Benidorm Overview

Your Ultimate Guide to Benidorm: Spain’s Mediterranean Paradise

Discover everything you need to know about visiting Benidorm, from stunning beaches to world-class attractions

Welcome to Benidorm, the jewel of Spain’s Costa Blanca! This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your visit to this vibrant Mediterranean destination, where endless sunshine meets spectacular beaches, thrilling theme parks, and authentic Spanish culture.

Top Tourist Sites & Attractions

Beaches

Levante Beach (Playa de Levante) Benidorm’s most iconic beach stretches for 2 kilometers of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This Blue Flag certified beach is the heart of the action, perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and people-watching. The beach is fully equipped with sunbed rentals, beach bars (chiringuitos), showers, and accessible facilities. Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 to 19:00 during the season.

Poniente Beach (Playa de Poniente) If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Poniente Beach is your perfect choice. Equally beautiful but less crowded than Levante, this beach offers the same Blue Flag quality with stunning sunset views. It’s particularly family-friendly and features excellent accessibility for wheelchair users.

Mal Pas Beach (Cala Mal Pas) This small, charming cove sits between the two main beaches near the Old Town. It’s ideal for a quieter beach experience and offers beautiful views of the rocky coastline.

Historic & Cultural Sites

Old Town (Casco Antiguo) Step back in time as you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Benidorm’s historic quarter. Whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flowers create a postcard-perfect scene. Here you’ll find traditional tapas bars, local artisan shops, and the authentic spirit of old Spain. The best time to visit is in the evening when the area comes alive with locals and tourists alike.

Balcón del Mediterráneo (Mediterranean Balcony) This iconic viewpoint is a must-visit landmark offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of both beaches and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect spot for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. The balcony marks the point where Benidorm’s old fishing village once ended before becoming the resort destination it is today.

Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana Dating from the 18th century, this beautiful church with its distinctive blue-tiled domes dominates the Old Town skyline. The church is an important religious and architectural landmark, featuring traditional Valencian baroque style. You can attend mass or simply admire the exterior and interior artwork. Open for visits daily, with mass times typically at 19:00 on weekdays and 9:00, 11:00, and 19:00 on Sundays.

Theme Parks & Family Attractions

Terra Mítica One of Spain’s premier theme parks, Terra Mítica takes you on a journey through five ancient civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and The Islands. With thrilling roller coasters, family rides, spectacular shows, and themed dining experiences, it’s a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Hours: Variable by season, typically 10:00-20:00
Price: €39-45 (book online for discounts)
Website: www.terramiticapark.com

Aqualandia Europe’s largest water park features the famous “Big Bang” slide (one of the tallest in the world), wave pools, children’s areas, and numerous water attractions. It’s the perfect place to cool off during hot summer days.

Season: May through September
Hours: 10:00-18:00/19:00
Price: Adults €32-38, Children €24-28
Website: www.aqualandia.net

Mundomar This marine animal park showcases dolphins, sea lions, penguins, tropical birds, and lemurs. The dolphin and sea lion shows are educational and entertaining, making it perfect for families. Interactive experiences allow you to get up close with some animals.

Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00/19:00
Price: Adults €27-32, Children €21-25
Website: www.mundomar.es

Terra Natura A wildlife park focused on conservation and education, featuring animals from Asia, America, and Europe in naturalistic habitats. The park emphasizes invisible barriers for immersive viewing experiences.

Natural Attractions

Sierra Helada Natural Park This protected natural area offers spectacular hiking trails along dramatic coastal cliffs with stunning views. The park is home to diverse Mediterranean flora and fauna, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers. The lighthouse trail is particularly popular. The park is accessible from dawn to dusk and entry is free.

Puig Campana Mountain Visible from anywhere in Benidorm, this distinctive mountain (1,410 meters high) offers challenging hiking for experienced trekkers with rewarding panoramic views of the coast.

Getting Around Benidorm

Public Transportation

Local Buses (LLORENTE BUS) Benidorm’s comprehensive bus network makes getting around easy and affordable:

Line 1: Connects Rincón de Loix, Levante, Centre, and Poniente areas
Line 2: Services La Cala, Old Town, and the beaches
Tourist Bus: Circular route covering all major attractions
Night Buses: Available on weekends during peak season
Price: €1.50 single journey, €6 day pass, €20 weekly pass
Hours: Generally 6:00-24:00 (extended in summer)
Information: www.llorente.es

Tram Service (TRAM d’Alacant) The modern, air-conditioned tram connects Benidorm to Alicante, Altea, and other coastal towns. Line 9 runs along the scenic coast and connects to Alicante Airport via transfer.

Price: €3-8 depending on distance
Hours: 5:30-23:00 (varies by season)
Multi-journey cards available
Website: www.tramalicante.es

Taxis

Licensed white taxis are readily available throughout Benidorm, at taxi ranks, or by calling:

Radio Taxi Benidorm: +34 965 855 550
Starting fare: €4.50 plus €1.20 per kilometer
Fixed rate to Alicante Airport: Approximately €85-95
Available 24/7

Car Rentals

All major international car rental companies have offices in Benidorm and at Alicante Airport:

Europcar, Avis, Hertz, Goldcar, Enterprise
Price range: €20-50 per day depending on vehicle type
International driving licenses accepted
Book online in advance for better rates

Alternative Transportation

Bicycles & E-Scooters Benidorm features bike lanes along the beaches, making cycling a pleasant option. Rental shops offer:

Standard bicycles: €10-15 per day
E-bikes: €25-35 per day
E-scooters available through sharing apps
Helmets included with rentals

Getting to Benidorm

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the closest major airport, located 60km away:

Shuttle buses: Regular service, €10-15, journey time 60-90 minutes
Private transfers: Pre-book online, €50-80, 45-60 minutes
Tram + Bus combination: Budget option with one transfer
Rental cars: Available at airport with advance booking recommended

Art, Culture & Entertainment

Cultural Venues & Events

Benidorm Palace A spectacular dinner-show venue offering world-class entertainment including flamenco performances, acrobatics, musical productions, and international acts. The venue seats over 1,500 guests and combines a four-course meal with dazzling performances.

Shows: Typically Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 21:00
Price: €52-68 including dinner and show
Dress code: Smart casual
Reservations recommended: www.benidormpalace.com

Casino Mediterráneo Located within the Hotel Meliá Benidorm, this elegant casino offers slot machines, table games (roulette, blackjack, poker), live entertainment, and upscale dining.

Hours: 18:00-4:00
Entry: €3 (includes one drink)
Dress code: Smart casual (no sportswear)
Age: 18+ with valid ID

Festivals & Cultural Events

Festival de Benidorm (November) This historic music festival has launched the careers of many Spanish pop stars since 1959. The event features live performances from emerging artists and established stars, with both ticketed concerts and free outdoor events throughout the city.

Fiestas Mayores Patronales (Mid-November) Benidorm’s biggest annual celebration honors the patron saints San Jaime and Santa Ana with a week-long festival featuring:

Traditional parade processions
Spectacular fireworks displays over the bay
Street parties and concerts
Traditional costumes and dancing
Religious ceremonies

Carnival (February/March) Colorful parades, costume competitions, live music, and street parties transform Benidorm into a vibrant celebration before Lent.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) Religious processions wind through the streets, particularly impressive in the Old Town, showcasing ornate floats and traditional brotherhoods.

Art Galleries

While Benidorm is more known for beaches than galleries, several small galleries in the Old Town showcase local and regional artists:

Contemporary art exhibitions
Photography collections
Local craft workshops
Rotating exhibits throughout the year

For major art museums, consider a day trip to Alicante (MACA – Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art) or Valencia (IVAM – Valencia Institute of Modern Art).

Dining in Benidorm

Traditional Spanish Cuisine

Authentic Tapas Bars (Old Town) Experience true Spanish tapas culture in the historic quarter:

La Cava Aragonesa: Renowned for traditional tapas and vermouth
Casa Guillermo: Local favorite with generous portions
Taberna Andaluza: Authentic Andalusian flavors
El Meson de Pepe: Classic Spanish dishes in a cozy setting

Price range: €3-8 per tapa, €15-25 for a full tapas meal

Traditional Restaurants

Ulia: Modern Mediterranean cuisine with creative twists on classics
El Xato: Traditional Valencian restaurant known for authentic paella
Casa Modesto: Family-run establishment serving home-cooked Spanish favorites
La Rana: Specializes in rice dishes and fresh seafood

Price range: €15-40 per person

Beachfront Dining

Enjoy your meal with stunning sea views at restaurants along Levante and Poniente promenades:

Fresh seafood specialties
Romantic sunset dining
Casual beach bars (chiringuitos) serving paella and grilled fish
Fine dining establishments with Mediterranean fusion cuisine

Price range: €20-50 per person

International Dining

Benidorm’s diverse tourist population means excellent international options:

British: Traditional pubs, Sunday roasts, fish and chips
Italian: Authentic pasta, pizza, and risotto
Indian: Curry houses with comprehensive menus
Asian: Chinese, Thai, and fusion restaurants
German, Dutch, Scandinavian: Catering to northern European visitors

Price range: €10-35 per person

Fine Dining Experiences

L’Escaleta (Nearby Cocentaina) A Michelin-starred restaurant worth the 45-minute drive, offering innovative Mediterranean cuisine using local ingredients.

Price: €50-100+ per person
Reservations essential

El Buen Comer (Benidorm) Upscale dining with creative presentations and an extensive wine list.

Tapa & Co Modern tapas bar elevating traditional dishes with contemporary techniques.

Local Specialties to Try

Paella Valenciana: Rice dish with chicken, rabbit, and vegetables
Paella de Mariscos: Seafood paella with prawns, mussels, and squid
Arroz a Banda: Traditional fisherman’s rice dish
Gambas al Ajillo: Garlic prawns in olive oil
Pulpo a la Gallega: Galician-style octopus
Churros con Chocolate: Fried dough pastries with thick hot chocolate
Turrón: Traditional nougat, especially popular at Christmas
Horchata: Refreshing tiger nut drink served ice-cold

Markets

Weekly Markets (Wednesday & Sunday) Fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, olives, spices, and street food vendors create a vibrant atmosphere. Arrive early (8:00-14:00) for the best selection.

🛡️ Safety Tips & Essential Information

Emergency Contacts

112 – European emergency number (English spoken, all emergencies)
091 – National Police (Policía Nacional)
092 – Local Police (Policía Local)
061 – Medical emergencies (ambulance)
Tourist Police: Plaza SS de la Mar (multilingual assistance)

Healthcare

Hospital Comarcal de Marina Baixa The main hospital serving Benidorm with emergency services, located in nearby Villajoyosa.

Pharmacies (Farmacias) Easily identified by green cross signs, pharmacies are plentiful throughout Benidorm. They operate on a rotating schedule for 24-hour coverage. Pharmacists can provide advice and over-the-counter medications.

Health Insurance

EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Non-EU visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance
Private healthcare is excellent but can be expensive without insurance

Safety Tips

Beach & Water Safety

Always swim in designated areas with lifeguards present
Pay attention to flag warnings (green = safe, yellow = caution, red = dangerous)
Stay hydrated in the intense summer heat
Apply high SPF sunscreen regularly (Mediterranean sun is strong)
Protect valuables while swimming – use hotel safes

Personal Security

Benidorm is generally very safe, but stay aware of your surroundings
Watch belongings in crowded areas, beaches, and public transport
Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
Avoid leaving items visible in rental cars
Be cautious of street vendors and unofficial tour operators
Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone

Nightlife Safety

Stick to well-lit, populated areas
Don’t accept drinks from strangers
Use licensed taxis for late-night transportation
Travel in groups when possible
Know your accommodation address in Spanish

Local Customs & Etiquette

Daily Rhythm

Siesta time: 14:00-17:00 (many smaller shops close)
Lunch: 13:00-16:00 (main meal of the day)
Dinner: 21:00-23:00 (restaurants may open earlier for tourists)
Shops: Generally 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00

Social Customs

Spanish greeting involves kissing both cheeks among friends (social contexts)
Handshakes are standard for business or first meetings
Loud conversation is normal and not considered rude
Punctuality is more relaxed than in northern Europe
Personal space tends to be closer than in some cultures

Dining Etiquette

Tipping: 5-10% is appreciated but not obligatory for good service
Round up taxi fares or leave small change
Bread at the table may be charged separately (cubierto)
It’s polite to say “Buen provecho” (enjoy your meal) to nearby diners
Splitting the bill is acceptable but less common than one person paying

Religious Sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees)
Speak quietly and turn off mobile phones
Photography may be restricted during services
Donations are welcomed but not required

Language Tips

While many people in Benidorm speak English, learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated:

Hola – Hello
Buenos días – Good morning
Buenas tardes – Good afternoon/evening
Por favor – Please
Gracias – Thank you
De nada – You’re welcome
¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please
No hablo español – I don’t speak Spanish
¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?

Weather & What to Pack

Summer (June-September)

Temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
Hot and sunny with minimal rain
Pack: Light clothing, swimwear, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, comfortable sandals

Spring & Fall (March-May, October-November)

Temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
Warm days, cooler evenings
Pack: Layers, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, long pants for evenings

Winter (December-February)

Temperature: 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Mild and generally sunny
Pack: Light jacket, sweater, closed-toe shoes, umbrella (occasional rain)

Year-Round Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk a lot!)
Power adapter (European plug, 220V)
Reusable water bottle
Small daypack for beach and excursions

Money & Payments

Currency: Euro (€)
Cards: Widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard most common)
ATMs: Readily available throughout the city
Contactless payments: Very common
Currency exchange: Available but often poor rates – use ATMs instead
Tax-free shopping: Non-EU tourists can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €90.16

Connectivity

Free WiFi: Available in most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas
EU visitors: Can use mobile data without roaming charges
Non-EU visitors: Consider purchasing a local SIM card or international data plan
Emergency WiFi: Available at tourist information centers

📱 Useful Resources

Official Tourism Websites

Visit Benidorm Official – Comprehensive tourist information
Benidorm City Council – Municipal information and updates
Costa Blanca Tourism – Regional tourism portal
Valencian Community Tourism – Regional events and information

Transportation

TRAM Alicante – Tram schedules and fares
Llorente Bus – Local bus routes and times
Alicante Airport – Flight information and transfers

Tourism Information Centers

Benidorm Tourist Office

Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square)
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-19:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00
Services: Maps, brochures, event information, multilingual staff

Levante Beach Tourist Info Point

Location: Levante Beach promenade
Hours: Variable by season

🎯 Insider Tips for the Perfect Visit

Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October offer warm weather with fewer crowds and better prices
Book Theme Parks Online: Save 20-30% by purchasing tickets in advance through official websites
Explore Beyond the Beaches: Don’t miss the Old Town’s authentic charm, especially in the evening
Try the Markets: Wednesday and Sunday markets offer great local products and atmosphere
Sunset Spots: Balcón del Mediterráneo and Poniente Beach offer spectacular sunset views
Day Trips: Consider visiting nearby Altea (charming white village), Guadalest (mountain village with castle), or Alicante (historic city)
Beach Essentials: Rent sunbeds early in peak season or bring your own towel and umbrella
Free Activities: Beach walking, Old Town exploration, Sierra Helada hiking, and sunset watching cost nothing
Language Apps: Download Google Translate offline for Spanish to use without internet
Stay Hydrated: The Mediterranean sun is deceptively strong – drink plenty of water throughout the day

Final Thoughts

Benidorm offers something for everyone – from beach lovers and thrill-seekers to culture enthusiasts and food lovers. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, world-class attractions, beautiful beaches, and authentic Spanish culture, it’s easy to see why millions of visitors return year after year.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo adventure, this comprehensive guide will help you experience the best of Benidorm. Remember to balance tourist attractions with authentic local experiences, stay safe, respect local customs, and most importantly – enjoy every moment in this Mediterranean paradise!

¡Bienvenidos a Benidorm! Welcome to Benidorm! 🏖️☀️

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Disclaimer: Prices, hours, and information are subject to change. Always verify details with official sources before your visit. This guide was last updated in December 2024.