Benidorm

Benidorm is one of the most famous coastal towns in Spain. It is located in the province of Alicante on the Costa Blanca, in the Valencian Community. The town sits between the cities of Alicante and Valencia. Benidorm has a population of around 70,000 people, but this number grows to several hundred thousand in the summer months due to tourism.

Benidorm is known for its tall skyline, long sandy beaches, and lively nightlife. It is one of the most visited holiday destinations in Spain, especially for travellers from the UK and northern Europe. The town offers a mix of beach holidays, entertainment, family attractions, and modern tourism facilities.

Despite its modern appearance, Benidorm also has a historic old town with narrow streets, white houses, and traditional Spanish charm. This contrast between old and new makes Benidorm unique compared to many other coastal resorts.

The town enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine each year. This makes it a year-round destination for beach lovers, families, and retirees. Benidorm is also a good base for exploring nearby attractions in the Costa Blanca region.

Visitors can also take day trips to nearby cities such as Alicante, Valencia, and even Madrid for a longer excursion.

What to see and do

Benidorm offers a wide range of activities for all types of visitors. The most famous feature of the town is its beaches. There are two main beaches: Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente. Both have fine golden sand, clear water, and long promenades filled with restaurants and bars.

Playa de Levante is the livelier beach. It is popular with younger visitors and those looking for water sports, beach bars, and entertainment. Playa de Poniente is quieter and more family-friendly, with a relaxed atmosphere and modern facilities.

One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Benidorm is the Balcón del Mediterráneo. This white terrace sits on a rocky headland between the two main beaches. It offers stunning views of the coastline and the sea.

Benidorm is also home to several popular theme parks. One of the most famous is Terra Mítica, a large theme park inspired by ancient civilisations such as Rome, Egypt, and Greece.

Official website: https://www.terramiticapark.com/

Another popular attraction is Aqualandia, one of the largest water parks in Europe. It has slides, pools, and areas for both children and adults.

Official website: https://www.aqualandia.net/

Mundomar is another family attraction located nearby. It is a marine and animal park where visitors can see dolphins, sea lions, and exotic birds.

Official website: https://www.mundomar.es/

The old town of Benidorm is very different from the modern skyline. Here, visitors will find narrow streets, small shops, and traditional Spanish restaurants. The Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana is one of the main landmarks in this area.

For shopping, visitors can explore Avenida Martínez Alejos and surrounding streets. These areas offer clothing shops, souvenir stores, and cafés.

Benidorm also has a lively nightlife. The English Square is one of the most famous nightlife areas, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. It is especially popular with British tourists.

For nature lovers, the Sierra Helada Natural Park is a great place to visit. This protected coastal park offers hiking trails with sea views, cliffs, and wildlife. It is a peaceful escape from the busy town centre.

Official website: https://parquesnaturales.gva.es/en/web/pn-serra-gelada

Food in Benidorm is varied and international. Visitors can enjoy traditional Spanish dishes such as paella, tapas, and fresh seafood. There are also many international restaurants due to the large tourist population.

Benidorm is also a great base for exploring the Costa Blanca. Nearby towns such as Altea, Calpe, and Alicante offer beautiful scenery and cultural attractions.

Further inland, visitors can explore mountain villages and natural landscapes, including the Guadalest Valley, one of the most picturesque areas in the region.

Local festivals and traditions

Benidorm has several lively festivals throughout the year. One of the most important is the Fiestas Mayores Patronales, held in November in honour of the Virgin of the Suffrage, the town’s patron saint.

During this festival, the town hosts religious processions, fireworks, concerts, and cultural events. One of the highlights is the famous “flower offering,” where locals bring flowers to the Virgin.

Another popular event is the Benidorm International Song Festival. This music competition helped launch the careers of several Spanish singers and remains an important cultural event.

In March, Benidorm also celebrates Las Fallas, a traditional festival shared with the wider Valencian region. Large paper sculptures are built and then burned in spectacular fire displays.

Summer is the busiest time in Benidorm. The town hosts many beach parties, outdoor concerts, and cultural events. Fireworks are often launched from the beaches during special celebrations.

Like many towns in the Valencian Community, Benidorm also celebrates Semana Santa (Holy Week). Religious processions take place through the streets, with decorated floats and traditional music.

These festivals show the mix of modern tourism and traditional Spanish culture that defines Benidorm.

How to get to Benidorm

Benidorm is easy to reach by air, road, and public transport. It is one of the best-connected coastal towns in Spain.

The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. It is located around 60 kilometres from Benidorm and offers many international flights throughout the year.

Official website: https://www.aena.es/en/alicante-elche-miguel-hernandez.html

Another option is Valencia Airport, which is around 140 kilometres away. It also offers a wide range of international and domestic flights.

Official website: https://www.aena.es/en/valencia.html

From both airports, visitors can reach Benidorm by bus, taxi, or rental car. The motorway network along the Costa Blanca is modern and easy to use.

Benidorm is also connected by long-distance buses to major cities such as Alicante, Valencia, and Madrid.

Although Benidorm does not have a main train station for high-speed rail, travellers can use Renfe services to reach nearby cities and continue by bus.

Renfe website: https://www.renfe.com/es/en

The AP-7 motorway runs along the coast and connects Benidorm with the rest of the Mediterranean region. Driving is one of the most convenient ways to explore nearby towns and beaches.

Benidorm also has a strong local transport system, including buses and taxis, making it easy to move around the town without a car.

With its sunny weather, long beaches, family attractions, nightlife, and wide range of hotels, Benidorm remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. It offers something for everyone, from relaxing beach holidays to fun-filled entertainment and cultural experiences.