Every year, the Spanish seaside town of Benidorm welcomes over 5 million tourists, eager to experience Benidorm’s white beaches and warm weather. The town attracts all sorts, from young revellers keen to join in on Benidorm’s boisterous nightlife, to elderly Northern Europeans flocking to the winter sun, to families drawn by the proliferation of theme and water parks.
But beneath the surface of tourism, hotels, bars and clubs is a living, breathing city with a rich history. On your visit to this breathtaking town on Spain’s famous Costa Blanca, don’t miss the chance to experience the real, authentic Benidorm.
Explore the Old Town
Benidorm is bisected by a rocky promontory that juts out from the mainland into the sparkling Mediterranean. Atop this striking geographical landmark sits Benidorm’s Old Town, which formed the centre of life in this former fishing village. The Old Town is lined with cobbled streets and tapas bars, and the end of the promontory offers stunning views from the Balcón del Mediterráneo, or Mediterranean Balcony. Don’t miss the Castle Staircase, a beautiful set of white stairs descending to the very end of the promontory, where you can see the blue waves lapping around the rocks. Also of interest in the Old Town is the Iglesia de San Jaime, a blue-domed church set in a white-and-grey chequered square.
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Hike to La Cruz de Benidorm
If you’re up for a little exercise, hike up to La Cruz de Benidorm, or the Benidorm Cross. Visible from all over the city, La Cruz is an enormous metal cross situated atop a mountain in Serra Gelada Natural Park. Though the path uphill can be difficult to find and rather steep, the panoramic views from the top are simply stunning. The cross itself is covered with commemorative plaques, memorials placed there to honour loved ones who have passed away.
Take a Trip to Benidorm Island
About two miles off the coast of Benidorm is Benidorm Island, an unusual-looking islet that rises dramatically out of the sea before abruptly falling away again on its eastern, rocky cliff. A half-hour boat ride can take you to the island for €12. The price of your ticket includes a ride in the Aquascope, a glass-bottomed submarine that gives you a glimpse into the marine life of the Mediterranean. The island is also known for its bird sanctuary, home to a number of splendid peacocks which give the island its unofficial name, Peacock Island.
How to Get to Benidorm
A brief two-and-a-half hour flight can transport you from cloudy London to dazzling, sun-drenched Benidorm. British Airways, Norwegian Air, and easyJet all operate nonstop flights from London Gatwick to Alicante Airport, and Ryanair operates a similar flight from London Stansted.
Once you’ve touched down in Alicante, it’s an easy 45-minute drive along Spain’s eastern coast to Benidorm. If you’re planning to rent a car to get around Benidorm, take the A-70 and E-15 northeast to get to the town. If you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else, look into our offer of private and shared rides from Alicante Airport to Benidorm.
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Where to Stay:
Hotel Rosabel – This budget-friendly hotel is well-located for enjoying all the gems of Benidorm. Only 400 yards from the Old Town and 300 yards from Poniente Beach, Hotel Rosabel offers functional, air-conditioned rooms, each with its own private terrace. In addition to the hotel’s amenities, guests here also have access to the pool and hot tub at the neighbouring Hotel Melina.
Apartamentos Lido – This seafront apartment complex is only 100 yards form Levante Beach, offering stunning Mediterranean views from private, furnished terraces. Each apartment is equipped with a full kitchen, washing machine and combination lounge-dining room, so Apartamentos Lido feels like your home away from home. Furnished with smart, modern decor in sandy beach hues, a stay in these apartments provides everything you need to enjoy your holiday in Benidorm.
Hotel Boutique Villa Venecia – For optimal luxury in Benidorm, treat yourself to a stay in this modern Mediterranean villa. Perched on the Old Town promontory just steps away from Levante Beach, the rooms at Villa Venecia offer magnificent sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows, hydro-massage showers, a minibar and choice of pillows and mattresses. The hotel’s two restaurants serve up delicious Mediterranean cuisine, while the sunset terrace is an excellent place for an evening cocktail.
