Benidorm
A major tourist resort on the Costa Blanca
Benidorm is a major tourist resort on the Costa Blanca, roughly 130 kilometres south of Valencia. The city is famous for its warm climate, sandy beaches and nightlife, the contrast between its traditional architecture and its skyscraper hotels, not to mention its theme parks.
A stroll through the old town uncovers winding streets and charming spots such as the Balcón del Mediterráneo, which is a stunning viewpoint overlooking the sea. Beyond, you'll find wide avenues, towering buildings (it has the third highest density of skyscrapers in Europe, after London and Milan) and shopping strips.
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MUST-SEE
Old town
Visit Plaza Canalejas square, the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana and go to the Sant Jaume viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views of Playa de Levante beach. You can also go up to the Plaza Castelar square to see the marvellous Playa de Poniente beach.
Balcón del Mediterráneo (Mediterranean Balcony)
You can get there via a charming staircase from the Plaza del Castillo. This white stone construction separates the two beaches and, if you go up, you will have panoramic views of the city's skyline and its beaches.
Beaches
There are several beaches and coves, but the two main ones are called Levante and Poniente. Their large promenades have plenty of leisure activities on offer and are always lively. Also, this is where you will find more than 150 bars and nightclubs to enjoy yourself at night.
Take a trip
Visit towns such as Guadalest, Altea, Calpe or Villajoyosa, and discover what's so special about each one of them. You can get there by car or bus.
Terra Natura Benidorm
A theme park and zoo in Benidorm. It has recreated the habitats of some animals in danger of extinction to save their species. There is also the Aqua Natura Benidorm, with 40,000 square metres featuring hair-raising slides, children's bathing areas and reserved VIP areas.
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WHAT TO EAT IN BENIDORM?
Don't miss out on its most traditional dishes, such as arroz caldoso de salmonetes y calabaza (rice stew with red mullet and pumpkin), cazuela de pescado al estilo pobre (popular fish stew) or arroz de boquerones con espinacas (rice with anchovies and spinach). If you want to finish your meal with the most delicious desserts, you have to try the stuffed coca bread, sweet potato pastries or the San Blas pastry.
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SHOPPING
The large shopping area is confined by the Plaza Triangular square and the Avenida de Los Almendros. It extends through the main streets of the old town and the centre such as La Alameda, Gambo, Martínez Alejos or Paseo de la Carretera, where you can find international and national brands.
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NIGHTLIFE
Benidorm is synonymous with nightlife. Its avant-garde nightclubs and around 160 pubs represent what you can enjoy at night in the city, with its parties and diverse atmospheres concentrated in the Paseo de Levante, the old town, Calle Esperanto and the Nacional 332.
The area known popularly as the 'English area', in Rincón de Loix, includes the streets Gerona, Ibiza, Mallorca and Londres and immerses the visitor in a British experience.
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HOW TO GET TO BENIDORM?
Alicante-Elche Airport, just 60 kilometres from Benidorm, can be a good option for getting to the city. You can also get there by car, bus or train and AVE, as the high-speed train connects Alicante and Benidorm with the main Spanish cities.
