Benidorm is one of the most popular destinations with British tourists, and for good reason. The resort has excellent beaches, great hotels and plenty of fabulous restaurants and tapas bars. For all its perks, Benidorm is also relatively cheap and is the perfect place for a budget-busting holiday. With an historic quarter filled with small ancient shops and a modern area with good shopping centres and leisure areas, Benidorm has something to offer everyone.
Off the Beaten Track
Away from the busy main streets and tourist traps, Benidorm has a number of hidden gems. If you are willing to go off the beaten track, and maybe even speak some Spanish to the locals, there are some fantastic opportunities to discover the culture of the region and marvel at its nature. Here are a few of the best, lesser known attractions:
Terra Natura – Requiring a full day visit to fully appreciate, this zoological collection is full of unique attractions. Chief among these is the Zooimmersion experience which allows visitors to come face to face with the animals, due to clever habitat design and large glass barriers. The park is stretched over 300,000 square meters and contains lions, elephants, snakes, you name it. If you have a favourite animal you wish to see in close-to-its-natural-habitat, this is the place for you.
Benidorm Island – Reachable by a short 30-minute boat trip, Benidorm island is a nice break from the busy town and provides a great viewing point of the coastline. Opportunities for animal-watching are abundant here too with boats to the island fitted with special underwater viewing areas for passengers to spot marine life. Also known as Peacock Island for its large reserve of wild peacocks, the birds here are beautiful and fearsome in equal measure.
Altea – This picturesque fishing village is a centre of culture in the region. As the home of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Elche, the town of Altea is full of art galleries and has plenty of opportunities for enjoying Spanish music and literature. The harbour town itself is quiet and peaceful with its little blue and white tiled roofs, glistening in the midday sun. Altea is easily reached from Benidorm which is just 15km down the coast, well within easy driving distance.
The Algar Waterfalls – Slightly inland, around 15km from Altea and the same from Benidorm, the town of Callosa d’en Sarria sits next to the wonderful waterfalls of the river Algar. These natural falls form beautiful pools which are perfect for a dip in the hot summer months. The water is refreshing and clean, and the scenery is fantastic. After your swim, head into town and taste some of the locally grown nisperos (loquats) fresh off the trees.
Shakti Centre – The busy beaches and tourist streets of Benidorm can be hot and stressful, especially in the summer. That’s why a break at the Shakti centre is the perfect antidote, providing all the pampering and relaxation you could desire. The centre offers expert massages, yoga sessions and all manner of beauty treatments. There is also a great restaurant serving traditional Thai cuisine if you fancy a break from the paella and churros.
How to Get There
Benidorm is very easy to get to from airports all over the UK. Flights from London to Alicante Airport take around 2½ hours; give or take a bit from other airports. Many major airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 fly directly to Alicante so no need to mess around with stop-offs.
From Alicante, it is just a 40-minute drive to the city of Benidorm. The most efficient and affordable way to get from the airport to your hotel is by booking a transfer with us. We sort the logistics with you beforehand so you can skip the stress when you get there.
Where to Stay
Hotel Iris – Only a few minutes’ walk away from Benidorm’s Old Town area and a similar distance from Levante Beach, this hotel is in the perfect location for people who like to get out and about on holiday. The rooms are bright and cool with enuite bathrooms with bath tubs, and free WiFi. This is a grown-up hotel with few provisions for families with young children, but this suits visitors looking for more functional accommodation.
Hotel Rosabel – Also with a great location, 5 minutes from the beach, the Rosabel has great access to the Old Town and restaurants which reside there. Guests also have admittance to an outdoor pool, hot tub and night club just a stone’s throw away at the Hotel Melina. The rooms at the Rosabel are clean with tiled floors, free WiFi and cable TV.
Hotel Celymar – Cheap and cheerful, Hotel Celymar is slap bang in the middle of the city. Decorated with warm, welcoming colours, each room has an ensuite bathroom and free WiFi. Elche Park and Benidorm old town are only a few minutes’ walk away, making the Celymar a great option for active guests.
About Shuttle Direct
For quick, no-fuss transfers, Shuttle Direct is your best option. Agree a low-cost fixed fee while still in rainy England and leave out the haggling when you get there. Shuttle Direct will take care of everything so you don’t have to, with friendly drivers and punctual service.
