TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BENIDORM

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BENIDORM

Top 10 Things to Do in Benidorm: Beach
Costa Blanca, Spain, The Mediterranean
Top 10 Things to Do in Benidorm: Beach

INTRODUCTION: BENIDORM

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BENIDORM: Are you thinking about taking a beach vacation to the Mediterranean? Are you considering Benidorm, Spain? Are you looking for more information and first-hand tips from someone who actually knows the area? Then you’ve come to the right place. This article will definitely fill in the blanks and provide the information that you need to plan the best vacation ever. As someone who moved to Costa Calida 10 years ago, just down the coast from Benidorm, and has lived in and explored this region of the Mediterranean, I’m happy to share my insider knowledge of this beautiful Spanish destination. (see related post on the Costa Blanca)

Benidorm is a town with a permanent population of about 70,000 inhabitants. It is located on the southeast coast of Spain, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. It started off as a small fishing village but is now a well-established tourist destination with an infrastructure second to none.

This town has it all: A wide range of accommodations, a beautiful sandy beach, a promenade along its entire length, restaurants, cafes, beach bars, and an endless variety of watersports and other activities to keep everyone busy throughout the days. Then, at the end of the day, the city offers a very active nightlife with bars and dance clubs, and various festivals and concerts. For those looking for a vacation packed with action, Benidorm is the holiday destination of choice.

(To find out more about this region see our Guide to the Coast of Spain and our Guide to the Mediterranean Coast)

Benidorm skyline, Costa Blanca, Spain

WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BENIDORM

Water Sports and Activities

The major attraction in Benidorm are the beautiful sand beaches with crystal clear waters, directly in town. Watersports that can be done here include swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. Other activities include parasailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, electric surfboarding, and flyboarding. If it can be done on water, you can do it here. The equipment for most of these activities can be rented locally so you won’t need to pack your kayak in your suitcase for this destination.

Nightlife/Entertainment

One of the big draws for tourists coming to Benidorm (after the beautiful sand beaches of course!) is the nightlife. There is a large selection of nightclubs, dance clubs, pubs, bars, karaoke bars, show bars, beach bars, cabaret clubs, and concert halls (If I’ve left out any synonyms for drinking venues, my apologies). You won’t die of thirst here! The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed, with one of the more popular destinations being Calle Gerona, locally known as “the strip”. The main hub stretches from Pelicanos in the west to Calle Esperanto in the east. Cheers!

Top 10 Things to Do in Benidorm: Enjoy the Nightlife
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Cycling

There are bike paths and trails throughout the town and into the surrounding hills and countryside and along the coast, that will provide all kinds of cycling workouts and sightseeing opportunities.  The difficulty level will range from beginners to advanced cyclists, with the mountain routes being clearly the more challenging. You can also join organized bike tours in the area, and of course, there are bike rental shops at various locations in Benidorm.

Hiking/Walking

Most of the same trails and routes mentioned above for cyclists are multi-use and are great for walking/hiking as well. These trails lead in all directions including up into the surrounding mountains and along the Mediterranean coast. For a more immersive experience, you might want to join a guided hiking tour and this way, meet other people and learn a bit about the local plants, wildlife, and historical landmarks. The Sierra Helada Natural Park is an ideal choice, with well-marked trails and a beautiful cliff walk.

Beaches

The main beaches in Benidorm are Levante, Poniente, and Mal Pas. Levante is the most famous and popular of the beaches with soft golden sand, crystal clear waters, a promenade along its entire 2km length, and lots of facilities, bars, and restaurants nearby.

Poniente Beach is 3km long, also has soft golden sand, is a little quieter than Levante, and is family-friendly. 

Mal Pas, tiny in comparison, is a little more quiet and secluded, and sits in between the marina and the Old Town.  

Playa de Poniente, Costa Blanca, Spain

Boat Tours

There are several companies offering boat tours either out to Benidorm Island or along the Mediterranean coast. The excursions range from less than an hour to a full day. Check with the local operators for schedules and prices, which will depend on the weather and season.

Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

This small older section of Benidorm has narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Spanish architecture. Here you will find numerous tapas bars and restaurants, and in the Plaza Mayor town square, you will find street performers and local vendors.

Theme Parks

There are various theme parks to choose from if you are looking to change things up and make a nonbeach day during your trip. Here are just a few examples:

Terra Natura Benidorm: This is a wildlife park that showcases 200 different species of animals. The park also includes a water park and play area for younger children.

Terra Mitica Amusement Park: One of the biggest amusement parks in Spain, this amusement park has a wide range of amusement park rides and also has various shows and street performers. The rides range from the over-the-top white knuckle rides for adults down to rides specially designed for children.

Aqualandia: One of the largest waterparks in Spain, with various water attractions such as high-speed slides, wave pools, and play areas. There are also picnic areas, gardens, and rest zones to chill out.

Look Out Point – “Tossal de la Cala”

This rocky hill at the end of the Playa de Poniente, provides an excellent vantage point that overlooks Benidorm, its beaches, and the Mediterranean. A perfect place for that perfect camera shot. One catch though, is that you have to hike to the top.

The Mediterranean, Costa Blanca, Spain

Restaurants, Bistros and Cafes

Benidorm has literally hundreds of different places to choose from when deciding where to eat. The tapas culture is alive and well in Benidorm and there is a large variety of menu options to choose from. For an added Costa Blanca experience, try the locally made Do Emporda wine with your meals. Choose from the White Grenache, Red Grenache, Moscatell, or Macabeu.

Mediterranean Cuisine

Day Trip – Alicante

Alicante is an excellent day trip option. A port city with a rich history, and several historical sites including a castle, an excellent shopping district, and a beautiful promenade of its own. Located only 30km away, it’s a great day trip option on the Costa Blanca. (see related post on Alicante to find out more)

Top 10 Things to Do in Benidorm: visit Alicante, Costa Blanca, Spain

FINAL THOUGHTS: TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BENIDORM

Benidorm is a great tourist destination for those seeking a beach vacation with nonstop activities and a large selection of nightly entertainment to choose from. Its success is evidenced by the millions of visitors that come each year. With excellent Mediterranean weather, beautiful sand beaches with crystal clear waters, and a well-maintained tourist infrastructure, Benidorm is a clear favorite as a beach holiday location.

“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”

How about experiencing the Mediterranean first hand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!

Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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