Benidorm Travel Guide

Learn about the best places to visit and things to do in Benidorm, Spain, including cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Benidorm

Located in the heart of Costa Blanca in Alicante province, Benidorm is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. The city lies on the beautiful Mediterranean coast and boasts numerous beaches, theme parks, and other attractions that attract millions of tourists each year. With a vibrant nightlife, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Benidorm is a must-visit destination in Spain.

List of Places to Visit in Benidorm

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo de la Ciudad: This museum displays the history and culture of Benidorm through the ages, with exhibits ranging from traditional crafts to modern art.
  • Torre Punta del Caval: This ancient tower is a perfect example of Gothic-style architecture and offers stunning views over Benidorm’s coastline.
  • Balcon del Mediterraneo: This is the center of the Old Town and offers a panoramic view of the beaches and the sea. The beautiful church of San Jaime is also located here.

Natural Attractions of Benidorm: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Levante Beach: Benidorm’s most popular beach that has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness.
  • Poniente Beach: A quieter beach than Levante, but equally beautiful.
  • Serra Gelada Natural Park: A natural park with a great hiking trail, and scenic views of the coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Benidorm

  • Sierra Helada Route: This is a 5.5 km hiking trail that starts at Levante Beach and leads to the Faro de l’Albir, a beautiful lighthouse located on the coast.
  • Sierra de Cortina Route: A biking route that takes you through the hills around Benidorm, offering spectacular views of the city and the sea.

Best Things to Do in Benidorm: Activities and Tours

  • Terra Mitica: This is a theme park that includes roller coasters, water rides, and shows; it has something for everyone in the family.
  • Aqualandia: This waterpark is perfect for a hot summer day and offers exciting water slides and rides.
  • Benidorm Palace: This is a must-visit place for anyone interested in flamenco shows and live music performances.

Week-Long Itinerary for Benidorm

Day Activity
1 Explore the Old Town and visit Balcon del Mediterraneo and the church San Jaime
2 Spend the day at Terra Mitica Theme Park
3 Take a trip to Aqualandia Waterpark
4 Hike Sierra Helada and visit the Faro de l’Albir
5 Relax at Playa de Levante Beach
6 Spend the day at Benidorm Palace
7 Visit Museo de la Ciudad and learn about Benidorm’s history and culture

Food and Drink Scene of Benidorm

Must-Try Dishes

  • Paella: A traditional Spanish rice dish that comes in many variations; seafood, chicken, and vegetables with saffron threads dominate the menu.
  • Arroz a Banda: Another rice dish made with fish stock and served with seafood.
  • Cremaet: A local alcoholic drink that’s made with coffee, Licor 43, and a dash of brandy.

Local Beverages

  • Horchata: Made with tiger nuts, sugar, and water, this local drink is refreshing and nutritious.
  • Agua de Valencia: Made with orange juice, gin, and champagne, this is a popular cocktail in Benidorm.

Where to Stay in Benidorm: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Level at Melia Villaitana: A luxury hotel that provides guests with a relaxing and comfortable stay.
  • Youth Hostel Benidorm: Centrally located and budget-friendly, this hostel offers a good atmosphere for travelers.
  • Magic Aqua Rock Gardens: A family-friendly hotel with water slides and pools and an inclusive breakfast buffet.

What to Buy in Benidorm: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade crafts and pottery from local boutiques and markets.
  • Custom-made leather goods such as wallets and belts.
  • Local wines and olive oils are also popular souvenirs to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Benidorm

Benidorm is a lively, vibrant city with a laid-back vibe. Spanish is the official language, but many people speak English, so language barriers are not an issue. The city is cosmopolitan and has a mix of cultures, so visitors can sample Spanish, Moroccan, and other international cuisines. Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it’s considered polite to round up the amount in a bar or restaurant.

Best Time to Visit Benidorm

The best time to visit Benidorm is between May and October, as the weather is warm and sunny. Summers are hot, with highs in the 30s, while winters are mild, with lows around 10-15 degrees Celsius. The peak season, July and August, are crowded, so it’s advisable to book accommodations early if you plan to visit during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Benidorm

Do:

  • Respect local customs and dress codes when visiting churches and other sacred places.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine and try new foods.
  • Take a stroll along the beaches and scenic trails.

Don’t:

  • Drink too much alcohol in public places as it is frowned upon.
  • Get involved in street fights or disputes with locals.
  • Littering or dumping trash illegally can incur heavy fines.

Safety and Health

Safety in Benidorm

Benidorm is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take precautions, such as keeping your valuables secured and avoiding dark and isolated places at night. Also, beware of pickpockets, a common problem in touristy areas.

Health in Benidorm

Spain’s health care system is world-class, and visitors can get medical attention at private and public clinics throughout Benidorm. Visitors from the EU can avail of free medical treatment with their EU health card. Still, it’s advisable to purchase comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies and hospitalization.

Getting to Benidorm: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Benidorm

  • Alicante Airport: The nearest airport, located 60 km south of Benidorm, is well-connected to other European cities. Visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach Benidorm from the airport.
  • Valencia Airport: This airport is located 146 km north of Benidorm and is a viable alternative for international visitors.

Bus Stations Near Benidorm

Benidorm’s bus station is adjacent to the train station, and visitors can take busses to major cities in Spain from here.

Other Options

Tourists can also hire private taxis, rental cars, or bicycles to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Benidorm

Benidorm is a small city, and the best way to get around is by walking or cycling. However, you can also avail of public transportation such as buses and taxis to explore the city and its environs.

Where to Go Next from Benidorm: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Valencia: This city is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and cultural festivals.
  • Alicante: A beautiful seaside city is located just an hour’s drive from Benidorm, with an excellent nightlife scene and food markets.
  • Calpe: A beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches and natural views.

Conclusion

Benidorm is a beautiful and exciting holiday destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach or explore the vibrant culture and history of the city, Benidorm has it all. Its natural beauty, rich traditions, and friendly locals make it a perfect place for a relaxing and memorable vacation.

Estació Autobusos Benidorm Estació Autobusos Benidorm Punta Calfani Punta Calfani Intempo Intempo Platja de Llevant Platja de Llevant Terra Mítica Terra Mítica Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada and the Albir lighthouse Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada and the Albir lighthouse La Creu Benidorm La Creu Benidorm Mercat Municipal Mercat Municipal Tapas bar in Calle Santo Domingo, aka 'Tapas Alley', in the old town Tapas bar in Calle Santo Domingo, aka 'Tapas Alley', in the old town Gran Hotel Bali Gran Hotel Bali Guadalest Guadalest