Nearby Destinations: Benidorm

Accessible Locations for a Day Journey

Altea (approx. 10 km / 6 miles north): A picturesque white-washed village. It features a charming old town with narrow, cobbled streets up to the iconic blue-domed church, Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Altea is popular with artists and has a bohemian spirit with artisan shops and galleries. It stands in calm contrast to Benidorm's energy.

Guadalest (approx. 20 km / 12 miles inland): A historic mountain village with El Castell de Guadalest, a captivating castle on a rock. It displays incredible valley views and various distinctive museums.

Getting There & Time

Altea: Easily reached by TRAM L9, local bus, taxi, or car. The tram route is scenic. A half-day to full-day visit.
Guadalest: Organized bus journeys are common. Car travel is possible, but parking can be challenging. A half-day visit.
Calpe (approx. 25 km north): Accessible by TRAM L9, local bus, or car. A full-day visit, especially with a Peñón de Ifach hike.
Villajoyosa (approx. 10 km south): Easily reached by TRAM L1, local bus, or car. A half-day visit.

Natural Escapes

Explore the natural splendor around Benidorm, from protected parks to refreshing waterfalls.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Serra Gelada Natural Park: A coastal mountain range adjacent to Benidorm. Its dramatic cliffs and trails offer coastal views and birdwatching opportunities. Access points are easy from Benidorm.

Fonts de l'Algar

Natural waterfalls and clear pools. A popular spot for swimming and picnicking in warmer months.
Often part of organized tours. Local bus from Benidorm is another option (check seasonal availability).
A half-day to full-day journey.

Scenic Landscapes

The rugged Costa Blanca coastline, with its cliffs and coves, frames a picturesque backdrop. Views are spectacular from Serra Gelada viewpoints or coastal boat trips. The journey north towards Altea and Calpe presents exceptional vistas.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Almond Blossoms: Late winter/early spring (January-February) the inland valleys, notably Jalon Valley, bloom with white and pink almond blossoms.
Inland Mountains: The mountains surrounding Benidorm, including Puig Campana, call for challenging hikes and offer forests and rocky terrain.
Quieter Beaches: Explore smaller, calmer coves and beaches north of Benidorm, like La Cala or Bol Nou in Villajoyosa.

Time Required and Suggested Itineraries

Typical Day Journey Structure

Morning: Travel to your destination (30-60 minutes). Explore main attractions.
Mid-day: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue exploration or find a cafe.
Evening: Return to Benidorm, usually by dinner time.

Extended Day Journey Options

Alicante (approx. 45 km south): The provincial capital. Santa Bárbara Castle, Explanada de España. A full-day trip.
Transportation: Direct and frequent connections via TRAM L1, Alsa bus, or car. The tram route is scenic.
Organized tours are available for multi-stop journeys.
Renting a car offers flexibility for exploration.

Benidorm City Statistics

Population (2023)Approx. 70,000
Annual VisitorsOver 16 million
Main Beaches LengthOver 5 km
Average Sunshine Days/YearOver 300

Highest BuildingIntempo (192m)
Theme Parks3 major parks
Old Town AreaHistoric charm
Time ZoneCET (UTC+1)

Day Trip Tip

For journeys requiring multiple stops or limited public transport, an Organized tour or a rented car for the day works well.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the region's history and cultural fabric through nearby historical locations and traditional villages.

Historical Sites

El Castell de Guadalest: Iconic castle with Moorish origins, grand valley vistas. Santa Bárbara Castle (Alicante): A medieval fortress overlooking Alicante city. Villajoyosa's Old Town: Brightly colored seafront houses, a historic feature.

Rural Villages

Jalon Valley (Vall de Pop): Well-known for vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. Wineries offer tours and tastings. Polop de la Marina: A modest, charming inland town with a historic center and castle.

Pilgrimage Sites

No major pilgrimage sites reside in the immediate area of Benidorm.

Historical Sites Outside the Main Destination

El Castell de Guadalest presents not only history but also incredible views of the surrounding valley. Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante overlooks the city and its bay. Villajoyosa's colorful houses, a historic mark of this fishing village, shielded it from pirate assaults long ago.

Exploration Tips

Look for guided tours for a dive into local history.
Consult local tourist maps for walking routes through historic areas.
Many sites offer excellent photo opportunities capturing historical architecture.

Rural Villages and Agricultural Areas

The Jalon Valley is famed for its vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. Many wineries invite visitors for tours and tastings of local wines. The Saturday market in Jalon is a local favorite. Polop de la Marina, a small, delightful inland town, features a historic core and a castle.

Experiences Await

Experience authentic rural life away from coastal vibrancy.
Sample regional agricultural products directly from the source.
Some villages offer charming trails for gentle strolls through nature.

Cultural Insights

Local HeritageDeeply rooted in tradition

Artisan CraftsHandmade goods readily found

GastronomyRich and diverse culinary scene

Historical DepthFrom Roman to Moorish influences

Regional DiversityDistinct cultural variations

Community SpiritStrong local identity

Cultural Travel Tip

Explore beyond tourist hotspots for authentic experiences.
Engage with local communities and their customs.
Support local businesses to keep traditions alive.
Consider a Spanish phrasebook for basic interactions.
Attend a local fiesta for cultural immersion.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider prolonging your stay to explore more of Spain, with Benidorm as your starting point.

Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days to the Journey

V

Valencia

Combine historic architecture (Cathedral, Silk Exchange) with modern marvels (City of Arts and Sciences). Enjoy a rich food scene and lively neighborhoods. 2-3 days.

M

Murcia

A less-visited regional capital with a beautiful cathedral, Baroque architecture, and a relaxed ambiance. Explore the historic center. 1-2 days.

D/J

Denia/Javea

Coastal towns north of Benidorm. A more upscale and calmer beach experience with scenic coves, marinas, and excellent dining. 1-2 days.

Logical Next Destinations

Valencia (VLC) or Murcia (RMU) Airports: Consider flights from these airports for onward travel in Spain or Europe.
Madrid/Barcelona: Readily reachable by high-speed train from Alicante (with good connections from Benidorm by tram/bus). These cities serve as major international hubs.
High-speed rail from Alicante connects to Spain's major cities.
Local and regional buses connect Benidorm to many nearby towns and cities.
Car rental provides flexibility for rural exploration.
Ferry services from Denia for Balearic Islands connections.

Transportation Connections

Valencia: Easy access by high-speed train (AVE) from Alicante, which connects to Benidorm via tram or bus. Direct buses also operate from Benidorm.
Murcia: Good bus links from Benidorm.
Denia/Javea: Accessible by TRAM L9 (to Denia) or bus. A car presents the most flexibility for exploring Javea's coves.
Alicante Airport (ALC): The closest major international airport, with direct bus services to Benidorm.
Intercity Buses: Extensive bus network connects Benidorm to cities across Spain.
Regional Tram: The TRAM network along the Costa Blanca offers scenic coastal trips.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Costa Blanca & Beyond

Combine your Benidorm stay with a circuit through Valencia (north) and possibly south to Murcia and Cartagena. This delivers a diverse journey.

Inland Discovery

Prolong your journey to explore more inland valleys, perhaps combining wine tasting in Jalon Valley with rural village stays.

Andalusia

For a distinct experience, take a high-speed train from Alicante to cities like Seville or Granada for southern Spanish culture, history, and flamenco.

Multi-Day Tip

For journeys involving multiple stops or limited public transport, an Organized tour or a rented car for the day works well.

Nearby Destinations