Spain's seaside resort capital, the city along the Mediterranean Costa Blanca is known for its endless wide and golden beaches. In the shadow of modern skyscrapers, there is not only the sea and excellent tourist services. The two main beaches of the city, connected by a scenic promenade, offer many activities and entertainment. Benidorm is not only a good destination during the holiday season but can be visited almost all year round with some pleasant temperatures on sunny days in winter.
Benidorm, with themed parks like Terra Mítica, Terra Natura Zoo, and many water fun parks is also the perfect destination for family holidays. Its bustling indoor and outdoor markets are a shopper's paradise. The nightlife is also exciting when the atmosphere comes alive in the many clubs and pubs that are crowded with visitors from all over Europe. Benidorm is approximately a 45-minute drive from Alicante Airport. Here are the best things to do in the city in a day or two. What are the best things to do in Benidorm?
Beaches for all tastes
Benidorm's stunning coastline is made up of two large beaches separated by the marina, the small romantic Mal Pas beach and the panoramic Balcón del Mediterráneo. The Levante beach, 2 kilometers long, extends eastwards from this small promontory and is considered the main beach. The Ponente beach and its promenade are a kilometer longer, but here the atmosphere is calmer because the area is less crowded and further away from the city. Many start the day on the Levante beach to enjoy the sun and the activities that make it so vital, and then move to the other at sunset. Along the coast, there are other smaller beaches to explore, such as Cala Almadraba, perfect for those who enjoy snorkeling.
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| Picture by Harry Fabel |
Balcón del Mediterráneo
Balcón del Mediterráneo is a beautiful real balcony in the center of the old town, this small viewpoint separates the two main beaches of Benidorm and is ideal for a break from the busy Levante beach. At the top of the rocky promontory is a square with a unique checkerboard floor from which you can admire a spectacular panorama of the Mediterranean Sea and, on the other side, the imposing skyline of the city's skyscrapers. The Balcón del Mediterráneo overlooks a small, romantic, and quiet Mal Pas beach, a pleasant alternative for an escape from the crowds. Also on this stretch of seafront, there are several cafes where you can treat yourself to a cocktail in front of a beautiful panorama.
The Serra Helada Natural Park
At the end of the Levante beach, in a north-easterly direction, the end of the city opens onto panoramic paths that reward the effort with the immense beauty of the Mediterranean. There are several marked hiking trails in the area. By following them, you'll discover hidden coves, spot wildlife and you may even come upon a lighthouse or a fantastic headland with spectacular views. The Camino del Faro, for example, leads to the Faro del Albir and can be completed in 3 to 4 hours. You can take a bus to The nearby village of Abir and start your journey there if you want.
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| Picture by Harry Fabel |
The Indoor Market
By visiting the Mercaloix market you can recover from the heat of the beach and look for souvenirs to give to your friends. It is located in the Rincón de Loix neighborhood, and you can get there in 10 minutes by walking north from Levante Beach. You will find an infinite number of products, from clothing to fashion accessories, from gadgets to games for children. Do not miss the area reserved for gastronomy, where you can taste cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and other specialties from local farms. If shopping has made you thirsty or hungry, you are spoiled for choice here.
Aigüera Park
Before reaching Benidorm's bustling coast, catch your breath with a gentle stroll through this green oasis in the city center. The park is characterized by two large neoclassical-style auditoriums, connected by a 300-meter avenue with palm trees, used for various cultural events and summer concerts. Further north is the Plaza de Toros bullring, while a 10-minute walk in the other direction can take you to the seafront promenade of Levante Beach.
Pub hopping on Calle Gerona
As the sun sinks toward the horizon along Levante Beach, the streets of Benidorm come alive with colorful neon lights. There are many bars and clubs in the town and each street offers something different: bands that perform rock classics or hits of the moment, clubs where you can dance until late at night, more secluded bars where you can have a good drink on the terrace and watch the comings and goings on the waterfront. The perfect place to find the right mix is Calle Gerona: an endless row of bars and pubs where you can have fun.
The oldest gay life culture at the Costa Blanca
Benidorm has the oldest gay culture in Costa Blanca, it goes back to the early '70s. You can find many small cafes, pubs, and clubs in the Benidorm Old town center. There are even some gay-owned restaurants. Some gay pubs offer nightly drag shows.
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