Benidorm is a port town in the province of Alicante, part of the autonomous region of Valencia, Spain. A tourist destination since 1925, the town holds fast to its vibrant reputation—offering the best beaches, the most exquisite dishes, and the liveliest nightlife scene.
Discover the splendor of one of Spain's most popular summer destinations with this list of the top ten things to do in Benidorm, Spain.
1. Spend a Day at the Beach
One of the many things that make Benidorm a top holiday destination is its fabulous sandy beaches. There are three main ones—Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente, and Playa de Mal Pas—and they're always clean, busy, and exciting. Here you can go diving, parasailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, play beach volleyball, or bathe under the sun. There are also parks and a wide promenade that's perfect for strolling and admiring the scenery. When you get thirsty or hungry, there are numerous bars and restaurants nearby that serve cold drinks and great food. While you're at it, try the local sangria.
2. Explore the Old Town
While new town Benidorm is full of skyscrapers and fun entertainment, the old part of town remains to be its pride. Here, whitewashed houses and shops line the cobbled streets, the food is always good, and the town's culture is alive. During the day, you'll see people lounging outside cafés and restaurants at tables under shades of trees or café umbrellas, enjoying their tapas or afternoon drinks after spending the day at the beach. At night, the town gets livelier, and the food gets better. Wander the streets aimlessly and find emblematic places. First, there's the Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana church, with its blue-tiled dome and all-white façade. Pass the church, and you'll see yourself in Mirador del Castillo, an old castle in Punta del Canfali, where you can take a breathtaking view of the ocean from the famous Balcón del Mediterràneo.
3. Take Gorgeous Pictures
The town of Benidorm is never short when it comes to great photographic subjects. The Intempo Building and Gran Hotel Bali are among the tallest buildings in Spain. If you don't mind a little hiking experience, you can go up to La Cruz de Benidorm and enjoy a panoramic sunset view of the dazzling town as it coexists with the calm sea.
4. Eat in the Best Restaurants
Benidorm's restaurants are renowned for serving an impressive array of inviting seafood dishes and offering some of the best paellas in the region (and that's saying a lot in Valencia, home to the original Paella). Local favorite restaurants include La Falúa in Calle Santander, Llum del Mar in Plaza San Jaume, La Cava Aragonesa, and Restaurante Ducado. For mouth-watering steak, try the menu in Amigos in Calle la Palma or Ians' Restaurant in Calle San Vincente. For delicious tapas, the most famous spot in town is the Tapas Alley in Calle Santo Domingo. Lastly, enjoy the city views from D-vora Gastrobar or Jardín Mediterráneo Restaurant, both situated right in front of the beach. In each of these restaurants, you'll find exquisite dishes unique to Benidorm or the restaurant. Pair your dish with Spanish wine and finish with a sweet dessert.
5. Go Shopping
Shopping is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Benidorm. The whole town is dubbed as one big bazaar. In the old town, the areas around Avenida Martinez Alejos, Passeig de la Carretera, Plaza Mayor, and Calle Gambo are teeming with shops and boutiques. There's an indoor market in Rincon de Loix and an outdoor one in Avenida de l'Almirall Bernat de Sarrià. There are also street markets such as the Mercadillo de Foietes to the north of the town center and El Cisne Flea Market in Avinguda de la Comunitat Valenciana, which offers just about everything from shoes to souvenirs. Benidorm's central shopping mall in La Marina in Finestrat and features many Spanish and European brands.
6. Enjoy the Nightlife Scene
You don't want to miss out on Benidorm's wild nightlife. With beautiful weather all year, the town has evolved into the ultimate party hub. Famous spots include the strip along Levante Beach Boulevard, known for its many nightclubs and pubs, and the square around Avenida Mallorca. Watch a cabaret show to go along with your dinner in Benidorm Palace, go clubbing in the famous spots of Avinguda de la Comunitat Valenciana, or watch performances in the many show clubs lining the beach. There are many prominent LGBTQ+ and stag bars as well.
7. Witness the Festivities
Benidorm's love for music and partying come together in the town's many awaited festivals. The Low Festival held the last week of July is joyous and full of spirit. In this festival, the best international bands and DJs are lined up to perform on an open-air stage as visitors gather on the festival grounds to drink and party the night away and celebrate the festival's core advocacy of sustainability and eco-friendliness. In September, Benidorm celebrates its gay culture during Benidorm Pride. Aside from the traditional Spanish Carnival before Easter, Benidorm celebrates another fiesta every November, honoring their patron in riotous rituals, parades, and fireworks. If you're into Spanish history, you'll enjoy the dramatic historical re-enactments during the Moors and Christians Fiesta.
8. Visit a Theme Park
Benidorm has three famous theme parks. Terra Mítica is organized into thematic zones based on admired countries like Egypt and Greece, each offering its visitors fun activities. There are rides and swimming pools that cater to the whole family, shows for kids, and numerous restaurants to explore. Meanwhile, Aqualandia and Mundomar are twin parks in Costa Blanca. Aqualandia is a water park with tickets ranging from $24 to $47. Meanwhile, Mundomar features majestic marine and land animals which visitors can watch as trained handlers interact with these creatures and put on spectacular shows. Tickets are available at each park's official website.
9. Go Hiking in Sierra Helada Natural Park
The Sierra Helada Natural Park is located far north on the Mountain range of the same name. It features 984-feet cliffs and covers 640 acres of jagged land, full of flourishing flora and fauna. Here, you can follow guided hiking trails, climb the Puig Campana or the Vía Ferrata Ponoig, or dive into the nature reserve's protected waters. You'll find yourself taking in the mesmerizing view of the sea to the front and the familiar town to the back.
10. Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Waterfall
Outside Benidorm, the Valencian Community is abundant when it comes to beauty and culture. One of València's treasures is the Algar Waterfalls. Located in Callosa d'en Sarrià in inland Spain, the Les fonts de l'Algar feature refreshing waterfalls and springs that visitors can enjoy. From Benidorm, take the CV-70 road, pass the town of La Nucia and the famous Polop, exit to CV-715, and finally head to Callosa d'en Sarrià. Admission for adults ranges from $2.50 to $6.
Related Articles
There Are Many Reasons for Moving to Spain