Benidorm is the main resort of the Costa Blanca, the tourist “capital” of the White Coast. The city is part of the province of Alicante (Valencia). The new areas of the resort is dominated by high-rise buildings in an urban style. The old part of Benidorm has preserved many architectural monuments of the XVII-XVIII centuries.
More than 70,000 people now live in Benidorm. During the high season the population increases many times over. Many tourists, once they come here, decide to permanently move to the ‘tourist paradise’. The main reason for coming to Benidorm is the natives of Northern Europe and the UK; real estate is bought by the Germans, and there are a lot of Russians. Foreigners account for about 27% of the permanent population of Benidorm.
When To Go To Benidorm
The city is surrounded by mountains, creating a special microclimate. It is always moderately warm: in summer the average temperature is +26°C; in winter it’s about +16°C. The water temperature on the coast of Benidorm is at least +20°C until the end of October. It rains rarely, there are almost no strong winds.
Beaches Of Benidorm
The beaches here are considered unsurpassed on the Costa Blanca. Their total area is 274,400 m². The coastal recreation areas form the face of the town, providing it with a reputation as a “tourist paradise”. The resort is located in a beautiful bay, divided by a rocky coast into Eastern and Western parts. There are three famous Blue Flag beaches here.
Levante Beach
Playa de Levante is more than 2 km long. It is the most crowded recreational area on the entire coast. Geographically it is oriented to the south, you can sunbathe during all daylight hours. The beach is sandy, well equipped, with a gentle slope. There are trampolines and slides, sun loungers and sun beds, equipped with playgrounds for children, many water sports are available. Restaurants, nightlife, discotheques and casinos are available.
Poniente Beach
The largest beach of Benidorm is Playa de Poniente, located in the district of the same name. Its length is more than 3 km. The promenade along Playa de Poniente is among the ten most beautiful in the world. The beach is fully equipped, there are even entertaining floating platforms for children, facilities for disabled people, rescue and medical points. Poniente is lively and noisy at all times – day and night.
Mal Pas Beach
Playa del Mal Pas is located in a small cove between Poniente and Levante; in the cliffs that divide the coast in two. It is accessible by steps from the Cathedral of St. Jaime. The coast of the cozy bay is covered with fine yellow sand. The beach of Mal Pas is only a few hundred meters long. The bottom is sandy, the shore is gentle. The main entertainment on Playa del Mal Pas is beach volleyball.
Almadrava Cove
A natural cove with shores littered with fine sand is located at the foot of the Sierra Hellas. It has a rocky bottom and very clear water. Almadrava (Cala La Almadrava) – one of the favorite places of divers. On the north side of the beach borders with the natural reserve of Cape Creus. There are kiosks, a restaurant, boat and bike rentals. Near Cala la Almadrava there is a kite and windsurfing club.
Tio Chimo Cove
Cala del Tio Ximo is the smallest beach in a tiny cove on the precipitous northern coast. It is only 60 meters long and is ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The shore here is sandy and pebbly. The rocky bottom with a beautiful underwater landscape attracts divers.
Benidorm Sights
A walk through old Benidorm is compared by many people to a journey through time. There are the ruins of the ancient Iberian settlement of Tossal de la Cala and the remains of the Torre Morales o Escaleta, a tower from the 16th century. On the cliffs separating Playa Levante from Playa Poniente is the famous “Balcón del Mediterráneo”, an observation deck built on a high promontory and surrounded by a balustrade. Once there was a fort, but now only the old cannons under the stairs and fragments of walls remind us of it. The “balcony” offers a view of the Bay of Benidorm and the quarters of the New Town.
The main religious monument of Benidorm is the Church of Saint Jaime (Iglesia de San Jaime). This 18th century neoclassical temple with its unusual blue domes is built on top of the Canfali hill.
A modern landmark of Benidorm is the Gran Hotel Bali, built in 2002. The 186 m tall building was the tallest in Spain for some years until the record was surpassed by the towers of the business quarter in the capital. Also of interest is the neoclassical Parque de l’Aigüera, a beautiful promenade with an amphitheater for performances created by architect R. Bofill.
History Of The City
In ancient times, it was inhabited by Iberian tribes, but the city was founded by the Arabs in the VIII century, and they gave Benidorm its resounding name. The Spanish conquered the city from the Moors in 1245, since then the majority of the population were Christians.
The development of Benidorm as a resort began in the XIX century, but then it was still a small fishing town. The economic recovery began after 1936 and from the middle of the twentieth century Benidorm became a full-fledged resort. According to a new development plan were built wide streets, repeating the curve of the coast line. In 1967 the airport was built. The city’s population grew rapidly, developing tourism infrastructure. In the new century Benidorm became a prosperous resort town, popular all over the world.
Entertainment In Benidorm:
Terra Mitica and iberia Park
The huge entertainment park Terra Mítica covers an area of 1 million m². It is divided into five geographically themed zones. The areas of Greece, Rome and Egypt invite you to relive historical events and the areas of Iberia and Islands (Las Islas) give you a feeling of being a part of the great epochs. All the rides are built using the latest technology and give a feeling of realism. The centerpiece of the park is the large body of water, the “Mediterranean Sea.
Iberia Park is an area of Terra Mitica that combines Iberia and Las Islas – it is dedicated to medieval Spain. There are dozens of the latest dizzying rides, themed stores, and cafes.
Terra Natura Zoo
Terra Natura is a nature-themed park that features not only animals, but also a variety of flora. You can communicate with many of the animals quite closely. Terra Natura is placed on an area of 32 hectares. It is equipped with green areas and ponds, paths, artificial waterfalls; there is a concert area for thematic performances. In the park you can take part in “safari”, swim with sharks, jump from the “bungee jump”.
Natura Water Park
Agua Natura is a thematic extension of the Terra Natura Zoo. The water recreation area, stylized in the “ancient Greek” style, is mainly designed for young tourists. However, adults can have a lot of fun too. The park is planned so that the children’s area can be seen from anywhere. There is also a unique entertainment – swimming in special equipment in the company of sharks and rays.
Aqualand
Aqualandia, one of the largest water parks in Spain, covers an area of 150,000 m². There are ten attractions, where visitors have a variety of adventures for all ages. The Amazona river flows around a large body of water; the little ones frolic in the Adventurelan area; the unique Big Bang slide complex is considered to be the European leader in “extreme”.
Mundomar Park
The Mundomar Theme Park is a huge complex with a marine zoo, an exotic bird museum, an ecological research center, and a dolphinarium. You need to devote a whole day to visit it. Magnificent colorful Mundomar is decorated in the pirate style, its inhabitants harmoniously complement the color of the park.
Benidorm Palace
The Benidorm Palace is considered the best concert hall in Spain. It hosts daily dance shows, unique and spectacular performances with a colorful atmosphere. Benidorm Palace presents the best flamenco in Spain.
The Outskirts Of Benidorm
City Of Guadalest
Guadalest is famous for the royal castle of San Jose (XI century) and a variety of thematic museums (marionettes, creche, antique cars, history of the Middle Ages, micro-miniatures). The population of Guadaleste is about two hundred people. The 600-meter high hill is equipped with observation decks with a beautiful view of the lake, valley and mountains.
The Island Of La Isla De Benidorm
The uninhabited island Isla de Benidorm is located a couple of kilometers off the coast of Benidorm. At various times it has been a haven for pirates, a refuge for citizens during a cholera epidemic. Today it is a favorite destination for tourists for diving and fishing.
Algar Falls
In the mountains of Alicante is the Fuentes del Algar Natural Park. It is a protected area, one of the most beautiful places formed by the Algar River, a ravine and picturesque Mediterranean vegetation. At the top of the park there is a large picnic area.
How To Get To Benidorm
There are two airports not far from Benidorm: 60 km south of the city, Aeropuerto de Alicante-Elche (ALC) Airport, and 130 km north, Aeropuerto de Valencia (VLC) Airport.
How To Get From Alicante Airport To Benidorm
Bus:
Intercity buses ALSA runs 4 times a day. The duration of the trip without intermediate stops is 45 minutes, the ticket price is € 9,45 one way. You can buy a ticket and see the schedule here.
Bus + train:
From the Aeropuerto de Alicante-Elche to the center of Alicante there is a subus C-6 city bus every 20 minutes. The ticket price is €3.85. At the Alicante-Luceros stop, take the TRAM L1 tram-train that will take you to Benidorm in 70 minutes. The ticket price is € 4.85. For more information about the Aerobus, click here; for the streetcar, click here.
How To Get From Valencia Airport To Benidorm
The bus company ALSA runs 3 times a day. The travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes and the ticket price is € 20,25 one way. For a more precise bus schedule, see here.
