Beyond its glorious beaches and world-class theme parks, there are so many things to do in Benidorm which appeal every age group. No wonder the popular Costa Blanca resort attracts almost 3 million visitors per year. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Spanish culture, Benidorm has something to offer.
Visit Benidorm’s World Class Theme Parks
One of the highlights of many family holidays to Spain’s Costa Blanca is a day trip to the theme parks in Benidorm which are amongst the best in Europe. The best theme parks in Benidorm are as follows:
Terra Mitica: This park stands out for its unique historical and mythological themes. It offers an educational yet thrilling experience which allow visitors to explore ancient civilizations through exciting rides and attractions.
Aqualandia: This world-class waterpark is home to all kinds of aquatic attractions which are suitable for all ages. These range from paddling pools for younger children to adrenaline-pumping water slides for thrill-seekers.
Terra Natura: This popular venue is both a zoo and a waterpark where visitors can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats and enjoy typical theme park activities such as water slides.
Mundomar: This marine animal park hosts impressive aquatic shows and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting these environments.




Attend the Benidorm Fiestas
The annual Benidorm Fiestas (Festes Majors Patronals) are begin on the Friday of the second weekend of November and conclude the following Wednesday. These festivities commemorate a miraculous event which took place in 1740 when a fishing boat washed up on the local shore without a crew. Villagers feared that their disappearance was due to the plague so they burnt the boat to avoid the risk of disease. Amongst the ashes they discovered an intact statue of the Virgin which became known as La Virgen del Sufragio. Along with Saint James the Apostle, La Virgen del Sufragio became the patron saint of Benidorm whose festivities are always celebrated on the second Sunday of November.
Highlights the Benidorm Fiestas include the official opening of the fairgrounds with various attractions, the extravagant Entrada de Penyes Verge del Sofratge parade and a reenactment of the Virgin’s discovery on Poniente Beach. The celebrations also feature musical concerts at Plaza de SS.MM. Reyes de España, including tributes to popular bands and performances by well-known artists.
The festival concludes with the Multicolour Float Parade and a spectacular fireworks display. An additional event, the British Fancy Dress Party, takes place the day after the official end of the celebrations. This attracts thousands of British participants who extend the festive spirit in Benidorm. This is a great week to visit Benidorm when locals and tourists get together for a week of traditional and modern festivities.
Spend Your Day at the Beach
Benidorm has two main beaches which cater quite different tourist profiles:
Playa Levante: The northern beach is approximately 2km long and is the livelier of Benidorm’s two main beaches. It features golden sand, a restricted-traffic promenade and is especially popular amongst North European tourists. The beach is lined with stylish bars, cafés, small hotels and apartments. It offers various amenities including sunbeds, a beach library (Biblioplaya), children’s play areas and water activities. The promenade is wheelchair-accessible and almost traffic-free.
Playa Poniente: The southern beach is about 3km long and generally quieter than Levante. It is more suited to families and those seeking a calmer beach experience. The beach is narrower than Levante, with fewer hotels and a road separating them from the beach.
Both Levante and Poniente beaches are meticulously cleaned nightly, maintaining EU Blue Flag status for their cleanliness, safety, management and water quality. They are considered among the cleanest beaches in Europe.
Go Shopping at the Pueblo Street Market
Located next to the Pueblo Benidorm Hotel on Avenida de L’Admirall Bernat de Sarria, this is the most popular tourist market in Benidorm. Officially known as Mercado Rincón de Loix, it takes place every Wednesday and Sunday morning throughout the year. It is one of the largest street markets on the Costa Blanca which attracts a mix of locals and tourists.
Enjoy the Benidorm Nightlife Scene
Benidorm’s nightlife offers a diverse range of entertainment options which cater to all age groups. Families and mature couples can enjoy a wide range of evening shows at their hotel and visit the Benidorm Palace which hosts spectacular cabaret shows. There are also several outdoor venues along the promenade which host live music performances and street entertainers during the summer months. The Old Town is home to many restaurants with outdoor seating which is another popular option for couples and families.
Young singles will find Benidorm’s nightlife particularly vibrant and exciting. The heart of the party scene is centered around two main areas: Levante Beach and the English Square (also known as Rincon de Loix). Along Levante Beach, numerous bars and clubs line the strip, offering everything from karaoke to live music and DJ sets. Many of these venues stay open until the early hours of the morning. The English Square is particularly popular among British tourists, with a high concentration of bars, pubs, and nightclubs catering to a younger crowd. Here, pub crawls and themed parties are common occurrences.
For those seeking a more upscale nightlife experience, there are several cocktail bars and lounges in the newer part of town and along the marina. These venues often feature live music or DJs playing more sophisticated tunes.
Benidorm is also known for its cabaret and drag shows, which appeal to both families and younger adults. Venues like Rich Bitch and Buddies Bar offer nightly shows that combine comedy, music, and flamboyant performances.
Go For a Tapas Crawl in Tapas Alley
Believe it or not Benidorm is a Spanish town which attracts a huge number of Spanish visitors and has a large Spanish resident population of over 60,000 people. While tapas bars can be found throughout Benidorm, those seeking a more authentic experience should head to the Old Town (El Casco Antiguo), away from the main tourist strips where you’ll get a glimpse into local Benidorm life away from the beach resorts and nightclubs.
The best place for tapas is Calle Santo Domingo in the Old Town which is commonly referred to as Tapas Alley. This street is home to several authentic tapas bars which allows visitors to take a tapas crawl between them, sampling different dishes at each establishment.
Take a Day Trip From Benidorm
Benidorm’s prime location on the Costa Blanca makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. One of the most popular day trips from Benidorm is to the charming hillside village of Guadalest which stands on a pinnacle with stunning views of the surrounding valley. Another nearby attraction is the Algar Waterfalls where you can swim in crystal-clear pools.

For a more urban experience, Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is within easy reach. Here you can explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences or wander through the historic old town. Closer to home is the neighbouring town of Altea with its whitewashed houses and blue-domed church.
Wine enthusiasts should take a trip to the Jalon Valley which is known for its vineyards and bodegas. And finally, for a great family day out you should take a boat trip along the coast to Calpe and marvel at the impressive Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone outcrop rising from the sea.
FAQs About Benidorm?
When Did the First Tourists Arrive in Benidorm?
Tourism dates back to the early 1960s when Benidorm was no more than a small fishing port centred on a domed church next to Plaza del Castillo. Today Plaza del Castillo is called Placa del Castell thanks to the growth of the Valencian language but the same old church remains on its rocky peninsula surrounded by an unbelievable number of hotels, apartment blocks, bars and restaurants that a visitor could be forgiven for believing they were in Las Vegas rather than on the coast of Spain. The tallest building is the Gran Hotel Bali at 186 metres.
When is the Best Time to Visit Benidorm?
Protected by the Sierra Helada mountains the Benidorm climate is mild and sunny all year round. Winter daytime temperatures seldom fall below 10ºC and can in fact be high enough for sunbathing. At the height of summer in July and August average temperatures are around 30ºC but these can reach 40ºC in the middle of the afternoon. It also tends to be quite humid in the summer months.
There is not much rainfall but what there is generally falls during the winter months. Fortunately even when it does rain you know that the sun is never far way. In the summer you would be very unlucky to experience more than a few drops of rain.
The weather in Benidorm means that you can really enjoy the outdoor life both in summer and winter whether it is strolling along the promenade on Levante Beach, exploring the streets of the old town, visiting one of the Benidorm Theme Parks, sunbathing or even playing golf on one of the Costa Blanca golf courses.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Get to Benidorm?
The most efficient and economical way for holidaymakers to travel from Alicante Airport to Benidorm is via the direct airport bus service operated by ALSA. This regular service departs from outside the airport’s arrivals area approximately every hour from early morning until late evening. The journey to Benidorm’s central bus station takes about 45-50 minutes and costs around €10 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or booked in advance online through the ALSA website. The buses are equipped with ample storage space for luggage, making them suitable for travellers with suitcases.
For those seeking alternatives, taxis are available for a door-to-door service, though they are significantly more expensive at around €80-100 per trip. Private transfers can be pre-booked online, offering a middle ground between bus and taxi in terms of price and convenience. Car rental is also an option for those who prefer to drive themselves, with several rental companies operating at the airport. However, for most holidaymakers, the ALSA bus service provides the best balance of convenience, cost and ease of use for the journey from Alicante Airport to Benidorm.