Benidorm is the Costa Blanca's amplified version of itself – sun, sand, nightlife, and tourism cranked to maximum. The skyline of high-rises is instantly recognisable. For some, this is a deal-breaker. For others, Benidorm offers reliable warmth, two good beaches, and an energy that doesn't quit. If you're after a resort experience without flying elsewhere, Benidorm delivers. The old town still exists behind the towers, small and surprisingly quiet despite the chaos metres away.
Why Stay in Benidorm
- Two large, well-maintained beaches (Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente) with lifeguards, water sports, and all amenities. Families know exactly what they're getting, and infrastructure is solid.
- The nightlife and entertainment are intense and varied. Clubs, bars, live music venues, and themed nights run every evening. You're never short of something to do after dark.
- Nearby attractions include Terra Mítica theme park (20 minutes by car) and water parks. For families with young children who tire of beaches, these are genuine timesavers.
- Summer crowds and heat are genuinely relentless. The beaches are rammed July–August, and the town itself feels overstretched. Parking is nightmarish. If you want solitude, go elsewhere. Winter brings British tourists escaping rain, which trades one crowd for another.
Things to Do in Benidorm
The beaches are why most people come. Playa de Levante (east beach) is larger and busier; Playa de Poniente (west beach) is slightly smaller and gets shade earlier in the afternoon. Both have water sports on offer, from paddleboards to jet skis. Beach clubs serve food and drink, though prices are higher than inland restaurants. A simple meal at a beach club runs 12–16 euros.
The old town (Casco Antiguo) sits on a promontory between the two beaches. It's a pleasant surprise – narrow streets, small bars, and local restaurants that ignore the tourism machinery below. Climb to the church at the top for views across both bays. This is where locals eat lunch; an average meal costs 10–13 euros.
Terra Mítica theme park opens year-round, though summer is busiest and hottest for queuing. A day pass costs around 45 euros (more during peak season), and it's a legitimate way to break up a week if you're with kids. The park has good theming and a manageable size – not Disney-scale but more than adequate for a afternoon or full day.
Aqualandia water park is another family option, similar price range, adjacent to Terra Mítica. Queues in July–August can be substantial, but if you arrive early (opening time) or late (after 4pm), things move faster.
Nightlife is Benidorm's signature. Clubs cluster along the seafront and run shows, cabaret nights, and dance floors. Pubs and bars serve UK beer on tap and British TV on screens, though plenty of Spanish venues exist if you want local flavour. Cover charges for clubs typically run 10–15 euros (sometimes waived with a drink), and entry is free for bars.
Inland from Benidorm, the Aitana mountains offer hiking and cooler air. A short drive (30 minutes) brings you to small villages like Altea or Polop, which feel utterly different from the coast – quieter, hillier, with olive groves and almond orchards visible from roads.
