Benidorm (Spain), which is sometimes compared to the American Las Vegas, is considered one of the most popular resorts of the Costa Blanca. Warm sun, clean picturesque beaches, interesting entertainment and unusual attractions attract crowds of tourists every year. Let’s go there too!
General information
Benidorm is a large resort town located in the province of Alicante, autonomous community of Valencia. Area – 38.51 km². Population – about 70 thousand people. Until the middle of the last century, it remained an ordinary Spanish port, which was not saved even by numerous natural attractions. Now it is an important tourist site, one of the best resorts located on the Costa Blanca coast.
Conventionally, the Spanish Las Vegas is divided into 2 parts – old and new. Walking along the first, you find yourself in Spain of the 17-19th centuries, moving to the second – in a modern metropolis, built up with business centers, fashionable boutiques and huge supermarkets. By the way, it is in this city that the 8 highest skyscrapers of the country are located, including the famous Gran Bali Hotel, the height of which reaches 186 m. On the 45th floor of this building there is an observation deck, from which a beautiful panorama of the city streets and the sea opens up.
In addition, Benidorm has three main areas – Centro, Levante and Poniente, to which are adjacent two more small areas – Cala de la Villajoyosa and Cala de Finestrat. Despite the fact that neither the first nor the second is included in the official city limits, many tourists prefer to stay on these “islands of serenity”. In addition, this area is incredibly popular among people from Eastern Europe and the former USSR. A store with goods from Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Germany and Bulgaria was even opened especially for them.
The central artery of the city of Benidorm in Spain is a picturesque 6-kilometer embankment, along which rows of fashionable hotels, expensive restaurants, night clubs, discos and other entertainment venues stretch. Many of them do not close until the morning, so you will definitely not be bored here. In addition, various shows, festivals, fairs and other mass events are regularly held both in the city and on the beaches.
Attractions and entertainment
Entertainment and attractions in Benidorm in Spain delight with their brightness and diversity, but today we will only go through the most interesting ones.
Old town
El Casco Antiguo de Benidorm, occupying a small pointed cape, divides the resort’s coastline into 2 parts. Neat narrow streets covered with old tiles, authentic Spanish houses built in the late 16th – early 20th centuries, small squares decorated with monuments and flower beds… A walk through the Old Town of Benidorm can take more than one hour! Add to this a multitude of historical attractions, and you get a rich cultural program that promises many pleasant impressions. Tourists tired of long walks will find cafes and restaurants, pastry shops and bars, shops, workshops and souvenir shops.
Castle Square and the “Balcony of the Mediterranean”
When looking at photos of Benidorm in Spain, it is impossible not to notice one of the most beautiful city attractions. We are talking about the famous observation deck “Balcony of the Mediterranean”, arranged on the top of a large cliff, and the Castle Square, spread out at its foot. Both objects represent a single architectural complex, connected by a balustrade finished with white marble.
Once upon a time, there was a powerful fortress on this site, protecting Benidorm from pirate attacks. Today, it offers a beautiful panorama of the port, the sea, the Sierra Gelada National Park, the central beaches and Mount Puig. In addition, there is a huge telescope on the site, thanks to which you can easily see a small uninhabited island located in the Mediterranean Sea.
Mundomar
The huge aquarium park, opened at the end of the last century, can be called without exaggeration one of the most famous attractions in Spain. It can be divided into several sectors that recreate the natural habitat of fish, waterfowl, crustaceans and various sea waterfowl (80 species in total). In addition, on the territory of Mundomar there is the largest research center and a spacious dolphinarium, accommodating up to 1000 visitors. It is within its walls that shows of sea lions and dolphins are held, gathering a huge number of spectators. Other performances are also held in the park, including those with the participation of parrots. And most importantly, the program of performances changes every year, so you can come here during each of your visits to Benidorm.
- Location: Sierra Helada – Rincon de Loix, 03500.
- Official website: www.mundomar.es
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Cost of visit:
- Regular ticket – 21€;
- Happy Sundays – 15€;
- Family of 3 – 65€;
- Family of 4 – 85€.
Terra Natura
Among the most famous attractions of Benidorm in Spain is the Terra Natura Zoo, a unique nature reserve whose inhabitants are kept in the most natural conditions possible.
The entire territory of the park is divided into 4 thematic zones, each of which is intended for birds, animals, insects and reptiles living in one or another part of the world (Europe, Pangea, Asia, America). But if some of them (for example, peacocks) freely walk along the paths, then others (lions, hippos, tigers and other predators) are reliably fenced off from contact with visitors. In addition, at the entrance to Terra Natura you can find a cafe, a souvenir shop, storage lockers, toilets and a first aid station.
- Address: Partida Foia del Verdader 1, 03502.
- Official website: www.terranatura.com
- Opening hours: The park opens at 10:00 or 10:30 and closes at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 or 20:00 depending on the season and day of the week.
Cost of visit:
| Age | Regular ticket | Partial day (3 hours before closing) | Large family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults(13 – 59 years old) | 32€ | 24€ | 19,50€ |
| Children(4 – 12 years) | 26€ | 19€ | 16,00€ |
| Pensioners(60 years and older) | 26€ | 19€ |
Aqualandia
The famous Aqualandia, occupying more than 150 thousand square meters, is one of the largest water parks in Spain. Since its opening in 1985, almost 16 thousand water attractions have appeared on its territory, supplemented by grottoes, slides, waterfalls and whirlpools. Among them, Zig-zag, Black Hole, Niagara, Lagoon and, of course, Vetigo, the largest slide in the world, deserve special attention. For the youngest visitors, there is the Valley of Adventures, a children’s area equipped with safe slides, pools and a fountain.
- Location: Sierra Helada, s/n | Rincon de Loix, 03503.
- Official website: www.aqualandia.net
- Opening hours: The water park opens at 10:00 and closes at 19:00, 21:00 or 08:00 depending on the season and day of the week. During certain periods, the last registration of visitors is at 15:00.
Cost of visit:
| Visitor category | At the box office | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Adults(12 – 64 years) | 39€ | 34€ |
| Children(4 – 12 years) | 29€ | 26€ |
| Pensioners(65 years and older) | 29€ | 26€ |
| People with disabilities | 20€ |
Terra Mitica
If you still don’t know what to see in Benidorm, go to Terra Mitica, a theme park opened in the early 2000s. Its territory, which covers an area of over 100 hectares, contains several themed zones dedicated to a particular country (Ancient Greece, Iberia, the Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt, etc.). Each of them has many swings, pipes, waterfalls, carousels, slides and other interesting attractions designed not only for children but also for adults. There are restrictions on visitors’ weight, height and age. Unlike most other amusement parks in Europe, Terra Mitica has a separate zone for children under 6 years old. After an active pastime, you can sit in a café, bar or restaurant.
- Where to find: Partida del Moralet, s/n, 03502.
- Official website: www.terramiticapark.com
Opening hours: The park opens at 10:30 and closes at 19:00 or 20:00, 21:00, 22:30 or 02:00 depending on the season and day of the week.
Cost of visit:
| Visitor category | At the box office | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Adults(12 – 64 years) | 39€ | 34€ |
| Children(4 – 12 years) | 28€ | 25€ |
| Pensioners(65 years and older) | 28€ | 25€ |
| People with disabilities | 20€ |
Beaches
The picturesque beaches of Benidorm are considered to be among the best not only in Spain, but also on the entire Mediterranean coast. The two most popular are Levante and Poniente. Let’s talk about them.
Levante (Playa de Levante)
Playa de Levante is the central city beach, stretching east from the Old Town. The total length is more than 2 km. The surface is fine golden sand. The entry into the sea is smooth, the bottom is hard and sandy, the water is clean and transparent, and the depth increases gradually, which makes it a suitable place for a holiday with small children. For the latter, play areas, slides and playgrounds are equipped.
The infrastructure is represented by rental points for umbrellas, sun loungers and sports equipment for diving, parasailing, banana boating, buns, catamarans, etc. Near the coast there are several prestigious hotels, large shopping centers, casinos, discos, night clubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Doctors and professional lifeguards work. There are toilets, showers, diving boards for water skiing. For people with disabilities, wooden platforms, handrails and bathing chairs are equipped. Foam parties and sand figure festivals are often held.
Poniente (Playa de Poniente)
Playa Poniente, located near Levante, is the longest beach in Benidorm (at least 3 km). It is covered with light sand, has a convenient entry into the water and a good sandy bottom. Like many other resorts in Spain, there is everything you need for a comfortable and complete holiday – playgrounds, rental points for sun loungers and water equipment, toilets, showers, etc. There is even a library with a canopy for reading and floating platforms for diving. Lifeguards monitor the safety of vacationers. There is a medical center.
Unlike its noisy neighbor, Poniente is a quiet and peaceful place, popular with families with children and middle-aged people. However, both beaches have a wide picturesque promenade, so you can change your vacation spot at any time.
Accommodation
Being one of the most popular resorts in Spain, Benidorm offers a huge choice of accommodation for every taste and budget. However, despite the fact that local hotels are ready to provide more than 30 thousand places, you should not delay the booking procedure – most rooms are occupied 3 months in advance. It should also be noted that the majority of city hotels specialize in accommodating families with children (there are playrooms, babysitting services are provided, etc.). In addition, some establishments practice free accommodation of a child under 12 years old, provided that the room is double.
The most budget accommodation options are offered by 1-2* hotels, apartments and private boarding houses. A night in a 3-4* hotel will cost from 40 to 170€, depending on the amenities and the food you choose.
Nutrition
Another important feature of Benidorm is the huge number of cafes, bars and restaurants offering dishes from almost all nations of the world. Breakfast here is very simple – coffee, a glass of orange juice and toast with butter or a traditional snack of mashed tomatoes and various spices. It costs about 3€ and is served in any bar.
- A set 3-course lunch will cost 10-30€ depending on the level and pricing policy of the establishment.
- McMeal at McDonalds – 6-7 €,
- Soup, rice, meat and drink – from 4 to 6€.
Traditional snack bars and small Chinese restaurants will help you save on food.
The so-called “tapas bars” deserve special attention, where you can have a good snack of omelette, shashlik and sandwiches. A set of 5 snacks will cost 8€, but in many bars such sandwiches are served free with wine or beer (a glass – 1.5 – 2€). If you plan to visit Benidorm in October, you will definitely get to the paella festival and will be able to eat your fill of this national Spanish dish.
Weather and climate: when is the best time to visit?
Benidorm has a Mediterranean subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and moderately hot summers. In addition, a huge mountain range rises above the coast, reliably sheltering local beaches from the cold northern wind and sudden temperature changes. The high tourist season begins at the end of June and lasts almost until mid-October. The ambient temperature at this time is at least +30°C, there is almost no precipitation, and the water warms up to +25…+27°C. It is during this period that Benidorm, considered the warmest resort in Spain, experiences a massive influx of vacationers of various age categories, and with it a sharp increase in prices for food and accommodation.
With the arrival of November, the number of tourists gradually decreases. The city becomes cloudy, strong winds often blow, and there are long rains. The only big plus is the reduction in prices, allowing you to enjoy the main city entertainment (water parks, night clubs, sports complexes, etc.) without damaging your budget. Sometimes the sun even appears in the sky, allowing you to go sightseeing.
With the onset of winter, the weather in Benidorm stabilizes. The average temperature during this period is +14…+17°C. The sea does not freeze and warms up to +14°C. Few dare to swim in it, but there are some. However, most tourists do not come for this. Winter is the time of sales and Christmas markets, so it will be interesting.
In spring, the city experiences a significant warming, but it is almost unnoticeable due to the constant dampness, cloudiness and incessant wind. The sea is very stormy, so swimming is out of the question. But it is during this period that you can enjoy the view of blossoming apple trees, cherries, orange trees and almonds. By the end of May, the weather becomes truly summery. And although the water remains quite cool (no higher than +19°C), the first tourists are already starting to appear in the city.
How to get from Alicante airport?
Benidorm does not have its own airport, so most vacationers fly to Alicante, located 40 km from the city. There are 5 different ways to get from there to the center of the tourist area.
Method 1. By BeniConnect shuttle
There are 2 types of tourist transfer from Alicante to Benidorm – express and economy. Its departure time depends on the airport schedule, so the shuttle will never leave without passengers of a delayed flight. Seats on such buses must be booked in advance. The cost of travel on the express is 15 €, on the economy – 7.50 €. The first one travels a little less than an hour and makes 3-4 stops along the way. The second one – 1 hour 40 minutes. The number of stops is unlimited.
Method 2. By city bus ALSA
ALSA buses, running from 04:30 to 00:15, depart at the beginning of every hour. The ticket costs €5 and can be purchased both on site and on the company’s official website. Travel time is 40-45 minutes. All routes are direct, but they arrive in Benidorm at different stops – the central bus station Estación De Autobuses, Av. Europa and Jaime I.
Method 3. By tram train
How to get from Alicante airport to Benidorm by high-speed tram? In this case, you will have to make several transfers. First, you need to get to the center of Alicante (stops – Luceros, Marq-Castillo or Mercado) on the C-6 shuttle bus, which departs from the airport terminals every 20 minutes. The fare is about 4€. The journey will take no more than a quarter of an hour.
At the above stops, you need to change to the intercity tram “Metro Tram” (route L1), the route of which runs along the sea coast. Working hours – from 05:40 to 22.10. Travel time – 1 hour 10 minutes. The trip will cost about 5€. Tickets can be bought in special machines. In Benidorm, the tram makes 4 stops.
Method 4. By taxi
Those who prefer to travel by taxi should prepare at least 90€. But since the car is designed for 4 passengers, you can look for fellow travelers. The journey will take about 40 minutes.
Method 5. By rented car
The journey by car from Alicante Airport to Benidorm will take about the same time as by taxi. The cost of a liter of petrol is €1.27. You can rent a car at the airport.
Useful tips
When travelling to Benidorm, Spain, take advantage of this selection of tips:
- Give preference to rented accommodation with a kitchen – this way you will not overpay for food.
- When going to a resort during the tourist season, take an umbrella and a small mat with you (or buy one on site). On the days when there are the most people, there is not enough beach equipment for everyone.
- City bus drivers often drive past bus stops, so wave your hand to be on the safe side.
- It is better to choose a hotel and buy a tour in advance (approximately 2-3 months before the trip). This will allow you to save significantly on their cost.
- When visiting the resort during the low season, do not forget to pay attention to your health – there are a huge number of health centers offering various cosmetic and general health procedures.
- Siesta in Benidorm, as in all of Spain, lasts from 14:00 to 17:00-18:00. Most shops, cafes and restaurants are closed at this time.
- The city has all the conditions for recreation with small children – there are children’s clubs everywhere, a special area is allocated for them in water parks, and playgrounds and sports grounds are installed on beaches, in parks and other public places.
- Anyone who dares to violate safety rules on city beaches will face a large fine.
- You can easily get by in the city without knowing Spanish – the locals speak excellent English.
- The greatest number of sales occur in July-August and December-Januar
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