Benidorm Holidays

Popular attractions

Get to know everything Benidorm has to offer.

• The Old Town – Benidorm’s Old Town, or El Casco Antiguo, offers something different to the modern skyline of the city. Wander its narrow, cobblestone streets and find traditional whitewashed buildings with flower-filled balconies.

• Aqualandia – One of Europe’s largest water parks. Set among natural surroundings, the park’s got thrilling slides like the Big Bang and Verti-Go, as well as family-friendly attractions like wave pools and lazy rivers. Little ones also have play areas with smaller slides and splash zones.

• Terra Mitica – A theme park split into distinct areas, combining rides, live shows and interactive attractions, with options from high‑speed coasters to gentler rides for younger children.

• Balcon del Mediterraneo – Set between Levante and Poniente Beach, this iconic viewpoint – also known as the Castle Viewpoint – gives wide views over the Mediterranean, Benidorm skyline and coastline. Once home to a historic fortress, you can still spot parts of the old walls alongside its white balustrade and tiled floor.

Historic sites

There are a few quieter historical spots worth adding to your list if you want to explore beyond the main attractions.

• La Cruz de Benidorm – This monumental cross sits at the top of Sierra Helada and offers panoramic vistas of the city and coastline. The hike up here is a popular local activity, especially at sunset.

• Tossal de La Cala – The ruins of an ancient Iberian settlement, found on a hill overlooking Poniente Beach. These archaeological remains date to the 3rd century BC.

• Museo Boca del Calvari – In the heart of Benidorm’s Old Town, this small but well-curated museum showcases exhibitions on the region’s cultural and historical evolution, from its fishing village origins to its transformation into a global tourist hub.

Festivals and events

Benidorm’s calendar is packed with lively celebrations through the year, mixing local traditions with big, colourful street events.

• Fiestas Patronales, November – This event celebrates the city’s patron saints with parades, fireworks and traditional music.

• Benidorm Carnival, February – This colourful event is filled with costumes, dance and lively street parties.

• Moors and Christians Festival, October – A great event for history enthusiasts, with historical reenactments, mock battles and gunpowder displays.

Outdoor adventures

Benidorm holidays aren’t just about laying out on the beach, there’s plenty to do if you’re feeling active, too.

• Watersports – Paddle around Cala Tío Ximo and Cala Almadrava for calmer, quieter waters, or head to Benidorm Island for scuba diving with clear views and marine life. Equipment hire is easy along Levante Beach, with lessons available if you’re new.

• Hiking and nature trails – Sierra Helada Natural Park has routes for all levels, including the easy Lighthouse Walk and the more challenging Crest Route with coastal views. Trails can be steep and exposed, so good shoes, water and suncream are worth packing.

• Boat tours – Glass‑bottom boats circle Benidorm Island, while ferries to Tabarca Island make an easy daytrip for clear waters and seafood spots. Sunset cruises from the marina are also a simple way to end the day.

• Cycling routes – Coastal routes to Altea are flat and scenic, while the Guadalest Loop offers a tougher ride through the mountains. Dedicated bike lanes help make cycling along main roads safer.

Shopping

Get to know where the best local markets are for fresh food or go hunting for a souvenir to take home with you.

• Local markets – Benidorm’s weekly markets sell everything from fresh produce to clothes and souvenirs, with the Outdoor Market – held on Wednesdays and Sundays – and Foietes Market both popular. Nearby Altea also hosts artisan markets in summer along the seafront.

• Souvenirs – Look out for hand‑painted ceramics and traditional food like turrón, a local almond nougat. Alicante wine and olive oil are also easy options to bring home.

• Shopping Centres – La Marina in Finestrat has well‑known brands and a large food court, while Plaza Mayor offers smaller boutiques and artisan shops.

Daytrips

Benidorm holidays put you in the perfect place to explore more of the Costa Blanca.

• Guadalest Valley – Just a short drive from Benidorm, Guadalest Valley is known for its mountain views and turquoise reservoir. You can visit Castell de Guadalest and explore the village’s small shops selling local crafts, ceramics, honey and olive oil. There are also several museums, including the Museum of Microminiatures.

• Altea, Villajoyosa or Calpe – Nearby Altea, Villajoyosa and Calpe offer a more authentic feel. Altea charms with whitewashed streets and its blue‑domed church, Villajoyosa is known for colourful seafront houses and the Valor Chocolate Museum, while Calpe is home to the Peñón de Ifach, a popular hike with wide views.

• Algar Waterfalls – Nature lovers will want to visit Fonts de l’Algar – a series of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, less than a 40-minute drive from Benidorm.

• Canelobre Caves – These colourful caves are near the village of Busot and feature stalactites and stalagmites. The cathedral-like chamber is a marvel of geology and even hosts occasional musical performances.

• Alicante – Alicante’s just a 40‑minute drive from Benidorm, with highlights including Castillo de Santa Bárbara for views and history, the palm‑lined Explanada de España and the MARQ museum for a look at the region’s past.

Beaches for everyone

The beaches are a big reason people head to this part of Spain’s coast, and Benidorm doesn’t fall short.

• Levante Beach – The most iconic beach in Benidorm. Levante is known for its golden sands, lively promenade and line-up of amenities, like beach bars, sunloungers and watersports. It’s ideal for those after a full-on beach day where you can carry on into the night in town afterwards.

• Poniente Beach – Stretching along the quieter side of Benidorm, Poniente Beach is perfect for families or those wanting a more chilled beach day. Its calmer waters also mean Poniente is ideal for beginners looking to try paddleboarding or kayaking, plus there are rental places and lessons available on the beach, too.

Quieter beaches

Escape to one of these quieter sandy spots.

• Mal Pas Beach – This hidden gem can be found between Levante and Poniente’s lively beaches – it’s perfect for a peaceful escape, with calm waters and fewer people.

• Cala Tío Ximo – Set at the base of Sierra Helada’s cliffs, this beach has a more natural setting for snorkelling or sunbathing, away from the tourist hotspots.

• La Cala de Finestrat – A short drive from Benidorm, this beach is very family-friendly, with soft sands, calm waters and fewer tourists.

Traditional dishes

Food is a big part of life along the Costa Blanca, with paella being popular alongside plenty of other local favourites.

• Paella Valenciana

  – The region’s signature rice dish, traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, green beans and saffron. You’ll find it in many restaurants, with places like La Cava Aragonesa or Restaurante Ulia known for their authentic versions. Plus, some places even offer simple cooking workshops.

• Turrón – A classic Alicante sweet made with almonds and honey, available in hard or soft varieties. It’s an easy souvenir and widely sold in local shops.

• Caldero – A hearty seafood dish made with fish, rice and rich stock, often served in two courses. It’s a good choice if you want something more traditional from the coast, and restaurants like El Barranco specialise in this dish.

• Tapas – Tapas are a big part of eating out here, with plenty of bars serving small plates you can mix and match without spending too much. Head to Calle Santo Domingo in the Old Town – it’s one of the busiest spots for tapas, with favourites like La Cava Aragonesa and El Bodegón Aurrerá.

Local drinks

You’re right in the heart of Alicante’s wine country, so it’s about more than just the sangria.

• Horchata – A creamy and refreshing drink made from tiger nuts. This traditional Spanish beverage is sweet, slightly nutty and often served chilled, making it perfect for hot days.

• Vino de Alicante – The Alicante region is serious wine-making territory. Vino de Alicante, particularly the Monastrell-based reds, is renowned for its bold and fruity flavours, while Moscatel dessert wines have sweet and aromatic profiles. Check out Bodegas Enrique Mendoza for tastings and tours.

• Sangria – No visit to Spain is complete without enjoying a glass (or jug) of sangria. The traditional recipe calls for red wine, fresh fruit, brandy and a splash of soda. For a twist, try cava sangria – made with sparkling wine instead.

Nightlife

Benidorm's known for its cheap beers – but there’s more to the nightlife than that.

• Clubs and bars – For live music lovers, Morgan’s Tavern – which featured in the TV show Benidorm – has your classic tribute acts and live bands. Those seeking DJ-led dance floors should head to KM Playa or

  Penelope, or for something more laidback, Heartbreak Rock Bar on Levante Beach pairs rock-and-roll tunes with tasty cocktails.

• Cabaret shows – Benidorm Palace is the main hub of cabaret entertainment in the city, putting on evenings of glitzy song and dance. Known for its Broadway-style performances, the venue combines big stage numbers with a gourmet dining experience. For a more casual cabaret experience, venues like Talk of the Coast feature nightly acts ranging from comedy to live singing.

• Family-friendly nightlife – Benidorm Circus, held near the iconic Benidorm Palace, offers acrobatics, magic and comedy, and is perfect for all ages. Many beachfront bars, such as The Winning Post, offer kid-friendly menus, live music and play areas to keep little ones entertained.

Walking

Benidorm's a very walkable city, especially around the Old Town, beaches and promenades. It's the best way to take in the sea views and just explore the streets with no specific plan.

Bus

Local buses are operated by Llorente Bus and connect key areas around Benidorm, including beaches, shopping centres and nearby towns like Altea and Villajoyosa. A bus from Alicante Airport is also a budget-friendly way to get to your hotel – it’s only around 45 minutes and runs from 7am to 11pm. You can get a rechargeable travel card to get discounts if you plan to use buses a lot, and the routes and timetables are available to check at bus stops or online.

Taxi

Taxis are a great option for late-night rides or if you’ve got a lot of luggage. Look for official taxis with a green light on the roof and a visible meter. It’s also good to be aware that there may be extra charges for night trips or airport transfers.

Car hire

A car is ideal for daytrips to nearby attractions like Guadalest Valley, Algar Waterfalls or Alicante. It gives you the most flexibility and freedom to explore the Costa Blanca at your own pace, but just make sure you book in advance during peak season and check for parking availability in Benidorm, as spaces can be limited in busy areas.