1. Sunrise at Serra Gelada Natural Park Start your day like Benidorm locals do—hiking the coastal trails of Serra Gelada at dawn. While tourists crowd Levante Beach by 10am, you’ll have spectacular cliff-top views, spot Mediterranean seabirds, and watch the sun paint the sea gold. The trails wind through native flora and offer glimpses of traditional
riuraus (ancient raisin-drying structures).
Best time: Early morning, especially April-June when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are mild (15-20°C). Go midweek to have the trails almost to yourself.
2. Thursday Market in the Old Town Forget the tourist shops—locals do their shopping at the weekly market near Plaça de la Constitució. You’ll find fresh produce from nearby orchards, artisan cheeses, locally cured olives, and
espardenyes (traditional rope-soled shoes). Chat with vendors in Spanish, sample seasonal fruits, and grab ingredients for a proper Valencian lunch.
Best time: Thursday mornings from 8am-2pm, year-round. Arrive before 10am for the best selection and to avoid the midday heat in summer.
3. Tapas Crawl on Calle Santo Domingo While tourists eat paella on the beachfront, locals gather on this narrow street in the old quarter. Hop between family-run bars like Ca l’Àvia and Ulia, where you’ll find proper
bocadillos de calamares,
bravas with secret-recipe sauce, and local wines. It’s social, affordable, and authentically Spanish—standing at the bar, napkins on the floor, conversations flowing.
Best time: Sunday afternoons (1-4pm) when locals do their weekly
vermut ritual, or Thursday-Saturday evenings (8-11pm) for the pre-dinner crowd.
4. Cala del Tio Ximo at Sunset This tiny cove between Benidorm and l’Albir is where local families escape. The crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling, and there’s a charming beach bar run by the same family for decades. Unlike Levante’s party atmosphere, this is peaceful, with locals bringing homemade
bocadillos and staying until the sky turns purple.
Best time: Late afternoon/sunset, June-September. Arrive after 5pm when day-trippers leave. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
5. Fogueres de Sant Joan Festival (June 24th) Benidorm’s most authentic celebration often gets overshadowed by Alicante’s bigger version, but locals prefer it—more intimate, less chaotic. Watch neighborhood
comissiones parade their elaborate satirical sculptures, then see them all burn at midnight. There’s street food,
mascletàs (firecracker displays), and that particular Spanish magic of entire communities celebrating together until dawn.
Best time: June 19-24, with the main
cremà (burning) on the night of June 24th. Join locals in the old town squares where the atmosphere is most festive.
Pro tip: Learn a few Spanish phrases. Locals deeply appreciate the effort, and you’ll get better recommendations, warmer service, and maybe an extra tapa!
