The 10 best things to do in Benidorm

Once a small fishing village, Benidorm is now one of the most popular all-year-round destinations for Spanish and foreign holidaymakers. Known for its buzzing nightlife, the beautiful coastal destination of Benidorm has plenty more than bars on offer for single people, couples, families, and retirees who are planning a holiday in Spain!

Whether you are looking to get involved in the local Spanish culture, make friends with fellow expats, relax on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches or bring out your adventurous side in one of the warmest areas in Spain, there’s something for everyone! Visit Benidorm´s two wide sandy beaches, Levante Beach and Poniente Beach, which are backed by palm-lined promenades, bars and rows of skyscrapers. Or maybe you would prefer to get the adrenaline going at Terra Mitica or Aqualandia – the perfect day out for families and groups. There are plenty of stunning views and nature-filled activities, or perhaps you travelled to Benidorm for its famed nightlife! Find out the best things to do in this area.

1. Catch an incredible live show at Benidorm Palace

With regular live shows and events, Benidorm Palace has been offering unforgettable evenings almost for 40 years. This emblematic and award-winning venue on the Mediterranean coast has welcomed internationally renowned artists of the height of Julio Iglesias, Rudolf Nureyev, Lola Flores, Alejandro Sanz, and many more.

A night at the Benidorm Palace not only offers the highest quality performers, spectacular costumery and great music, it also serves up beautiful food.

Address: Avenida Dr Severo Ochoa, 13 03503 Benidorm Alicante, España

Telephone: 96 585 16 60 or 96 585 16 61

Email: [email protected]

Sponsored

 

2. Take a wander through the street of Benidorm’s beautiful old town

Take a walk through the meandering small streets of the old town, also called El Casco Antiguo de Benidorm, with stunning views and plenty of shops and cafes to stop off at. This busy, whitewashed part of Benidorm rises to castle ruins at the Balcó del Mediterranian, with sweeping views of the port and flanking beaches. The same hilltop is marked by the iconic blue-tiled dome of 18th-century Saint James Church, set in a plaza with open-air cafes, while buzzing nightlife on inland streets encompasses bars and discos.

The tavern-style restaurants specialise in Valencian paella and typical, authentic Mediterranean seafood.

This part of Benidorm takes you away from the hustle and bustle to explore the more traditional side of the city where you can see the stunning panoramic views down the coast and take a gentle walk through the relaxing narrow streets where you will feel part of the Spanish culture of days gone by.

3. Soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches in Benidorm

Relax and soak up the sun on the famed sandy beaches, most notably, Playa de Levante and Playa de Ponent. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to stop at along the palm tree line promenades, making it the perfect way to spend a day away from the busy city!

Benidorm´s beaches are perfectly located close to the city and have lots of facilities including deck chairs aplenty! Try your hand at paddle boarding, snorkelling, diving, sailing or kayaking, or maybe relax on a glass bottom boat tour where you can see the marine life from above and enjoy a day on the water. There are also other beaches on this wide stretch of coast to explore, so if beach days are your bag Benidorm definitely brings the goods.

4. Spend the day at Aqualandia

Visit the most famous waterpark in Alicante, also known as one of the largest waterparks in Europe!

If you are up for some adventure, Aqualandia is one of the best places to spend the hot summer months. With 15 great water attractions for all ages, the tallest slide-capsule in Europe, snack bars and a cafeteria, gardens with vegetation, picnic areas, hammocks to relax and an amphitheatre – Aqualandia is one of the attractions you can’t miss out on in Benidorm, especially on those sweltering summer days!

5. Terra Mitica

For an adrenaline-filled day, discover the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean at Terra Mitica – the theme and amusement park that will take you straight back in history. With plenty of aquatic spaces, rides and areas dedicated to younger children, Terra Mitica is a buzzing day for the whole family.

And Terra Mitica isn´t just a day out, you can also book to stay at one of Benidorm´s most luxurious hotels, Grand Luxor Hotel, with excellent leisure offers. Let yourself be surprised by its spectacular reception with views of the Benidorm Skyline and its direct access to the Terra Mitica Theme Park.

6. Take in the stunning views at Balcon del Mediterraneo

Take in the stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea to the beautiful Benidorm Island. One of the most popular landmarks in Benidorm, this spot is beautiful during the day and especially breathtaking as the warm Mediterranean sun starts to go down. At sunset, Benidorm is shown from this point as a true illuminated spectacle. Its highest esplanade has benches and rest areas, and the lowest is closer to the water. Both are connected by stairs with unique white railings. 

This spot is popular with travellers looking to get that perfect holiday snap due to its incredible views!

7. Walk up to the La Creu de Benidorm

If you like walking, take this trail up to the La Creu de Benidorm where you can see the city from above – a view that is especially spectacular at night. The cross at the top was originally created in protest against the authorisation from Franco’s government to wear bikinis, and other sinful swimwear, on its beaches. Now, due to its photogenic nature, the cross has become a tourist attraction and a location for filming.

And, if you don´t like walking, you can drive up to this spot to enjoy the views.

8. See the city from a different angle on the Isla de Benidorm

A different way to spend the day away from the skyscrapers of the city is a short boat trip to the Isla de Benidorm where you can sit and soak up the views at the newly built cafe. Ponder the many fables regarding the island itself and how it got there, including how a giant kicked a rock out of the mountain in anger which then landed in the sea.

This nature reserve sits approximately 2 miles from the Spanish mainland and is an incredible spot to do some snorkelling or diving, where you can explore the marine life.

9. Find a bargain at the Municipal Market

This large market has plenty to offer, from souvenirs to fresh local produce and food. This Municipal market is extremely popular with tourists and residents alike and can become very busy in the summer, adding to the experience – and make sure you have some fun bartering with the stall owners!

10. Escape the hustle and bustle at L’Aiguera Park

This beautiful flower-filled park with two amphitheatres, children´s parks, palm trees, flowers, a basketball court and architectural points of interest offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Separating the old town from the newer buildings in the city, this neoclassical-style park is used for concerts, theatrical events, firework displays and other cultural events in the summer and also hosts the Benidorm song festival in Jun/mid-August.

If you are looking for the best bars in Benidorm for a night out on your visit, check out our guide to the most lively in the city!

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