spacious enclosures for its diverse collection of marine animals and birds.
The trainers and keepers demonstrate a visible rapport with the dolphins and sea lions during the regular shows, which are certain to delight children.
Visitors can also encounter otters, penguins, and a variety of primates and birds in the park’s zoo.
4. Terra Mítica
As one of Spain’s largest amusement parks, this establishment draws inspiration from ancient civilizations.
The park is divided into three themed areas: Rome, Egypt, and Greece, and is filled with roller coasters, shows, and various entertainment options.
The Magnus Colossus ride stands out as a major attraction, featuring a massive wooden roller coaster on a track exceeding one kilometer in length.
It is appropriate for all guests except the youngest children.
Choreographed street shows, including a reenactment of Spartacus’ rebellion, contribute to the excitement.
5. Aqualandia
Located adjacent to Mundomar, Aqualandia is one of Spain’s oldest and most acclaimed water parks, having opened its doors in 1985. The park continues to expand with new attractions introduced nearly every season.
Some features are record-breaking, such as Big Bang, the tallest water slide in Europe, while the new Vertigo propels riders into the splash pool at speeds reaching 100 kph.
The water utilized for all slides, pools, and Jacuzzis is sourced from the Mediterranean, following a desalination process.
The wave pool at Aqualandia is immense, accommodating thousands of swimmers simultaneously.
It is one of the premier outings in Benidorm for young individuals seeking excitement.
6. Balcón del Mediterráneo
Located in Plaça del Castell, this stone garden features chessboard tiles and white balustrades on the promontory between Poniente and Levante.
This area once housed Benidorm’s castle, which stood for centuries before its destruction during the Napoleonic wars.
The breathtaking views from the square are remarkable, with the Balcón del Mediterráneo offering a commanding perspective on the southern edge of the promontory.
Take a moment to sit beneath the lamppost and reflect on the beauty of the Mediterranean and Benidorm’s contemporary skyline.
7. La Cruz de Benidorm
Given Benidorm’s mixed reputation, a religious mission was organized in 1961 to transport a wooden cross from town to this rugged outcrop, symbolically redeeming the city from its past.
The cross to the west of Benidorm evolved into a tourist highlight and was ultimately replaced with a permanent structure in 1975, following the loss of the original to a storm.
Embarking on the 45-minute hike to the cross is arguably best undertaken during the shoulder seasons, as the environment can be quite exposed.
Yet, even during peak summer, the vistas of Benidorm make the effort truly rewarding.
8. A Round of Golf
If your Mediterranean getaway feels incomplete without a round of golf, you are in luck as the Costa Blanca boasts 15 courses.
The Sierra Cortina pitch and putt offers a conveniently located family-friendly option.
There are 18 holes available for experienced golfers to refine their short games, while beginners can grasp the fundamentals.
If this merely piques your interest, there is a picturesque nine-hole course nestled between the mountains and the sea, located just 15 minutes away.
Altea Golf features a driving range, as well as a Pilates studio for non-golfing companions.
9. Sierra Helada
Despite Benidorm’s urban charm, a vast natural park envelops a significant portion of the coastline adjacent to the city.
Within moments, you can transition from towering skyscrapers to soaring cliffs.
Equipped with sturdy footwear, a hat, and water, you can embark on a hike through the rugged terrain adorned with limestone rocks and Aleppo pines.
At the park’s northern end, a paved road spirals up to Albir Lighthouse.
A more challenging route leads to the radio masts situated at the park’s highest point, soaring 300 meters above the sea level.
10. Dining and Nightlife
As a well-known tourist destination, Benidorm may not be synonymous with traditional Spanish cuisine; however, the substantial expat and visitor population from Northern Europe contributes to an international dining experience.
The culinary landscape features a variety of options, including Chinese, Thai, Indian, Italian, and even a Japanese sushi bar.
Nonetheless, a select number of quality tapas bars and restaurants serve authentic Valencian rice dishes, such as seafood paella.
The summer evenings in Benidorm come alive with numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs where revelers celebrate until dawn.
The largest clubs are clustered along Avenida Communitat Valencia, encompassing establishments like KM Discoteca and Discoteca Privilege.
11. Puig Campana
The village of Finestrat, located a mere 15-minute drive away, provides comprehensive information regarding the best routes to ascend one of the region’s highest peaks.
Be sure to stop by the tourist office for trail maps, inform your acquaintances of your climbing plans, and then set off on your journey.
For the climb to an elevation of 1,406 meters, you will need only appropriate clothing, food, water, and a mobile phone.
As you progress, you will encounter a sparse, almost extraterrestrial landscape of scree and sparse vegetation.
The effort will be worth it once you reach one of the double peaks, as the stunning view of Benidorm will make its skyscrapers appear like a set of dominos.
12. Altea
Located just a short distance along the coast, Altea lies in a bay beyond the Sierra Helada ridge.
Altea offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to Benidorm and features a typically Mediterranean old town perfect for exploration.
Set against a steep gradient, the town is characterized by its narrow alleys and stairways.
The houses here are painted white, adorned with wrought-iron balconies, window grates, and gas lights.
A notable landmark in Altea is the parish church, celebrated for its two azure cupolas decorated with white tiles.
13. Guadalest
If you have limited time for day trips, this exceptional location should top your list.
Guadalest is a small town established by the Moors during the early Middle Ages.
Sitting atop limestone cliffs at an elevation of 500 meters, it engages with the rugged landscape in intriguing ways.
To reach the Moorish Castle of San José, you must navigate through a tunnel carved from the rock.
From the castle’s battlements, breathtaking views of the Aitana and Xortá mountains are sure to leave you in awe.
14. Alicante
The provincial capital is conveniently located for a morning or afternoon visit, accessible via Line 1 of the Alicante tram.
Alicante has a slightly richer historical narrative, none more striking than the medieval castle of Santa Bárbara.
The fortress’s outer walls dominate the skyline from the steep slopes of Mount Benacantil. When you descend, you will enter Santa Cruz, the old town, characterized by its winding cobblestone streets and traditional whitewashed buildings.
15. Low Festival
Spain has a vibrant indie music scene, with festivals occurring throughout the summer in nearly every city and large resort.
Benidorm hosts the Low Festival, a name derived from “Low Cost,” which takes place at the end of July. For enthusiasts of alternative guitar pop and dance music, it is a veritable treasure.
Prior editions have featured renowned acts like Suede, Belle and Sebastian, The Libertines, Portishead, and Massive Attack, along with Spanish artists such as Lori Meyers, Love of Lesbian, La Casa Azul, and Los Planetas.
Typically, like other Spanish festivals, the first performances commence at sunset, continuing late into the night when temperatures cool.
