Benidorm is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for British holidaymakers looking for a sunny, fun-filled getaway. With nearly 100 years’ experience as a tourist town, including a sustained boom over the past few decades, there’s a staggering amount to see and do here.
But there are plenty of articles to tell you that. Here, we’re going for something a bit more ambitious: a list of the very best of Benidorm, with tips to get through as much of it as possible in just 24 hours.
So buckle up and join us as we speed on in.
Playa de Levante
The most popular and busiest beach in town, the sands here are packed with travellers from all over Europe. In the day they swim in the warm Mediterranean and dry off on the golden sand. At night, they party. Either on the shore or in the sea, or in the clubs along nearby Avenida de Madrid.
Adrenaline-Fuelled Activities
In case that wasn’t enough, Playa de Levante also offers water sports, including …
- Wakeboarding
- Banana boat rides
- Parasailing
And more!
24-Hour Top Tip: Mingle with fellow travellers and locals during the day, or turn up and go with the flow in the evening – don’t worry too much about scheduled events.
Balcon del Meditteraneo
A stone’s throw from the Playa, you’ll find this beautiful bright white staircase. The sight of the sun reflecting off the stairs set against the blue Mediterranean is hard to miss – and harder to forget once you’ve seen it. Climb to the top for equally fantastic views of the bay and the town.
24-Hour Top Tip: Come for photos in the daytime and again after dark to capture the two faces of the city in some envy-inducing picturesque photos.
Aqualandia
Opened in 1985, Aqualandia was Spain’s first ever waterpark. Three and a half decades later, it’s still one of the world’s biggest and best, and well worth a trip if you can find the time.
Did You Know? All the water pumped around the park comes from its own onsite wells, and is continually treated and recycled.
Thrills and Spills
Rides at Aqualandia are classified according to intensity, from ‘familiar’ to ‘moderate’ and up to red-marked ‘radical’ rides. If you can handle them, the latter are some of the most thrilling experiences you’re likely to have at a waterpark.
The 33m high Verti-Go is a real standout, promising guests top speeds of at least 100kmh in free fall. It’s also the highest slide in the world of its type. Not for the faint-hearted, but fun as all hell nonetheless.
24-Hour Top Tip: Look up rides and a park map before you arrive, and get there early to beat queues.
You’ll be rushed off your feet trying to fit in so many wonderful experiences in one day. Especially if you’re the kind to go out and party the night away. There’s always more to see in Benidorm, and even if you do leave after the day ends you’ll soon be itching to return.
Where to Stay
With just 24 hours to spend here, you might be questioning how much the quality of your accommodation will matter. Luckily, the two hotels featured here are not just luxurious, but located centrally enough that you can access most attractions easily.
Right on Playa de Levante and with streets around it lined with shops and bars, the Climbel is one of the best located hotels in the city. What’s more, its outdoor pool and hot tub, poolside tapas and drinks bar and air-conditioned rooms are so appealing that you might not want to leave.
Just a little further out is Prince Park, where you’ll stay in tastefully decorated rooms and enjoy access to a café-bar and lounge with a variety of entertainment. Just 900 yards from the old town and a 15-minute walk from the beach, this hotel is again placed in an area bustling with restaurants, bars and more.
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Alicante airport usually take less than two and a half hours, and can be very affordable. With prices as low as £20 in the off-season and as many as 70 weekly flights to choose from, it’s the perfect place for a spontaneous trip.
Of course, once you land you’ll want to be in town as soon as possible. Luckily, the transfer time from Alicante to Benidorm transfer time from Alicante to Benidorm is usually comfortably under an hour.
Overview
- UK to ALC flight times: 2 hours 20 minutes.
- ALC to Benidorm distance: 59 kilometres.
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 45 minutes.
About Shuttle Direct
As Europe and North Africa’s most highly regarded airport transfer operator, Shuttle Direct prizes itself on its ability to provide an affordable, quick and convenient ride. Our friendly, experienced drivers know the best routes to get you where you need to go on time and in comfort, and are more than happy to offer tips and recommendations on your destination.
