Destination Introduction
Benidorm, located in Alicante Province of Spain’s Valencia Region, is the shining star of the Costa Blanca. Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, often dubbed "Spain’s Little Manhattan."
Benidorm is renowned for its striking skyscraper skyline, 7 kilometers of golden beaches, and vibrant nightlife. The city is divided into two parts: the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), which retains authentic Spanish charm, and the New Town, filled with modern amenities and entertainment venues.
Benidorm boasts one of the Mediterranean’s mildest climates, with an average annual temperature of 20°C and over 300 sunny days, making it an ideal year-round vacation spot.
Benidorm Facts
Benidorm has Europe’s highest density of skyscrapers, with over 300 high-rise buildings.
Levante and Poniente Beaches are among Europe’s finest urban beaches.
The city’s green coverage is 40%, earning multiple EU sustainability awards.
First Impressions of Benidorm
Before the plane even landed, I was awestruck by Benidorm’s skyline from the window—skyscrapers stretching along the coast, gleaming in the sunlight. Within an hour of landing, I was standing on Levante Beach, my feet sinking into soft sand, gazing at the azure Mediterranean. Strolling through the Old Town’s narrow streets at dusk, I found a perfect blend of century-old buildings and modern amenities. What truly stood out was the locals’ warmth—despite my language barrier, restaurant owners recommended fresh seafood, and an elderly lady kindly gestured directions when I got lost. Their hospitality made me feel instantly at home.
Travel Guide
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May–Sep (Peak Season) | Apr, Oct (Mid-Season) | Nov–Mar (Off-Season) |
| Climate | Mediterranean climate, warm summers (25–30°C), mild winters (15–20°C) |
| Language | Spanish (official), Valencian; English widely spoken in tourist areas |
| Currency | Euro (€); most places accept credit cards (carry some cash) |
| Transportation | Alicante Airport (ALC) 45km away, direct SuBús to Benidorm |
Transport Tip: Take the SuBús from Alicante Airport to Benidorm bus station (~1 hour, €8).
Essential App: Download the Benidorm official app for real-time tourist info, maps, and discounts.
Language Tip: Learn basic Spanish phrases: Hola (hello), Gracias (thank you), La cuenta (the bill).
Top Attractions
Levante Beach (Playa Levante)
Terra Mítica Theme Park
Benidorm Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Suggested Itineraries
- Beach Leisure Day: Levante Beach sunbathing → water activities (parasailing, jet skis) → seaside promenade dinner
- Culture and Food Day: Central Market shopping → paella cooking class → Old Town tapas bar crawl
- Entertainment Day: Terra Mítica Theme Park → Mundomar Marine Park → Castillo del Miguel sunset
Crowd-Avoidance Tips
During peak season, Levante Beach can be crowded. I recommend visiting from 7–9 AM for a near-empty beach and ideal photo lighting. For Terra Mítica, book tickets online and visit Tuesday–Thursday for fewer crowds. Locals shared a hidden gem, Cala Tío Ximo, a secluded beach below a cliff accessible by a short hike—its crystal-clear waters are a local secret. Restaurants get busy after 8 PM Spanish time; dine between 6–7:30 PM to avoid queues and enjoy "happy hour" deals.
Travel Experience
Mediterranean Water Sports
Spanish Nightlife
Guadalest Nature Park
Unique Experiences
- Mediterranean Adventures: Sailing trips, jet skiing, underwater walking
- Food Journey: Local market visits, paella cooking classes, tapas bar tours
- Nightlife: Beachfront clubs, flamenco shows, moonlight beach parties
- Nature Exploration: Guadalest Nature Park hiking, cliff paragliding, scuba diving
- Cultural Festivals: Moors and Christians Festival (October), Holy Week, International Comedy Festival
Sailing to a Secret Cove
On a local fisherman’s recommendation, I joined a small sailing trip. Departing from Benidorm’s port at dawn, we sailed for an hour to Cala Moraig, a hidden cove only accessible by small boats. The water was so clear I could see reefs and fish 10 meters below. We jumped off the boat for snorkeling, and the captain, José, harvested sea urchins, serving them fresh with lemon juice—an unforgettable sweet, briny taste. At noon, we anchored near Calpe’s Peñón de Ifach rock, enjoying grilled seafood and Spanish wine on board with the iconic rock in view. This authentic, local-led experience was beyond what typical tour groups offer.
Tips and Notes
Safety Tips
- Beach Safety: Follow safety flag signals and swim in designated areas; beware of pickpockets.
- Traffic Rules: Use pedestrian crossings; carry an international driver’s license if driving.
- Sun Protection: UV rays are strong from 10 AM–4 PM; reapply sunscreen hourly.
- Property Safety: Don’t leave valuables visible in cars.
Local Etiquette and Customs
Dining Customs: Lunch 1–4 PM, dinner after 8:30 PM; tip after meals.
Siesta Culture: 2–5 PM is siesta time for locals.
Communication Etiquette: Greet with "Hola"; locals may have limited English but are eager to help.
Sunburn Lesson
On my first day in Benidorm, I underestimated the Mediterranean sun. After two hours on Levante Beach with SPF30 sunscreen but no reapplication or hat, my skin was red and stinging by evening, with painful sunburn marks on my back for a week. A local pharmacist recommended aloe vera gel to cool my skin and advised physical sun protection (long-sleeve rash guards, wide-brimmed hats). I noticed locals swim only in the mild morning or evening sun, resting under umbrellas at midday. Now, I always pack SPF50+ waterproof sunscreen and a high-UV hat—essential for Benidorm’s beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benidorm is an excellent family destination, offering:
- Theme Parks: Terra Mítica (ancient civilizations theme), Mundomar (marine animals), Aqualandia (water park).
- Beach Facilities: Shallow waters, beach games, safe swimming zones.
- Family Activities: Pirate ship tours, mini-golf, kids’ cooking classes.
- Accommodation: Many 4–5-star resorts with kids’ clubs and water parks.
Benidorm has a high safety index, but note:
- Personal Safety: Avoid isolated areas late at night; secure belongings.
- Beach Safety: Follow flag signals (green: safe, yellow: caution, red: no swimming).
- Traffic Safety: Use crosswalks; local driving can be fast-paced.
- Consumer Safety: Check bar bills; some tourist bars have "minimum spend" traps.
Benidorm’s cost is moderate (daily per-person estimates):
- Budget: €60–€90: Hostel bed/budget hotel + supermarket food + public transport.
- Mid-Range: €100–€160: 3–4-star hotel with breakfast + restaurant meals + attraction tickets.
- Luxury: €200+: Sea-view 5-star hotel + fine dining + car rental.
While Spanish is the official language, in Benidorm:
- Tourist areas have English-speaking staff.
- Hotels and restaurants offer English menus.
- Use translation apps like Google Translate.
- Learning basic Spanish enhances the experience.
- Locals are friendly and helpful despite language barriers.
Local Cuisine
Valencian Paella
Spanish Tapas
Sangría Fruit Wine
Must-Try Dishes
- Valencian Paella: Made with fresh seafood and rabbit, near paella’s birthplace, Valencia.
- Tapas: Try local specialties like Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) and Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician octopus).
- Spanish Ham: 5J-grade Ibérico black-hoof ham with Manchego cheese.
- Stews: Fideuà (seafood noodles) and Arroz a banda (seafood rice soup).
- Drinks: Sangría (fruit wine), Agua de Valencia (Valencian cocktail).
Restaurant Recommendations
- Fine Dining: Restaurante Portal (Michelin-recommended, innovative Mediterranean cuisine).
- Authentic Eats: El Cisne Azul (traditional paella specialist).
- Tapas Street: Calle Santo Domingo (cluster of tapas bars).
- Brunch: Benidorm Palace (traditional Spanish breakfast).
- Waterfront Dining: El Puerto (portside, fresh seafood).
Central Market Food Adventure
At 8 AM on a Saturday, I joined a local guide for a food tour at Benidorm’s Central Market (Mercado Central). It’s a vibrant food paradise with colorful fruit stalls, whole hams hanging in butcher shops, and fresh-caught seafood. We sampled olives and Manchego cheese, then tried shrimp and oysters paired with cava sparkling wine at the seafood section. For lunch, we took our market ingredients to a nearby cooking school, learning to make Valencian paella under a chef’s guidance. The highlight was a century-old olive stall in a market corner, using ancestral ceramic jars for a unique flavor you can’t find in supermarkets.
Hotels and Accommodation
| Type | Hotel Name | Location | Price Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Resort | Grand Luxor Hotel | New Town, sea-view rooms | €250+/night | Five-star, rooftop infinity pool, private beach |
| Boutique Design | Hotel RH Princesa | Near Old Town | €150–€200/night | Modern design, rooftop terrace |
| Family Resort | Magic Robin Hood | Poniente Beach | €200–€300/night | Medieval theme, water slides, kids’ park |
| Budget | Benidorm Sands | New Town center | €60–€100/night | Walk to beach, rooftop pool |
| Apartment | Apartamentos Panorama | Near Levante Beach | €70–€120/night | Sea-view balcony, kitchenette, pool |
Location Tip: Levante Beach area: nightlife and shopping | Poniante Beach area: quiet family zone | Old Town: authentic Spanish experience.
Booking Tip: Book 3 months in advance for peak season (Jun–Sep) via booking.com or hotel websites.
Amenities: Many beach hotels have "chiringuito" beach bars serving drinks and snacks.
Staying at Magic Robin Hood
Traveling with kids, we chose Magic Robin Hood resort—a children’s fairytale world designed as a medieval castle. Staff wore Robin Hood-era costumes, and nightly medieval banquet shows were a hit. The kids loved the massive spa water park with seven slides of varying thrill levels. Breakfast included a kids’ zone with animal-shaped pancakes and colorful fruit platters. The family suites had separate kids’ bedrooms and play areas, giving parents space. Evening treasure hunts engaged kids in finding clues around the castle, both fun and educational. Though not beachfront, the hotel’s free shuttle to the beach was convenient.
Recommended Itineraries
Benidorm Classic Three-Day Tour
Day 1: Beach and Old Town: Levante Beach → Old Town (viewpoint, town square) → Castilla restaurant dinner → seaside promenade night walk
Day 2: Theme Parks and Coast: Terra Mítica Theme Park → Poniente Beach sunset → El Puerto seafood dinner
Day 3: Culture and Nature: Guadalest Nature Park → Calpe Rock → Benidorm marina paella
In-Depth Seven-Day Tour
Days 1–2: Acclimate, enjoy beach time (Levante and Poniente Beaches)
Day 3: Terra Mítica and Aqualandia water park
Day 4: Alicante day trip (Santa Bárbara Castle, Central Market)
Day 5: Guadalest Nature Park hiking and traditional village
Day 6: Sailing trip (Benidorm to Altea coastline)
Day 7: Local market food tour, Spanish souvenir shopping
Nearby Excursions
Costa Blanca Tour: Alicante → Altea (artistic town) → Villajoyosa (colorful fishing village)
Spanish Culture Experience: Valencia (City of Arts and Sciences, Central Market) → Elche (palm grove)
Nature Wonders: Guadalest Dam → Fonts de l’Algar Waterfalls → Guadalest viewpoint
Classic Three-Day Tour
In-Depth Seven-Day Tour
Costa Blanca Tour
Seven-Day Family Vacation
With two school-aged kids, we planned a seven-day family trip. The first three days at Magic Robin Hood resort let the kids enjoy the water park while we relaxed at the spa. Day four was an exciting visit to Terra Mítica, followed by a children’s magic show at the theater. On day five, we rented a car for Guadalest Nature Park, hiking to the dam and picnicking by the lake. Day six was a dolphin-watching boat trip, where we saw dolphins leaping from the water. The final day included a seafood market visit and a kids’ cooking class where they made mini paellas. This itinerary balanced entertainment and education perfectly for both adults and kids.