Benidorm Travel Guide
City Popular tourist city in Valencia, Spain
Benidorm’s skyline of highrises overlooks Levante and Poniente beaches; people arrive for sun, long promenade walks, chiringuitos selling espetos, package holidays and late‑night clubs, plus theme parks and mountain trails a short drive inland.
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Why Visit Benidorm? #
Sun and nightlife collide in Benidorm, where long sandy beaches such as Levante and Poniente sit beneath a skyline of high‑rise hotels. The old town’s narrow lanes and tapas bars contrast with theme parks and lively clubs along the promenade. Seafood and Valencian paella showcase regional flavors, and efficient ferries and coastal walks make day trips along the Costa Blanca convenient.
Who's Benidorm For?
Benidorm is one of Spain’s best party towns with a dense strip of clubs, pubs and late-night bars around the Levante and Rincon areas. Summer peak season brings huge crowds; package deals and cheap drinks keep nights affordable.
With wide sandy beaches, theme parks (Terra Mítica nearby) and calm shallow waters at Levante beach, Benidorm suits families. Many hotels offer family rooms and all-inclusive options, though summers can be crowded and busy.
Couples can find quieter corners along Poniente beach or romantic sunset walks on the promenade. Mid-range seafront hotels and tapas bars near the old town provide relaxed evenings away from the party strip.
Water sports-jet skiing, parasailing and boat trips to the Isla de Benidorm-plus hiking in the Sierra Helada Natural Park offer outdoor options. Day trips to Guadalest and cliff-top trails provide more challenging routes inland.
Sierra Helada’s coastal cliffs and protected flora provide scenic hiking with sea views. Nearby natural spots like Algar waterfalls and the Cova Tallada marine reserve suit hikers and snorkelers wanting some green space beyond the beaches.
Benidorm’s restaurants range from cheap tourist menus to solid seafood and rice dishes reflecting Valencian tradition. Old town tapas bars and beachfront paella joints serve fresh seafood, though quality varies by strip and price point.
Top Things to Do in Benidorm
All Attractions ›
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- Playa de Levante - Long sandy beach with lively promenade, bars, and year round people watching.
- Balcón del Mediterráneo - Clifftop viewpoint between Levante and Poniente offering panoramic sea views and photo opportunities.
- Casco Antiguo (Old Town) - Narrow streets lined with tapas bars, boutiques, and the baroque Iglesia de San Jaime.
- Isla de Benidorm (Benidorm Island) - Small offshore island popular for short boat trips, snorkeling, and relaxed coastal walks.
- Terra Mítica - Amusement park recreating ancient Mediterranean civilizations with rollercoasters, live shows, and thrill rides.
- Mercado Municipal de Benidorm - Early morning market where locals buy fresh fish, fruit, and traditional produce.
- Parque de l'Aigüera - Green linear park with fountains, sculptures, and occasional outdoor concerts or festivals.
- Barrio de la Cruz - Old quarter up from the sea featuring narrow lanes and intimate neighborhood squares.
- Playa de Poniente - Broader, calmer beach favored by families, with a long palm lined promenade.
- Puerto Deportivo de Benidorm - Harbor lined with seafood restaurants and moored yachts, lively both day and night.
- Alicante - Historic port city with a hilltop Castillo, broad esplanade, and museums to explore.
- Altea - Picturesque whitewashed old town, blue-domed church, and a pleasant artists' seafront promenade.
- Guadalest - Mountain village dominating a reservoir, known for its castle, narrow streets, and museums.
- Calpe (Peñón de Ifach) - Coastal town dominated by the Peñón de Ifach rock, offering scenic hikes and beaches.
- Villajoyosa - Colorful seafront houses, Valor chocolate museum, and quieter local beaches east of Benidorm.
Where to Go in Benidorm #
Levante
Levante is Benidorm’s party-facing beach area: high-rise hotels, lots of restaurants and non-stop sunbathing culture. It’s where beach activities, nightlife and a density of services come together - best if you want convenience, buzz and easy access to the sea.
Top Spots
- Levante Beach - The most famous sandy strip with sunbeds and water sports.
- Promenade - Lined with bars, restaurants and summer entertainment.
- Beachfront clubs - Late-night venues popular with younger crowds.
Old Town
Benidorm’s old quarter is a compact maze of whitewashed streets and tapas places, offering a more relaxed and characterful contrast to the high-rise beaches. It’s the best place to eat well, find traditional bars and soak up local architecture away from the towers.
Top Spots
- Balcón del Mediterráneo - Cliff-top viewpoint with sweeping sea views.
- Old Town lanes - Narrow streets filled with tapas bars and authentic restaurants.
- Plaza del Castillo - A quieter square with historic character.
Poniente
Poniente is the more relaxed beach strip, favoured by families and travelers who prefer calm to constant nightlife. Accommodation tends toward slightly more spacious hotels and apartments; it’s a good choice for a steady, beach-focused stay without the late-night noise.
Top Spots
- Poniente Beach - Wider, quieter beach popular with families.
- Seafront walk - Long promenade suitable for morning runs and sunset walks.
- Family restaurants - A calmer selection of dining options away from Levante’s clubs.
Rincón de Loix
Rincón de Loix is the classic package-tourmeets-party zone: tall hotels, cheap eats and a concentrated nightlife strip. It’s noisy and crowded in high season but can be the most affordable option if you just want sun, sea and late evenings.
Top Spots
- High-rise hotels - The skyline area packed with budget to mid-range hotels.
- Nightlife strip - Bars and clubs catering to an international crowd.
- Shopping arcades - Tourist-oriented stores and services.
Plan Your Visit to Benidorm #
Best Time to Visit Benidorm #
Benidorm has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild, sunny winters. Visit in late spring (April-June) or early autumn (September-October) for warm beaches, pleasant temperatures, and smaller crowds.
Best Time to Visit Benidorm #
Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 51 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Benidorm
Benidorm is most commonly reached via Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), with regular bus and taxi links into town; Valencia Airport (VLC) is a secondary option. Long‑distance trains serve Alicante-Terminal, from where buses or local services carry you up the coast to Benidorm.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC): Alicante is the closest major airport and the easiest way into Benidorm. Regular ALSA airport buses and private shuttles run from the terminal to Benidorm; journey time is about 40-60 minutes and fares are typically around €6-€10 one way. Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall - expect roughly €60-€80 depending on traffic; hiring a car is also common and takes about 40-50 minutes.
Valencia Airport (VLC): Valencia is further north but can be a practical option outside peak summer flights. Direct ALSA buses to Benidorm take about 2½-3 hours and cost roughly €12-€20 one way; an alternative is to take a train from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla or Estació del Nord to Alicante (Alicante-Terminal) and then transfer to a bus to Benidorm, bringing total travel to around 3-3½ hours and costing around €20-€35 depending on connections.
Train: Benidorm does not have high-speed long‑distance rail services-your nearest major rail hub is Alicante-Terminal (Alicante station), which is served by Renfe long‑distance and Cercanías services. From Alicante-Terminal you can transfer to an ALSA bus or local tram/bus services to reach Benidorm in about 40-60 minutes; combined transfer time and fares are typically €6-€20 depending on train class and connection.
Bus: The Estación de Autobuses de Benidorm (Benidorm Bus Station) is the town’s main hub. ALSA operates frequent, direct services from Alicante (≈45-60 min, €5-€10) and Valencia (≈2½-3 h, €12-€20), plus longer-distance links to Madrid and other cities. Intercity buses are usually the most direct and economical option for reaching Benidorm from nearby cities.
How to Get Around Benidorm
Benidorm is compact and most visitors rely on a mix of intercity buses (ALSA) and local buses or taxis for arrivals and longer hops; the beachfront and old town are best explored on foot. For day trips along the coast a hire car or regional buses are convenient, but inside town walking and short taxi rides usually work best.
- Local bus (Benidorm) (€1.50-€2.50) - Benidorm's local buses cover the town and nearby suburbs with frequent services focused on the main beaches and bus station. Single fares are inexpensive and useful for short hops across town; check timetables at the Estación de Autobuses or local info points. Buses can be busier in summer and may be slower than walking for short seaside trips.
- Intercity bus (ALSA) (€5-€20) - ALSA runs the main intercity routes to Benidorm from Alicante, Valencia, Madrid and regional towns. Buses are frequent, comfortable and drop you at the central bus station - they're usually the quickest public‑transport option from the airports and nearby cities. Book online in high season to secure seats and the best fares.
- Train (via Alicante-Terminal) (€10-€35 (combined)) - There are no direct long‑distance trains into Benidorm - use Alicante-Terminal as the nearest rail hub for AVE/MD/Regional services. From Alicante you can transfer to an ALSA bus or local tram/bus for the final 40-60 minute leg to Benidorm. Trains are handy if you're coming from farther afield (Madrid/Valencia) and give comfortable connections when timed well.
- Taxi (€5-€80) - Taxis are plentiful and the fastest door‑to‑door option, especially for luggage or late arrivals. Short trips around town are usually cheap (expect roughly €5-€12); airport transfers from Alicante run higher (typically €60-€80). Use official taxi ranks or phone apps to avoid overcharges during busy periods.
- Car hire (€25-€70/day) - Hiring a car gives flexibility for exploring the Costa Blanca beyond Benidorm (Guadalest, Altea, towns along the N-332/AP‑7). Daily rental rates vary widely by season - budget options are common but parking in the center can be limited and paid on many streets. A car is worth it only if you plan daytrips outside the immediate beachfront area.
- Bicycle & e‑bike rental (€6-€18/day) - There are several rental shops along the seafront where you can hire bikes or e‑bikes by the hour or day, making it easy to cruise the promenade and nearby parks. Cycling is pleasant on dedicated lanes, but watch for busy pedestrian sections and hot midday sun in summer. Rentals typically include helmets and basic locks.
- Walking - Benidorm's seafront, old town and main beaches are highly walkable, and on short routes walking is often faster than taking a bus. Pavements and promenades are well maintained, though summers are hot - plan walks for morning or evening and bring sun protection.
Where to Stay in Benidorm #
- Budget hostels and low-cost apartments - Basic rooms near Levante beach
- Hotel RH Royal (value options) - Affordable chain near promenade
- Meliá Benidorm - Reliable mid-range chain option
- Hotel Don Pancho - Comfortable rooms, near beach
- Premium seafront hotels and suites - Upscale rooms with sea views
- Top-end hotels on the promenade - High floors and panoramic vistas
- Meliá Benidorm - Central, easy beach access
- Hotel Don Pancho - Good orientation and tourist help
- Hotel RH Victoria - Family-friendly facilities and pools
- Hotel Don Pancho - Large rooms near the beach
- Meliá Benidorm - Good Wi‑Fi and lounge areas
- Hotel Don Pancho - Quiet rooms with desk space
Where to Eat in Benidorm #
Benidorm’s culinary identity is shaped by tourism: tapas and seafood dominate, but the city is full of international eateries to suit every taste and budget. Venture a few streets away from the main beaches and you’ll find family-run tapas bars and seafood restaurants where the food feels less generic.
For quick meals and casual evenings, the beachfront promenades are packed with global options; for something more local, look for tapas bars and seafood specialists concentrated near the old town and the port.
- La Falúa - Seafood and rice dishes, Mediterranean influence.
- Restaurante El Mesón - Tapas and Spanish classics, friendly tourist favourite.
- Casa Toni - Traditional Spanish plates and daily specials, local feel.
- Tiki Tapa - Global tapas and relaxed beachfront dining, popular spot.
- Little Italy Benidorm - Italian pizzas and pastas, casual family-style restaurant.
- The Fisherman's Pantry - Seafood-focused dishes with international twists, near the port.
- Vegan Garden Benidorm - Plant-based dishes, bowls and vegan tapas options.
- Green & Fresh - Salads, wraps and smoothies, good take-away choices.
- Café de la Plaza - Vegetarian tapas and light mains in central square.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Benidorm's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Benidorm #
Benidorm is a nightlife heavyweight: beachfront bars, lively pubs, and big clubs run well into the night, especially along the main strip and around the old town’s tapas streets. There’s something for everyone - British-style pubs, cocktail lounges and large dance venues. Practical tip: weekends and peak season are crowded; watch for late-night taxi queues and some venues have stricter door policies or cover charges.
Shopping in Benidorm #
Benidorm’s shopping mixes tourist-oriented souvenirs in the Old Town with malls and chain stores along the promenade. For daily bargains head to the municipal market; for branded shopping pick La Marina or other nearby centres. Expect tourist pricing on the beachfront - walk a few blocks inland for better value and local food shops.
Best Bets
- Mercado Municipal de Benidorm - Classic indoor market for fresh produce, fish and local delicacies.
- Centro Comercial La Marina - Shopping centre with mainstream brands, eateries and cinema nearby.
- Calle Santo Domingo (Old Town) - Narrow streets packed with boutiques, souvenir shops and tapas bars.
- Plaza del Castillo area - Cluster of independent shops and artisan stalls in historic heart.
- Centro Comercial Colonia Madrid - Smaller mall with local stores and occasional market stalls.
- Promenade shops - Beachfront souvenir stalls and kiosks selling local beachwear and gifts.
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