This coastal resort town in Spain is known for its long sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and high-rise hotels. The old town has tapas bars and a relaxed atmosphere.
Benidorm, a coastal city on Spain's Costa Blanca, has grown from a small fishing village into a major resort destination. With its golden beaches, active nightlife, and family activities, Benidorm draws many visitors each year. You can spend time on Playa de Levante, ride roller coasters at Terra Mítica theme park, walk through the Old Town, or look out over the city from the Mediterranean Balcony.
Benidorm's Coastal Treasures
Benidorm's coastline extends for 6 kilometers, with three main beaches that have held Blue Flag status since 1987. Playa de Levante, the largest beach, sits near the city's busy tourist area. Its golden sands and clear waters make it suitable for sunbathing and swimming. Playa de Poniente tends to be calmer and less crowded. Between these two main beaches, you'll find the smaller Playa de Mal Pas, a charming cove for those seeking a more intimate beach experience.
Family-Friendly Theme Parks
Benidorm has several exciting theme parks for visitors of all ages. Terra Mítica, at the foot of the mountains, takes you through ancient civilizations with themed areas and rides. Aqualandia, one of Europe's largest water parks, has adrenaline-inducing slides like the 22-meter vertical drop "Vertigo" and the zero-gravity "La Cresta." At Mundomar marine park, you can see dolphins, sea lions, and exotic birds up close.
Discovering the Old Town
Despite its modern skyline, Benidorm has maintained its historic center in the Old Town. You can walk through narrow, cobblestone streets lined with white-washed buildings and find local spots like the blue-domed Church of San Jaime. The area includes "Tapas Alley," where you can try traditional Spanish cuisine in a lively atmosphere. For a quieter moment, visit Aigüera Park, a green space connecting the tourist zone to the old town.
Benidorm's Nightlife Scene
As night falls, Benidorm becomes active with its nightlife. The area around Levante Beach has many clubs, bars, and discos with various music styles. Benidorm Palace hosts shows featuring music, dance, and acrobatics. For a more relaxed evening, go to the Old Town, where you'll find cozy tapas bars and live music venues. Throughout the year, Benidorm hosts events and festivals, including the Benidorm Low Festival in July and Benidorm Pride in September.
Scenic Viewpoints
To see Benidorm's landscape from above, visit one of its many viewpoints. The Mediterranean Balcony, in the Old Town, provides views of both Levante and Poniente beaches. For a wider view, go to Tossal de la Cala, a hilltop viewpoint between Playa de Poniente and Playa de Finestrat. From here, you can see the entire Benidorm skyline and the surrounding coastline.
Natural Surroundings
While Benidorm has a largely urban landscape, it's also close to natural areas. Sierra Helada Natural Park, just outside the city, has hiking trails with coastal views. The park contains various plant and animal species, as well as hidden coves good for snorkeling. For a different view of Benidorm, take a boat trip to Benidorm Island, a small uninhabited island visible from the city's beaches.
Getting to Benidorm
The nearest airport to Benidorm is Alicante-Elche Airport, about 60 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, book a private transfer, or use bus services provided by companies like Beniconnect and ALSA. If you're traveling from other parts of Spain, Benidorm has good road and rail connections, with regular bus and train services from major cities.
Accommodation Options
Benidorm has many places to stay for different budgets and preferences. If you want to be close to the beach, Hotel Bilbaino is an affordable option just steps away from Levante Beach. The Aparthotel Ola Blanca and Ambassador Playa II provide comfortable stays in central locations. For more space, consider the Sonrisa Apartments, which give you a home-like experience in the heart of Benidorm.
