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So you’ve seen Benidorm on TV and now you’re curious about visiting? Well, let me tell you – the real Benidorm is much better in real life, and brilliant for any type of holiday!
Benidorm has an incredible mix of gorgeous sandy beaches, endless sunshine, and is packed with activities galore. Let me share all my favourite spots and insider tips to help you plan the best trip to Benidorm.
Where is Benidorm?
Benidorm is in the province of Alicante, with nearby its nearby city being Alicante, and towns including Villajoyosa, Calpe and Altea.
Benidorm is only about a 35 minute drive from Alicante-Elche Airport (45km), so you can land and be in holiday mode in no time. I’ve also written a guide on travelling from Alicante Airport to Benidorm to help find the most convenient way to get there, as well as the best day trips from Benidorm to the nearby towns and cities.
Planning tip: Most visitors combine Benidorm with at least one other Costa Blanca town – Villajoyosa for its colourful houses and chocolate museum, or Altea for its charming old town and famous blue-domed church. Worth considering when planning activities, depending on your length of stay!
Beaches in Benidorm
One of Benidorm’s biggest draws is its beaches, you’re spoilt for choice here.
Levante beach
Levante beach is lively and packed with sunbeds, water sports, and plenty of beachfront bars.
Perfect if you love a bit of buzz. I recommend heading here if you enjoy a fun beach vibe – there’s always something going on.
Insider tip: The best sunbed spots start getting taken by 10am in summer, so either get there early.
Poniente beach
If you prefer something a bit more laid back, Poniente Beach is the place to be. It’s longer, quieter, and feels a bit more local. Great for families or anyone who wants to chill out.
The sunset views from here are absolutely gorgeous, so grab a spot in one of the bars along the promenade and watch the day fade away.
Perfect for: Families with young children, couples seeking a relaxed vibe, anyone wanting stunning sunset photos.
Mal Pas beach
Okay, here’s a little secret – this beach is a bit more hidden and sits snugly between the Old Town and the marina. I love coming here when I want to escape the crowds but still stay close to everything.
What to do in Benidorm
You’ll never be short of things to do in Benidorm. Whether you’re travelling with family, or friends, or on a stag or hen do, there’s something to keep everyone happy.
Aqualandia
If you’ve got kids with you, or you just fancy reliving your childhood, Aqualandia is a great water park with plenty of thrilling water slides to keep you entertained all day.
Buy official Aqualandia tickets from €30 per person – booking online saves you queuing at the entrance, especially during peak season!
Insider tip: Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are usually less crowded if you’re visiting in summer. The park gets packed by midday, so arriving early makes a huge difference.
Don’t forget to pack extra sunscreen though, as you’ll be out in the sun most of the day.
Terra Mítica
This is one for the thrill-seekers. Terra Mítica is a theme park based on ancient Mediterranean civilisations. The roller coasters are fantastic, and there’s a good mix of live shows too. Definitely worth a visit if you’re after a day of adventure. I recommend planning a full day here – most visitors spend 6-8 hours here to experience all the attractions!
Buy official Terra Mitica tickets from €30 per person – advance booking guarantees entry as they do limit daily capacity.
Mundomar
Mundomar is an aquatic zoo. Its a lovely spot if you want to see some marine life. Mundomar has dolphin and sea lion shows and is a hit with younger visitors.
Buy official Mundomar tickets from €23 per person – shows run at specific times, so check the schedule when booking.
It’s nice to spend a few hours here if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed.
Perfect for: Half-day activity, ideal for families with children under 10.
Benidorm Palace
For a special night out, head to Benidorm Palace for an unforgettable cabaret show. It’s all glitter, glamour, and amazing entertainment.
Buy Benidorm Palace tickets from €36 per person shows book out quickly, especially weekend performances.
Insider tip: Book the dinner and show package if you’re celebrating something special – the food is excellent and you get better seating.
Perfect if you fancy dressing up a bit and enjoying a fun night with a group.
Old Town
Benidorm’s Old Town is the complete opposite of its modern beachside vibe. The narrow streets, traditional Spanish shops, and tapas bars give it an authentic feel.
The church of San Jaime y Santa Ana is worth a visit, and the views from the top are stunning. I love wandering through here when I need a break from the busier parts of the city.
Best time to visit: Early evening when the tapas bars start buzzing but before the dinner crowds arrive.
Balcony of the Mediterranean
If you’re after a photo-perfect spot, this is it. The Balcony of the Mediterranean offers the most beautiful views over the sea, right where Levante Beach meets Poniente Beach.
It’s a great place to take a breather, and the sea breeze makes it even better! Visit around sunset for the most incredible photos – the lighting is magical.
Benidorm’s nightlife
Benidorm is famous for its nightlife, and you’ll find everything from quiet beachfront bars to all-night clubs. If you’re here to party, this is the place to be.
English Square
For those looking for THE Benidorm nightlife experience, head to the Benidorm English Square on Avenida Gerona. If you’re on a hen do or a stag do, I imagine you’ll be here a lot!
This is where you’ll find all the main bars and nightclubs, and stay out till the sun rises. There’s honestly a bit of everything, from nightclubs, strip clubs, the famous Sticky Vicky, live music, even karaoke, you’ll find it all.
Old Town bars
If you’re more into a less clubby but fun evening, the Benidorm Old Town offers a great selection of traditional Spanish bars.
You can sip on sangria, snack on tapas, and watch the world go by. It’s a much more relaxed scene, perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing.
Beachfront bars
Both Levante and Poniente beaches have some lovely beachfront bars that offer the perfect spot for evening drinks.
I personally love sitting in Chiringuito Beach Benidorm with drinking cocktails as the sun sets.
Outdoor adventures
If you love the great outdoors, Benidorm has some excellent options that show off the natural beauty of the Costa Blanca.
- Sierra Gelada Natural Park: Just beyond the city, Sierra Gelada offers hiking trails with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. It’s a great way to see a different side of Benidorm, away from the hustle and bustle. The trails can be a bit challenging, but the views are worth it.
- Watersports: If you’re into watersports, you’ll love it here. Benidorm jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats are all on offer along Levante Beach. If you’re looking for something a bit more serene, paddleboarding is another fantastic way to explore the coast.
- Boat Trips: Hop on a boat trip over to Benidorm Island, just off the coast. The island itself is a nature reserve, and you can explore it. There also plenty of fantastic boat trips in Benidorm.
Where to stay in Benidorm
Benidorm has accommodation options for every budget, so whether you’re after a luxurious escape or something more affordable, there’s plenty to choose from.
- Luxury: If you’re looking to splash out, I highly recommend the Hotel Villa Venecia. It’s perched right on the cliffs with stunning views over the sea. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to treat yourself to a bit of luxury.
- Mid-Range: For something more budget-friendly but still comfortable, try Hotel Helios. It’s close to Levante Beach and offers great value for money.
- Budget: If you’re on a tighter budget, Hostal Irati in the Old Town is a charming and affordable option. It’s close to the beach and gives you that traditional Spanish experience.
Getting to Benidorm
Benidorm is about a 35-minute drive from Alicante-Elche Airport. You can hire a car, take a shuttle bus, or grab a taxi. If you prefer public transport, there are regular buses from the airport to the city.
Pre-book airport transfers to avoid the taxi queue – especially useful if you’re arriving late or with lots of luggage.
Getting around
Benidorm is really walkable, especially if you’re staying around the beaches or the Old Town. If you want to explore further, local buses and Benidorm taxis are easy to find.
Best time to visit Benidorm
The weather in Benidorm is best during the summer (June to September) is the busiest time, with plenty of sun and temperatures around 30°C. If you prefer it a bit quieter, try visiting in the spring or autumn when it’s still warm, but you’ll avoid the big crowds.
Planning for summer? Accommodation and flights start filling up from March onwards. Winter visitors get the best hotel deals, but some attractions have reduced hours.
Ready to start planning?
Consider these in your next steps of planning your trip to Benidorm:
- Check flight prices to Alicante (they jump in price after April for summer travel)
- Compare accommodation options (sea view rooms go first)
- Look at activity availability (theme parks limit daily capacity)
- Book airport transfers (skip the taxi queue)
Perfect for different types of trips:
- Families: 4-5 days gives you time for beaches, theme parks, and day trips
- Couples: 3-4 days for beaches, old town, and nearby towns
- Groups/Stag/Hen dos: 2-3 days focused on beaches and nightlife
- Active travellers: 5-7 days including hiking and watersports
