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Things to Do in Benidorm

Things to Do in Benidorm

Benidorm Spain Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Benidorm's natural surroundings and coastal location provide diverse options for outdoor enjoyment.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Lighthouse Walk Faro de l'Albir

An easy to moderate, paved path suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Approximately 5 kilometers return from the Albir entrance. This walk has beautiful coastal views and leads to the Albir lighthouse.

Cross to Benidorm La Cruz

A moderate to challenging hike from the city center. It involves a steep ascent but rewards hikers with panoramic views of Benidorm's skyline. You can also take a bus or taxi part of the way.

Full Traverse Benidorm to Albir

A challenging trek crossing the entire Serra Gelada park. Approximately 8-10 kilometers, requiring good fitness. This route features dramatic cliff views, secluded coves, and diverse flora.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Parasailing: Experience breathtaking aerial views of Benidorm's coastline. Operators are available off both Levante and Poniente beaches.
  • Jet Skiing: Rent jet skis for an exhilarating ride on the Mediterranean. Rental points locate along the main beaches.
  • Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Enjoy the calm bay waters with paddleboarding or kayaking. Rentals are available, especially in quieter coves or at water sports centers.
  • Boat Trips: Regular boat trips depart from Benidorm port to Benidorm Island (Isla de Benidorm). These often include glass-bottom boat sections for underwater viewing. Coastal cruises with swimming stops are also popular.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Terra Natura Benidorm: An innovative "zoo-immersion" park for close encounters.
  • Mundomar: A marine and exotic animal park specializing in marine mammals and birds.
  • Benidorm Island: Home to resident peacocks. Its surrounding waters are a protected marine reserve, offering snorkeling.
  • Serra Gelada Natural Park: A diverse flora and fauna habitat. Birdwatchers might spot various sea birds.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

  • Cycling: Benidorm's flat promenades along Levante and Poniente beaches are perfect for leisurely cycling.
  • Rentals: You can rent bicycles, including electric bikes, from various shops.
  • Mountain Biking: For more challenging rides, trails of varying difficulty exist in the hills surrounding Benidorm.
  • Serra Gelada Natural Park: Offers mountain biking trails, with suitable bikes available for rent.

Adventure Sports

  • Limited within Benidorm: The city mainly focuses on beach and water sports.
  • Nearby Options: For more intense adventure sports like paragliding or rock climbing.
  • Excursions: Arrange excursions to nearby mountains or specialized centers in the wider Costa Blanca region.
  • Explore the region: Day trips open up possibilities for a broader range of adventure sports.

Safety Note: Snorkeling/Diving

The waters around Benidorm Island and rocky areas of Serra Gelada are protected marine reserves. They offer good opportunities for snorkeling and beginner diving to observe marine life. Consider bringing a Full face snorkel mask for easy viewing. Always check local conditions and follow safety guidelines.

Cultural Immersion

Discover Benidorm's cultural side through performances, traditions, and local events.

Workshops & Classes

  • Limited Public Workshops: Less common than in larger cultural cities.
  • Informal Lessons: Some hotels or local centers present informal Spanish dance (flamenco, salsa) lessons.
  • Cooking Demonstrations: Opportunities to learn about local cuisine through cooking demonstrations.
  • Inquire Locally: Check with tourist offices or local centers for available classes.

Cultural Performances & Ceremonies

Flamenco Shows

Several venues, specifically in the Old Town, host evening flamenco performances. These range from intimate shows in small bars to larger dinner shows. They present a taste of Spain's passionate dance and music heritage.

Cabaret/Tribute Acts

A significant part of Benidorm's entertainment scene. Numerous venues offer nightly shows featuring live music, comedy, and tribute acts, forming an unique "Benidorm culture" of entertainment.

Benidorm Palace

Renowned for its spectacular, large-scale dinner and cabaret shows. It features international artists, dancers, magicians, and comedians. A glamorous evening out and a long-standing entertainment institution in Benidorm. Book tickets in advance, for instance through GetYourGuide.

Community & Language

Benidorm mainly functions as a mass-tourism destination. Direct community-based tourism initiatives are less common. Some language schools offer Spanish courses.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Benidorm celebrates various local and regional festivals throughout the year. These often include food stalls, traditional dishes, and special events.

Festivals

Fallas (March): Smaller celebrations may occur near Benidorm. Fiestas Mayores Patronales (November): Benidorm's main annual festival, culminating in a spectacular 'fire' on the beach. Moors and Christians Festival (October): A colorful historical reenactment.

Relaxation & Wellness

Benidorm has options for unwinding and rejuvenating.

Spa and Wellness Centers

  • Many 4- and 5-star hotels in Benidorm feature their own extensive spa facilities.
  • Treatments: These typically range from massages and facials to hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
  • Day Passes: Day passes are often available, even for those not staying at the hotel.
  • This allows non-guests to experience premium wellness amenities.

Other Wellness Options

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

No natural hot springs locate directly in Benidorm. For a hot spring experience, travel further inland to places like Cofrentes or other thermal spas in the Valencia region.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Limited within Benidorm's bustling environment. However, some smaller, specialized wellness centers or private instructors offer yoga or meditation sessions. Look in the quieter surrounding towns like Altea for more dedicated retreats.

Traditional Healing Practices

Traditional healing practices do not form a main focus of Benidorm's tourism offerings. Most wellness services are Western-style spa treatments.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Beach Bars Chiringuitos

Numerous chiringuitos line Benidorm's promenades, providing a relaxed setting for drinks and snacks by the sea.

Hotel Pool Areas

Many hotels possess large, inviting pool areas with sun loungers and bars, perfect for a day of relaxation.

Upscale Hotels

Some upscale hotels present day passes for non-guests to utilize their pool facilities, broadening access to their amenities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Benidorm holds fame for its lively and diverse nightlife, catering to all tastes.

Live Music & Theater

  • Live Music Venues: Numerous pubs and bars throughout Benidorm, especially in the Levante and Rincón de Loix areas, offer live music performances. You will find solo artists, tribute acts, and karaoke bars.
  • Benidorm Palace: Renowned for its spectacular, large-scale dinner and cabaret shows. It features international artists, dancers, magicians, and comedians. Book tickets in advance, for instance on GetYourGuide.
  • Auditoriums in Parque de la Aigüera: These open-air venues occasionally host concerts, plays, and cultural performances, especially during summer.
  • A diverse selection of live entertainment experiences.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Nightclubs

Benidorm boasts a high concentration of nightclubs, especially near Levante beach and in the "strip" areas. These clubs cater to various music tastes, from pop and dance to R&B and electronic music. They remain open until the early hours of the morning.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

"The Strip": The area around Calle Gerona and surrounding streets in Levante buzzes with lively pubs, tribute act venues, and bars, popular with British and Irish visitors.

Old Town & LGBTQ+ Scene

Old Town (Tapas Alley): Offers a different kind of nightlife. Traditional Spanish tapas bars where locals and tourists gather for drinks and small dishes. Benidorm has a visible and welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, with bars in parts of the Old Town (Calle Dr. Perez Llorca).

Late-Night Entertainment Options

  • Benidorm's nightlife extends very late.
  • Clubs typically remain open until 4 AM or later, especially on weekends.
  • Many bars also stay open until the early hours.
  • Plenty of options for late-night revelers.

Shopping & Markets

  • Discover unique souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce.
  • Traditional markets and bazaars offer diverse goods.
  • Artisan workshops provide authentic items.
  • Luxury and boutique shopping options are limited within the city.

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

  • Benidorm Indoor Market (Mercado Municipal): Open daily (except Sundays).
  • Outdoor Markets: Benidorm Market on Wednesdays and Sundays near Hotel Pueblo.
  • El Cisne Rastro: A popular flea market on Sundays (and some Saturdays).
  • Variety of goods: Clothes, accessories, souvenirs, shoes, household items, antiques.

Artisan & Ethical Shopping

Artisan Workshops & Crafts
  • Old Town: Narrow streets house small shops selling artisan crafts.
  • Look for leather goods, ceramics, hand-painted fans, and local artwork.
  • Altea: Neighboring town known for its artistic community, more artisan workshops and galleries.
Ethical Shopping Guidelines
  • Support Local: Prioritize buying from local artisans and small businesses.
  • Counterfeit Goods: Avoid purchasing counterfeit designer goods at markets.
  • Customs: Be aware of home country's customs regulations for imported goods (food, alcohol, large purchases). Keep receipts.

Shopping Tip

Head to the outdoor markets for bargain hunting. Keep your valuables secure due to crowds.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Explorations

  • Explore hiking trails in Serra Gelada Natural Park.
  • Engage in water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding.
  • Take boat trips to Benidorm Island for peacocks and marine viewing.
  • Cycle along the promenades or tackle mountain biking trails.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

  • Attend flamenco shows or large-scale cabaret performances at Benidorm Palace.
  • Experience the nightlife in "The Strip" or the Old Town's tapas bars.
  • Relax at hotel spa facilities or tranquil beach clubs.
  • Discover unique items at local markets and artisan shops.