Top 15 Unique Things to Do in Benidorm
Benidorm is a city in Spain and one of the most popular resorts on the Costa Blanca. Every year, countless tourists from all over the world come to spend their summer vacations in this famous holiday mecca in the heart of the province of Alicante. Along the coast, imposing skyscrapers line the landscape, along with white sandy beaches and stunning turquoise waters. But it is not only the skyline of the so-called Manhattan of Spain that is impressive. What really makes a vacation in Benidorm an unforgettable experience are the many unique things to do! Among the best attractions are the long, beautiful beaches, the spectacular sights, the excursion opportunities, the pulsating nightlife and the really cool amusement parks.
In this travel guide, you will find all the important tips and information about Benidorm in Spain. We show you stunning pictures, the best things to do in Benidorm, the coolest activities, many great day trips and what are the best places to stay.
Good to know!
If you are still looking for a very special place to stay in Benidorm, then we can recommend the Gastrohotel Boutique RH Canfali, located in the best area with a stunning sea view.
Benidorm is famous for its many beautiful bays, which are just perfect for a vacation. Here we show you the most beautiful beaches in Benidorm and surroundings!
The best time to visit Benidorm is from April to October. In these months, you can count on pleasant temperatures, lots of sun and little rain.
There are many things to do in Benidorm. Guided day trips to the highlights of the area, entrance tickets to theme parks and even tours to Valencia are also offered on GetYourGuide.
General Information about Benidorm
The city of Benidorm is located in the heart of the Costa Blanca and is one of the most popular resorts on the Spanish coast. In the early 1950s, Benidorm was a small fishing village. Today it has a population of 70,000 and is known as the “Manhattan of Spain” or the “Manhattan of the Mediterranean” due to its impressive skyline. Along the 6 kilometers of coastline, there are already more than 345 high-rise buildings! Most of them are hotels or apartment buildings that offer magnificent views. Benidorm is also home to one of the highest residential buildings in Europe, the Intempo, with a height of 200 meters and 47 floors.
During your vacation in Benidorm, you can enjoy two long sandy beaches, the Playa de Poniente and the Playa de Levante. But there are also really charming natural coves in the surrounding area. In addition, Benidorm has a truly spectacular nightlife. Cool clubs, numerous bars, pubs, restaurants, and cafés provide entertainment at its best. The range of leisure activities is also excellent. There are amusement parks, water parks and zoos, as well as magnificent nature parks, lots of sports facilities and possibilities for excursions. Furthermore, there is a wide range of accommodation to make your holiday perfect.
Best Things to Do in Benidorm
A variety of amazing things to do in Benidorm, many interesting attractions and exciting activities await you on a holiday. The spectacular skyline, the numerous dream beaches and the many theme parks are just a few of the highlights that make this town so popular.
Playa de Levante
The Playa del Levante is the main beach of the resort and at the same time one of the most popular attractions of the coastal town of Benidorm. Rows of sunbeds and umbrellas line the 2 kilometers of velvety sandy beach, with hardly a spot empty, especially in high season. Above the beach there is a wonderful promenade flanked by palm trees where you can find restaurants, bars, pubs, beach clubs and cafés. Moreover, most of the accommodation in Benidorm is also located around Playa de Levante
Tip: Really recommendable is the Apartamento Ibañez or the Gastrohotel Boutique RH Canfali, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the sea.
Benidorm Old Town
The old town of Benidorm is certainly one of the most beautiful attractions of the coastal metropolis and a must-see on any visit. It is located on a small hill between the 2 main beaches and can be easily visited by taking a walk. With its small cobbled streets, white houses, the picturesque church Església de Sant Jaume i Santa Anna, the stunning viewpoint El Mirador de la Punta del Canfali and the famous Mediterranean Balcony, it forms a charming contrast to the modern city with its many skyscrapers. Nice cafés and good restaurants invite you to linger and create a very special vacation atmosphere.
Tip: Directly in the old town, there are also great accommodations for a vacation in Benidorm, such as the Gastrohotel Boutique RH Canfali with a view of the sea.
Mediterranean Balcony
A visit to the famous Mediterranean Balcony is one of the best things to do in Benidorm. This is a snow-white, Moorish-style viewing platform with stairs leading down to the sea over a rocky outcrop. The deep blue water is spectacular and the scenery of the Benidorm coast with its wide sandy beaches is unique. This viewpoint offers countless beautiful opportunities for great photos, and therefore the Balcon del Mediterraneo is on the must-see list of almost every vacation in Benidorm.
Cala de Finestrat
A true must-see in Benidorm is the beautiful beach of Cala de Finestrat, which is located not far from the city center. This pretty bay fascinates with a breathtaking backdrop and extraordinarily beautiful sea colors. In Particular, families with children appreciate this fine and bright sandy beach that slopes gently into the blue sea. Also fascinating is the immediately adjacent cliff, where you can hike up to the Torre d’Aguiló and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Benidorm coast.
The Cross (la cruz)
The Cross of Benidorm, also known as La Cruz, is definitely worth a visit. This beautiful landmark is located on a hill above the city, on the edge of the Siera Helada Natural Park, which has spectacular hiking trails. From the top you can enjoy incredible views of the entire city with its impressive skyline and the deep blue sea. Many people hike up to the cross from Benidorm, but it can also be easily reached by car.
Siera Helada Natural Park
One of the most beautiful natural attractions in Benidorm is the Siera Helada Natural Park. With cliffs over 400 meters high, this picturesque hiking area has the highest cliffs on the east coast of Spain, and is a true paradise that should not be missed on any visit! The entire landscape is of great beauty and has a rich variety of flora and fauna. The best place to start the coastal trail is from the cross of Benidorm. Although the route is quite steep at the beginning, you will soon be rewarded with a fantastic natural scenery and spectacular views.
Theme Parks
The city is well known for its many theme parks and a visit is definitely one of the best things to do in Benidorm. Especially families with kids, but of course many adults as well, are thrilled by the huge selection of different theme parks. Whether it is a water park, an amusement park, a climbing park or a zoo, there is guaranteed to be something exciting for everyone. Among the most popular are the amazing Terra Natura Zoo, Mundomar Park with its dolphin shows, Aqualandia Water Park, Aqua Natura and Terra Mitica, which is actually one of the largest theme parks in Europe.
Tip: Cheap tickets for the best theme parks in Benidorm can also be found conveniently online on GetYourGuide!
Playa de Poniente
The Playa de Poniente is the second-largest beach in Benidorm and, as a result, it is always well attended. This sandy beach is also located in the center of the city, which makes it very popular with the older crowd. In addition, the long promenade is simply enchanting, where you can take long walks along the coast. You can enjoy a magnificent panorama with a view of the skyline. Behind the Playa de Poniente there is a great variety of restaurants and cafés to choose from. In addition, there are many excellent accommodation options.
Tip: At Playa de Poniente there are some great hotels, such as the Hotel Villa Del Mar, which impresses especially with its brilliant location and delicious food.
Nightlife in Benidorm
If you like to go out in the evening, then this coastal city is the right place for you. Benidorm is known throughout the Costa Blanca for its vibrant nightlife. Especially in high season, people party until the early hours of the morning. The town boasts a variety of hip clubs, fine cocktail bars, as well as casual pubs and beer bars where cool cover bands often perform. There is also a wide variety of entertainment including concerts, karaoke, drag shows and cabaret. One of the best places to go out in Benidorm is the area around the “English Square“, which is located near Playa Levante.
Altea
The seaside town of Altea is just around the corner from Benidorm and is a wonderful highlight not to be missed on any vacation. Especially interesting is the snow-white old town, which is located on a hill overlooking the sea. In fact, this town with its white houses is unique in the region and therefore a popular destination for day trips. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, past the pretty boutiques and beautiful viewpoints. The centerpiece of the town is the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church, with its fascinating blue domes.
Mountain Village of Guadalest
The mountain village of Guadalest is located about 15 kilometers from Benidorm. It has become a popular destination for day trips because of its small, pretty old town with a magnificent view of the impressive cobalt blue lake. A landmark is the medieval castle of San Jose from the 11th century, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view. The many museums are also worth a visit. These include the Nativity and Doll Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Microgiants, the Museum of Torture Instruments and the Casa Orduña Municipal Museum.
Tip: If you don’t feel like exploring Guadalest on your own, you can find online fantastic guided tours of this beautiful attraction.
Villajoyosa
A real gem and a true must-see is the colorful town of Villajoyosa. It is located only about 14 kilometers from Benidorm and is a popular destination for excursions. The place is known especially for the colorful townhouses, which essentially characterize the landscape and are a popular photo motif. Directly on the coast are also absolutely gorgeous beaches, which are wonderful for swimming and relaxing. But also the delicious chocolate, which is produced by the Spanish chocolate manufacturer Valor, is a small highlight that should not be missed.
Calpe
The popular resort of Calpe is located just 20 kilometers from Benidorm and has many attractions to offer. The coast is particularly impressive, with the imposing Penon de Ifach rock dominating the landscape. A trip there is not to be missed as it is one of the landmarks of the Costa Blanca. If you like, you can hike to the top and enjoy a magnificent view of the landscape. Also worth seeing are the colorful old town and the beautiful beaches that invite you to swim in a magnificent setting. There is also a salt lake in Calpe where you can even see pink flamingos.
Algar Waterfall
The Algar Waterfalls are located inland and are a true natural jewel of the region. From Benidorm, the waterfalls are about 20 kilometers away, making it a popular destination for day trips. Here you will find picturesque nature and a beautiful waterfall where you can even swim. The Algar Waterfall is, strictly speaking, made up of several waterfalls that are connected to each other by water channels. This creates natural pools of crystal clear, cobalt blue water. A beautiful experience that you will not soon forget.
Alicante
The beautiful provincial capital of Alicante is about 45 kilometers away, so you have the opportunity to explore it while on vacation in Benidorm. The picturesque old town Barrio de la Santa Cruz with its narrow streets and colorful houses invites you to stroll and enjoy. Be sure to climb the fortress Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Perched high above the city, it is the true heart of Alicante. But it is not only the magnificent castle from the 9th century that is impressive, but also the view of the coast.
Benidorm: Excursions, Tickets & More
If you don’t feel like exploring Benidorm and its surroundings on your own, you can take a guided tour. On the GetYourGuide online portal you can find great sightseeing tours as well as affordable tickets to various amusement parks, excursions to waterfalls, bike tours, catamaran boat trips and exciting quad tours.
Also great are the reviews that you can compare before you book!
Where to Stay in Benidorm
There is a huge range of accommodation in Benidorm, so you are spoiled for choice when planning your holiday. Most of the accommodation options are vacation rentals, but there are also some excellent hotels in the city. If you’re not sure where to stay in Benidorm, here are some great options…it’s worth a look!
- Adults Only Hotel: The Hotel Don Pancho is located around 100 meters from the Playa de Levante beach and delights with a pool, good facilities and a delicious breakfast.
- All Inclusive Hotel: The Hotel Villa del Mar is located on the Poniente Beach in Benidorm and pampers its guests with an all-inclusive program, top location and beautiful rooms.
- Boutique Hotel: The Gastrohotel Boutique RH Canfali enchants with lovely rooms, an indescribably beautiful location and with a picturesque view down to the Levante beach.
- Lovely Apartment: The apartment Pintor Sorolla on the Poniente Beach is perfectly equipped and is very close to the sea.
Find the best accommodation in Benidorm:
More about Alicante Region:
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Top 15 Amazing Beaches in Alicante
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Moraira in Spain: Best Beaches & Attractions
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8 Best Beaches in Benidorm
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Calpe in Spain: All you have to know!
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Costa Blanca: The White Coast in Spain
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