Benidorm
Benidorm is the largest tourist capital of the Costa Blanca. Valencia is located 140 km from Benidorm and Alicante, the capital of the province at 50 km. Both cities have international airports. It’s strategic location, sheltered between the mountains and the sea, provides a microclimate with high temperatures all year round.
The most beautiful and extensive beaches of more than 6 km in length, divided between the quiet but pleasant Poniente and the busy and lively Levante. The sea water, with a crystal clear green hue, has a pleasant temperature all year round.
But the hinterland of Benidorm is also worthwhile. Not called the green oasis of the Costa Blanca for nothing. The views of Benidorm and its skyscrapers are astonishing and can be discovered from every angle.
Benidorm itself has 71,000 inhabitants, but tourism ensures that more than 3 million tourists come to enjoy the sun and Spanish life every year. At any time you can see people strolling along the boulevards that are beautifully lit at night. The small cozy harbor located in the old town of Benidorm separates the two beaches and offers a wide range of nautical activities. The old castle, El Balcón del Mediterráneo, was completely renovated in 2020 and offers impressive panoramic views of Benidorm.
All over the coastline you can fully enjoy the Spanish and International cuisine in one of the many restaurants, but also just for a drink and a snack on the cozy terraces.
Weather
Due to the microclimate the weather in Benidorm is perfect, there is sun nearly every day of the year. In the summer the temperature raises over 30 degrees, but also in wintertime the climate allows you to enjoy the sun on the terraces and even on the beach.
Although especially around February there is a possibility to see snow on the mountains around and a chilly wind in Benidorm. But even then if you find a windless spot you can still fully enjoy the sun.
Night life
Widely known, people come to Benidorm not only for the sun and the beach, but also for the vibrant nightlife. Until midnight it is a good place to relax with a cocktail during the live music that pops out of the speakers almost everywhere. Mainly along the boulevard but also in the English quarter in the Rincon de Loix there are various imitation shows by famous singers such as Michael Jackson, where you can put on your dancing shoes. After midnight, the nightclubs and nightclubs on the outskirts of Benidorm go wild until the wee hours.
Restaurants & tapas
As is known, Mediterranean cuisine is the healthiest in the world. The use of olive oil, fresh vegetables and especially fish are the ingredients that you will find on the menu in the mainly Spanish restaurants. But also the variety of nationalities that visit Benidorm has ensured that there is a large choice of international cuisine. Do not skip “paella” during your visit. But you will also find many other rice dishes with mainly fish on the menu in the more refined restaurants.
Spain is known for it’s tapas. Benidorm offers a variety of tapas bars. Nice tapas restaurants with big variety can be found in the famous tapas street ‘Calle Santo Domingo’. For a few euros you already have an afternoon meal because with every drink you get a tapa.
Markets
In Spain, almost every town or village has a weekly outdoor market. They are set up early in the morning and usually don’t repack until after 2pm. There are even two in Benidorm, the largest of which is in the Rincon de Loix on Wednesdays and Sundays. There is plenty of choice of shoes, bags, clothing, etc. But you have also come to the right place for fruit and vegetables. There is a similar, slightly smaller market on Wednesdays at the train station.
But for daily shopping there are the covered markets where you will find fresh fruit, meat and fish beautifully displayed at the best prices.
Shopping
For the shopping enthusiasts, Benidorm has several options. First of all around the Plaza triangular at the end of the Levante boulevard, but also the well-known ”Passage de la Carretera” in the car-free old center. But also in the Rincon de Loix you will find plenty of fashion, gift and souvenir shops.
Just outside Benidorm there is a large shopping mall “La Marina” where you can find the major well-known chains such as Zara, H&M and C&A.
On top of the roof you can enjoy a bite to eat and enjoy the beautiful view over the bay of Finestrat. There is also plenty to do for the children and on rainy day you can also go to the cinema or the bowling center in La Marina.
Bus number 2 brings you there but also to the hypermarket Carrefour.
Beaches & boulevard
Benidorm is especially famous for its beautiful wide white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters that are cleaned and cared for all year round. On the north side, two small sandy and rocky coves are very suitable for diving, the bay Tio Ximo and the bay Almadrava.
More famous is the bustling promenade of the popular and busy Levante beach which, in addition to the many facilities on offer, including a cable ski run, is lively all year round.
On the other side of the old town and harbor is the beautiful Poniente beach, which is less crowded and even wider than Levante beach. both have in common that they are oriented to the south, so in winter the sun shines all day until sunset and in summer until after eight o’clock. Between them, under the shelter of the Canfali Hill, is the small bay of Mal Pas and opposite the island of Benidorm, a paradise for divers.
Old town
Between the two beaches, you will find the old center of Benidorm (El casco antiquo). Here you will find narrow streets and white houses as in earlier times. But now with modern shops and the well-known tapas streets where you can enjoy a snack and drink for next to nothing.
Known from the photos of Benidorm is the chessboard that juts out into the sea and where you can also see the 18th century parish church of San Jaime and Santa Ana with its characteristic two blue tiled domes. Incidentally, a popular place to get married because of the beautiful view and therefore photo opportunities. This is a perfect location to watch the sun set behind Alicante or to take an early morning stroll in the summer before the heat of the day arrives. In the summer there is a craft market with several cozy stalls where artists offer their work.
