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Looking for what to do in Benidorm this May? Late spring brings warmer temperatures (averaging 22-24°C), the start of beach season, and a town that’s fully awake after winter but not yet in peak tourist mode.
I’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in Benidorm, and I keep this page updated every month with the any new things I find or get opened up. I add links to any tickets you can easily buy with a few clicks, at no extra cost to you.
If you’re looking for day trips from Benidorm with fun things to do, check out my other guide.
Getting around Benidorm
Before jumping into activities, let’s talk about getting around. May offers pleasant weather for walking – though midday can get quite warm. The town isn’t massive, and you can walk between the Old Town and Levante Beach in about 20 minutes.
If you’re staying further out or plan to visit nearby towns:
- Buses run regularly throughout Benidorm (€1.50 per journey)
- Benidorm taxis are readily available but pricier (€5-10 within town)
- Bike rentals make sense in mild weather (€10-15/day)
Family activities in Benidorm
Visit Aqualandia
Aqualandia is a water park in Benidorm which is one of the top attractions on the Costa Blanca and a must-visit for families and groups of friends wanting to cool off in the Spanish sun.
Opening Hours in May: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Local Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the larger weekend crowds – also arrive early so you can go on your favourite attractions and shorten queue time!
Visit Terra Natura Zoo
Terra Natura is a huge wildlife park, full of exotic animals and beautiful themed landscapes. Visitors can see over 1,500 animals representing 200 species across four themed zones: America, Asia, Europe, and Pangea.
The good news is that Terra Natura is open all-year round, so you can visit whenever you like. It’s perfect for families, or anyone who loves animals (like myself). Spring is a great time to visit as it’s not too hot while walking around the park.
Opening Hours in May: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Local Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the larger weekend crowds, and plan to arrive early to see animals during their most active morning hours.
Watch dinosaurs come to life at the DinoPark
DinoPark Algar makes for a brilliant day out from Benidorm with the kids. It’s just a short drive away, and you’ll find dozens of life-sized dinosaur models set in a lovely natural park setting. Some of the dinosaurs move and roar, which always gets an amazing reaction from the little ones!
The park isn’t just about the dinosaurs though – there’s a 3D cinema showing short dinosaur films, a cactus garden to wander through, and two different play areas. My favourite bit is the “Children’s Sea” – a shallow pool where kids can splash about and cool off on hot days.
You can easily spend 2-3 hours here, and it works really well combined with a visit to the Algar Waterfalls which are right nearby. If you’re visiting in summer, I’d recommend getting there early before the midday heat kicks in.
Evening activities in Benidorm
Go on a night out on the Benidorm English Square
The English Strip is part of what locals call the Benidorm English Square – the wider area around Calle Gerona where British culture has completely taken over.
While some people might turn their noses up at it for not being “authentically Spanish,” it’s become an attraction in its own right. It’s unapologetically British, wonderfully chaotic, and absolutely brilliant fun if you go with the right attitude!
Watch a show at Benidorm Palace
If you’re looking for a wonderful show-filled evening, look no further than Benidorm Palace. They have different shows full of Vedettes, dance, music, magic, humour – think Las Vegas but with that Spanish flair.
The dancers, singers, and acrobats are incredible, and the costumes are just stunning. I’d recommend going with the full dinner course if you visit which costs a bit extra, to make a really special evening out of it.
Go tapas hopping in the Old Town
Tapas are calling! Luckily, Benidorm’s ‘tapas alley‘ is based in the Benidorm Old Town. Tapas Alley is a narrow street in the Benidorm old town which is lined with amazing tapas bars, each with their own specialties.
All of restaurants have indoor and outdoor seating with heating where you can enjoy traditional Spanish small dishes.
Find a map below showing the area to visit to go on a ‘tapas crawl’ of the local bars.
If in doubt, just follow the locals – if a place is busy with Spanish people, you know it’s going to be good!
- Best time for tapas: 1:00-3:00 PM for lunch or after 8:30 PM for dinner, when locals eat
- Price range: €2.50-€4.50 per tapa, with most bars offering a drink + tapa special for around €3
Outdoor activities in Benidorm
Go beach hopping
May marks the beginning of beach season, with water temperatures around 18-19°C. While locals might still find this chilly, many visitors find it refreshing, especially on warmer days.
Benidorm’s beaches are some of my favourites on the Costa Blanca. Here’s where I’d recommend:
- Playa de Levante: The most popular beach in Benidorm, perfect for families to visit. The surrounding promenade is lined with bars and restaurants.
- Playa de Poniente: If you’re after something quieter, head here. The waters are usually calmer and it’s less crowded than Levante.
- Cala Tio Ximo: A hidden gem! This small cove is perfect for snorkelling and enjoying some peace away from the main beaches.
Beach Services: Sunbeds €5 per day, umbrellas €4 per day
Hike up to the Cross of Benidorm
One of the best things to do in Benidorm is to go hiking, as the spring weather is perfectly cool at all times of the day. There are some amazing routes around Benidorm, one of the most notable being the Serra Gelada Natural Park hikes, where you can visit the famous Cross of Benidorm.
You can spend a morning hiking to the Cross of Benidorm, also known as La Creu de Benidorm for some incredible views of the city.
You can drive up or hike there (again, I’d recommend hiking if you’re up for it). The views are just incredible – you can see the entire city stretched out below you and the Mediterranean beyond. It’s especially magical at sunset!
What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- At least 1 liter of water per person
- Sun protection (the path has limited shade)
- A light jacket as it can be windy at the top
Hit the waves on a jet ski tour
There’s no better way to see the city than from the water, and jet skiing in Benidorm is absolutely exhilarating! You’ll get incredible views of the city’s famous skyline while having the time of your life speeding across the Mediterranean.
Book your jet ski tour from Get Your Guide from €100 per group up to 2 – various durations available:
The tour takes you around the Bay of Benidorm, and the views are absolutely stunning. You’ll zip past Benidorm Island (you know, that triangular island you can see from the beach), cruise along hidden coves, and get up close to the dramatic cliffs of Sierra Helada. But the real highlight has to be seeing Benidorm’s famous skyscrapers from the water – it’s such a different perspective and makes for amazing photos!
The best part? You can unleash as much speed as you’re comfortable with on the open water. The instructors are brilliant at reading what each person wants – some prefer a more leisurely cruise to take in the scenery, while others want to really feel that adrenaline rush.
See the surrounding towns on a bike tour
You can rent bikes all over the city, and there are some great cycling paths along both beaches. May is ideal for cycling with comfortable temperatures and less traffic on the roads. May offers great cycling weather, especially in the mornings.
There’s a fantastic guided e-bike tour from €34 per person which includes e-Bike rental. Its suitable for all levels that will take you from Benidorm to Altea, and then Villajoyosa.
Play golf at Las Rejas or Villaitana
May is the perfect time to have a round of golf during your stay. You can visit one of Benidorm’s golf courses. There are several options to choose from.
Las Rejas is right in the heart of Benidorm – it’s a brilliant 9-hole par 3 course that’s perfect for working on your short game.
If you’re after something more challenging, the Villaitana golf courses are just 10 minutes from the centre. There are two courses here – the championship Levante course designed by Jack Nicklaus, and the shorter Poniente course. Both offer amazing views over Benidorm and the Mediterranean.
My tip? Book an early morning tee time to see the incredible sunrise, and don’t forget to grab a drink at the clubhouse afterwards – the views from the terrace are fantastic!
Snap photos at the Balcony of the Mediterranean
If you’re after a photo-perfect spot, this is it. The Balcony of the Mediterranean is located in the Benidorm Old Town, near the end of the Poniente Beach.
The Balcony of the Mediterranean offers the most breathtaking views over the sea, right where Levante Beach meets Poniente Beach. Make sure to visit on a sunny day for the best landscapes and views.
Visit the Benidorm Bullring (Plaça de Bous)
In the Old Town, you can find a beautiful long park called the Parc de L’Aigüera. Within the park, you can find two amphitheatres & landscaped grounds. It’s also dog-friendly, if you’ve brought your companion with you.
Within the park, you can find two amphitheatres & landscaped grounds with Mediterranean plants, fountains, and elegant colonnades. It’s also dog-friendly, if you’ve brought your companion with you.
You can find the Benidorm bullring in the park. It isn’t in use anymore, but the architecture remains and is really impressive to go and see. You can get to the bullring by walking through the Parc de L’Aigüera.
It’s a great spot for photos, and sometimes they hold concerts and other events here too.
Unique activities worth considering
Wednesday market experience
The Wednesday market is open all year around and absolutely worth the visit. This massive market on Avenida de l’Almirall Bernat de Sarrià has over 300 stalls stretching more than a kilometre.
Market hours are 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
You’ll find everything from fresh local produce, to handmade crafts and unique souvenirs. If you’re looking for something interesting to bring home, this is the place to go.
What to look:
- Early summer produce (the cherries and apricots start appearing)
- Local olive oil from this year’s pressing
- Summer hats and beachwear (better prices than the shops)
- The food trucks at the far end serve excellent churros
There’s also a smaller Sunday market held in the Pueblo area that’s worth checking out.
I recommend getting there by 8:30am to beat both the crowds and heat. It winds down around 1:30pm, but the best produce sells out earlier.
Tours from Benidorm
Go on a guided tour of Guadalest, Altea, and Algar Waterfalls
While not strictly in Benidorm, there’s a wonderful organised English-speaking tour open all year round that takes you to the mountain town of Guadalest (Site of Cultural Interest), Altea, and finally, the Algar Waterfalls. You’ll learn all about the history from each while exploring each area.
You won’t be able to swim in the Algar Waterfalls during the May season, but they are beautiful to see. The cascading waterfalls are particularly impressive in spring due to increased water levels. You can swim in the waterfall during the summer season and I highly recommend doing this!
Go off-road on a buggy adventure
If you’re after something a bit more adventurous than the usual beach day, this buggy tour is absolutely brilliant! It’s perfect for couples or friends who want to get their adrenaline pumping while seeing some amazing scenery around Benidorm.
Book your buggy adventure from Get Your Guide from €90 per group (up to 2 people):
What’s included:
- Buggy rental for your group
- Professional instructor and guide
- All safety equipment
- Training session before you start
The thrill of driving these buggies on dirt tracks and off-road paths is incredible. You’ll be bouncing along riverbeds and winding through jungle-like terrain that you’d never see from the main roads. The views as you make your way towards Callosa are absolutely spectacular.
You can choose between two options:
- Algar Waterfalls Tour: This includes a stop at the famous waterfalls where you can get out, stretch your legs, and see the falls up close. Perfect if you want to combine adventure with some sightseeing (though snacks aren’t included, so bring your own if you get peckly).
- Jungle Tour: This one keeps you on the move the whole time – pure driving adventure through the most scenic off-road routes without the waterfall stop.
Both tours finish with a drive back to Altea along mostly unpaved roads, then you’ll cruise back along the beach promenade – what a way to end an adventure!
My tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty and bring sunglasses – you’ll definitely get a bit dirty but that’s half the fun! Also, closed shoes are a must for safety reasons.
Boat experiences
I have a whole guide on Benidorm boat trips and tours that you can book for this summer, find are a few of the top rated trips below.
Adventure to Benidorm Island
Ever been curious about the island in the distance from Benidorm? You can actually take a boat out to this uninhabited island called Benidorm Island (the locals call it Peacock Island) and visit it!
This triangular-shaped island sits 3.5km from shore and is a protected nature reserve spanning 6.7 hectares. According to local legend, the island was created when the giant Roldán kicked a piece out of nearby Serra Gelada mountain!
There are two boats which depart every hour from Benidorm port and take 20-minutes to reach the island. You can explore around the island and get amazing views of Benidorm’s cityscape from the water. There’s also a bar and restaurant on the island you can dine from!
Boat Service:
- Departures: Hourly from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Return Trips: Hourly until 6:00 PM
- Round-trip Ticket: Adults €15, Children €8
Experiences in Benidorm
Go to a traditional Spanish cooking class
Want to take a bit of Spain home with you? Join the local Benidorm cooking class!
You’ll start by selecting fresh ingredients from Benidorm Market, before you then take a masterclass in creating Spanish omelettes, paella, and traditional Spanish tapas. The best part is you get to eat what you cook!
For dessert, you’ll travel to the Valor Chocolate Museum in Villajoyosa to learn about the history of how they made their chocolate (and eat plenty of it too).
The classes are super fun and informal – you’ll learn new cooking skills you can take home with you, and you’ll have an absolute blast!
Treat yourself to a spa date
Looking to treat yourself to a spa day? You should, you deserve some pampering!
The local spa treatments at the Benicaldea are amazing, and there’s nothing better than a sauna ad a massage after a day of sightseeing.
Prices are quite reasonable, starting from 18 euros per person for the spa wellness circuit, including heated pools, waterfalls, Turkish and Finnish saunas, thermal beds and more. Massages start from 55 euros.
Book in advance during peak season as they can get pretty busy you can book on the official website.
Visit the Boca del Calvari Museum and Motor Museum
Visiting Benidorm for the museums? Luckily, there’s one right in the centre called the Boca del Calvari Museum. While it’s not huge, it’s packed with interesting exhibitions that tell the story of Benidorm’s past as a small fishing village.
The other museum is the Motor Museum, with a unique collection of cars and motorbikes including famous vehicles from films like Back to the Future’s DeLorean.
Motor Museum Highlights:
- Classic Ferrari and Lamborghini models
- Vintage motorcycles including Harley-Davidsons and BSAs
- Movie replica vehicles including James Bond cars
- Interactive displays about automotive engineering
The best part? Both museums are usually pretty quiet, especially so during the winter season, so you can take your time exploring.
Hunt for street art
When walking around Benidorm, you can see some amazing street murals that most tourists miss! Take a walk around the old town and you’ll discover incredible murals hidden down side streets.
Benidorm has embraced urban art in recent years, with the city commissioning several large-scale murals as part of urban regeneration projects. Many pieces reflect local culture, marine themes, or abstract designs
