Benidorm Spain Travel Guide
For a very short stop, concentrate on Benidorm's core experiences. Begin your day on Levante Beach for a refreshing dip or a promenade walk. Enjoy a "Menu del Día" for lunch. Explore the Old Town, its narrow streets, and the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana. Finish at the Balcón del Mediterráneo for panoramic views. End your evening with a tapas crawl in Calle Santo Domingo.
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Tailor your Benidorm itinerary to your specific interests, whether historical, culinary, or adventurous.
In Benidorm, discover the Old Town, Balcón del Mediterráneo (site of the old castle), Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, and old city wall remnants. For day journeys, plan excursions to El Castell de Guadalest, Alicante city (for Santa Bárbara Castle and its historic center), and Villajoyosa (for its colorful historic houses).
In Benidorm, focus on the Old Town's "Tapas Alley" (Calle Santo Domingo) for nightly tapas crawls. Seek out seafood restaurants on the promenades. Visit the Benidorm Municipal Market. Must-try dishes include traditional paella, fideuà, and arroz a banda. Sample horchata with fartons. For day trips, a visit to Villajoyosa for a Valor Chocolate Factory tour is a sweet option. Explore the Jalon Valley for wine tasting and local produce.
In Benidorm, hike in Serra Gelada Natural Park (to La Cruz or Albir lighthouse). Engage in various water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, or snorkeling around Benidorm Island. Visit theme parks like Terra Mítica (rides) or Aqualandia (water slides). For day trips, go to Fonts de l'Algar for natural pools and waterfalls. Consider mountain biking in the surrounding hills.
Dedicate days to Aqualandia and Aqua Natura (water parks) and Terra Natura (zoo). Spend ample time on the calm, wide Poniente Beach. Enjoy family-friendly evening entertainment and shows. Play mini-golf. Choose family-oriented hotels or resorts with kids' clubs and multiple pools. Pack beach toys for kids. Look for playgrounds in parks.
Benidorm offers diverse avenues for personal interest. Explore its unique skyline and modern architecture. Seek tranquility and self-care options.
Appreciate Benidorm's distinct skyline and the modern architecture of the Poniente promenade. Visit Ricardo Bofill's Parque de la Aigüera. Altea, with its artistic community and blue-domed church, offers art galleries.
Focus on relaxation. Enjoy quiet walks along Poniente Beach in the early morning. Seek hotels with quality spa facilities for treatments. Look for yoga sessions or peaceful spots for contemplation like the Church of San Jaime.
In Alicante, explore various art museums and galleries for a broader regional artistic perspective.
Benidorm caters to all budgets, from economical options to luxury experiences.
Stay in budget hotels, guesthouses, or campsites. Self-cater using supermarket groceries. Use "Menu del Día" for lunch. Enjoy inexpensive tapas in the Old Town. Rely almost entirely on public transportation (buses, tram) and walking. Concentrate on free activities like beaches, promenades, Old Town exploration, and hiking in Serra Gelada Natural Park. Look for free local events.
Stay in comfortable 3-star hotels or apartments. Mix dining out in mid-range restaurants with some self-catering. Enjoy the "Menu del Día." Use public transport, but allow for occasional taxis for convenience. Incorporate one or two theme parks, a boat trip to Benidorm Island, and perhaps a guided tour.
Stay in 4-5 star hotels or luxury resorts with extensive amenities and prime locations. Indulge in fine dining experiences. Use private transfers, taxis, or rent a high-end car. Enjoy exclusive tours, spa treatments, private boat charters, and premium seating at shows like Benidorm Palace.
Choose shoulder or low season for lower prices on flights and accommodation. Book apartments with kitchenettes for self-catering options. Look for happy hour deals for drinks and the "Menu del Día" for lunches. Purchase multi-journey bus passes if you plan frequent use.
Off-season exploration has lower prices, fewer crowds, and relaxed sightseeing. This time is suitable for cultural exploration, day trips to nearby towns (Altea, Guadalest), and outdoor activities like hiking or cycling without extreme summer heat. While some seasonal attractions may close, most restaurants and bars continue operations.
Benidorm's appeal changes with the time of year, offering different experiences.
Summer (June-August): Expect crowds and high energy. Beaches are full of activity. Water parks and theme parks operate at full capacity. Nightlife thrives. Events and outdoor concerts are common. This season is perfect for beach vacations, water sports, and vibrant evening entertainment.
Winter (December-February): Ideal for those seeking a mild climate for golf and hiking. Enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Some nearby towns may feature Christmas markets. Many hotels offer long-stay winter sun packages. The air is crisp, and outdoor activities like walking the promenades or exploring natural parks are very pleasant.
Fiestas Mayores Patronales (November): Plan your visit around the second week of November to experience Benidorm's main annual festival. It features parades, fireworks, and a lively local atmosphere. This celebration honors the city's patron saints and includes a wide array of cultural events and festivities. It's a fantastic time for immersion in local traditions.
Off-season exploration delivers lower prices, fewer crowds, and relaxed sightseeing. This period is suitable for cultural exploration, day trips to surrounding towns (Altea, Guadalest), and outdoor activities like hiking or cycling without the extreme heat of summer. While some seasonal attractions may close, most restaurants and bars remain open, providing a more local experience.
During peak summer, popular attractions can experience long queues. Booking tickets in advance for theme parks and shows is highly advisable.
While most services remain, some smaller, seasonal businesses might reduce hours or close entirely during the deepest winter months.
