Visit Benidorm
Benidorm on the Costa Blanca coast has got to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. It is in the Alicante province in the Valencia and Murcia region of Spain.
Visit Benidorm
The Costa Blanca coast has some of the best beaches on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. It is not for nothing that this area became such a mecca for package holidays. The main beach in Benidorm is the Levante beach and this is packed in the summer. Slightly quieter is the neighboring Poniente beach.
The beach is backed by the large and growing city of Benidorm which is now the biggest resort in Spain and all of Europe. The sight of all those high rise blocks on the edge of the water almost gives it a 'Miami' feel. Benidorm is obviously not the place to go if you are looking for a quiet or traditional Spanish experience but if you want sun, sand, facilities and a party atmosphere then this is for you.
Between Benidorm's Levante beach and the Poniente beach there is a large rocky promontory offering good views over both beaches. Levante means sunrise and the Levante beach lives up to its name offering some great views of sunrise over the ocean. The Playa de Poniente offers some great sunsets. The third main beach at Benidorm is the Playa del Mal Pas. All three have the blue flag symbol of cleanliness.
As well as sun-bathing the beaches offers the usual range of boats and jet-skis to hire or diving trips to explore the marine world. Rincon de Loix is also a cable water-ski centre where you can learn to water-ski without a boat and apparently learn much more quickly. For golfers there are lots of golf courses within a 2 hour radius of Benidorm some of which rank amongst the best in the world.
Out at sea is Benidorm Island, known also as 'Peacock Island', an attractive addition to the coastal views. Boat trips go out to the island where you can go hiking and enjoy the fabulous views back towards Benidorm. The waters around Benidorm Island are a marine reserve and you can admire the fish from glass-bottomed boats.
The port of Benidorm is on the rocky promontory between the beaches as is the old town which heads inland from this point. Despite the high-rise surroundings the old town still has a maze of narrow cobbled streets edged with white-washed houses and there is an attractive blue-domed church.
For clubs, pubs and discos etc. the key area is around the Levante beach and the newer Rincon de Loix area which is next to Levante or for a more pub atmosphere head into the old town. There is one of Spain's biggest casinos, the Costa Blanca Casino on the south side of Benidorm and the Benidorm Palace is home to big cabaret style entertainment.
Bendidorm is still shrugging off a reputation for lager louts but these have largely moved on and policing is strict to keep the town family friendly. Indeed it has now become a popular spot for older tourists from colder climates!
Europe's tallest hotel, the Gran Hotel Bali, is in Benidorm. It is a four star hotel and obviously offers fantastic views over the city. It is 186m tall.
Places nearby
If you are looking for something a little quieter then try Altea, a lovely hilltop village with a small tourist resort. Or heading inland visit the beautiful Moorish town of Guadalest.
Another large resort on the Alicante coast is Calpe which is recognisable for its huge limestone rock in the sea.
Near to Benidorm there are a number of theme parks and water parks. The Terra Mitica theme park is one of the best in Spain. It has a good selection of white-knuckle rides as well as plenty of gentler rides. The Aqualandia water park has lots of water slides and pools. The Mundomar is an aquatic zoo with dolphin and sea-lion shows. The Terra Natura is a mix of rides, animals and water-parks with a round the world theme.
Brits may know Benidorm from the ITV series which showed series 10 in February 2018!
You can find more local travel ideas in the Valencia guide and the Valencia and Murcia guide.
Map of Benidorm and places to visit
Benidorm places to visit
Altea
A small resort set below the historic village which has views over the sea and coastline. The beach is a pebble beach
Altea guide
Guadalest
Guadaleste is a very pretty mountain village with a belfry perched on top of a rocky outcrop. It also has a moorish castle.
Guadalest guide
Calpe
Calpe is a popular resort on the Costa Blanca coast. It is recognisable for the huge rock just off the beach.
Calpe guide
Alicante
With a medieval fortress above the town, a Boroque town hall, wide esplanades, sandy beaches, and lots more.
Alicante guide
Denia
A resort town overlooked by a large castle. It is a cosmopolitan town that has retained its charm.
Denia guide
Xativa Castle
Xativa Castle is a stunning castle whose Major and Minor castles spread out with their fortifications along the hilltop.
Xativa Castle guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Valencia and Murcia