Looking for the traditional side of Benidorm? While many know this city for its beaches and nightclubs, there’s a completely different world waiting in the Benidorm Old Town. This historic quarter, with its winding streets and family-run tapas bars, shows off the real Spanish character that first drew visitors here.
I’m going to share my favourite spots, from the best local restaurants to amazing viewpoints that will make you fall in love with this amazing part of Benidorm.
Where to find Benidorm Old Town
The Old Town sits between the Levante and Poniente beaches, perched on a rocky point that juts out into the Mediterranean. You’ll spot it straight away – it’s the part of Benidorm with narrow, winding streets and traditional white buildings.
You can get there easily by walking up from either beach. From Levante Beach, head towards the high-rise buildings. If you’re coming from Poniente beach, walk along the promenade until you reach the start of the hill.
The area sits on quite a steep hill. The streets are mostly pedestrianised and made of cobblestones. If you’re not keen on walking uphill, there are two lifts – one from the Poniente beach end and another from Plaza Triangular. Otherwise, if you’re on the other side of town, you might consider taking a Benidorm taxi to get there quicker.
The Mediterranean Balcony
Visiting the Mediterranean Balcony (Balcón del Mediterráneo) is one of my favourite things to do in Benidorm, and its free. It’s a white stone viewpoint at the highest point of the Old Town, between the two main beaches.
I suggest visiting the balcony at sunset – the views are absolutely amazing. You can see both beaches stretching out on either side, and on clear days, you might even spot Benidorm Island in the distance.
Church of San Jaime
The Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana is right nearby the balcony, near the middle of the Old Town. It’s the oldest church in Benidorm, built in the 18th century.
The square in front of the church is a lovely spot to sit and people-watch, with plenty of cafes around the edges.
Restaurants and tapas in the Old Town
The Old Town has some of the best food spots in Benidorm. The most popular area is ‘Tapas Alley’, which runs from Pl. de la Constitutio and along Santo Domingo. This narrow street is packed with traditional Spanish tapas bars.
See below for a map of the best spots for tapas in the Old Town:
If in doubt about where to go, just follow the locals – if a place is busy with Spanish people, you know it’s going to be good!
Most bars here serve tapas from about €2-4 per plate. Between 1:30pm – 4pm tends to be the busiest time as this is when most Spanish people have lunch.
As the sun sets, the Old Town takes on a different feel. The streets light up with fairy lights strung between buildings, and the bars fill up with both locals and visitors enjoying drinks and tapas. The area around Santo Domingo is particularly lively in the evenings, with live music floating out of various bars.
Shopping in the Old Town
The main shopping area runs along Passeig de la Carretera and Martínez Alejos street. You’ll find:
- Local boutiques
- Spanish fashion brands
- Gift shops
- Traditional sweet shops selling Spanish treats
The shops here tend to be smaller and more unique than the big stores you’ll find in the newer parts of Benidorm.
Market day in the Old Town
Every Wednesday is market day in the Old Town. It’s on from about 8am to 2pm, and you’ll find it spread across several streets in the Old Town.
You’ll find everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts and unique souvenirs.
I’d suggest getting there early (around 9am) when it’s cooler and less busy, especially in the summer.
Museums worth visiting
Boca del Calvari Museum
This small museum on Passeig de la Carretera tells the story of how Benidorm changed from a tiny fishing village into the city it is today. It’s in a lovely old building and has some really interesting old photos of Benidorm.
L’Hort de Colón
This is a restored 19th-century house showing what life was like in old Benidorm. You’ll find it near the church square. The gardens are lovely for a peaceful break from the busy streets.
Local festivals
The Old Town is where most of the local celebrations happen. The biggest ones are:
- Festes Majors Patronals in November – look out for the flower offering at the church
- Three Kings parade in January – the parade goes right through the Old Town streets
Best times to visit
The Old Town is beautiful all day, but I find it most enjoyable in the morning or late afternoon when the Benidorm weather is cooler. Many shops close between 2-5pm for siesta, but the restaurants stay open.
In summer, the narrow streets provide nice shade from the sun, making it perfect for afternoon walks when the beaches are too hot.
