Benidorm is a city of superlatives. Nowhere in the world is there a city with more skyscrapers per inhabitant. Four of the nine highest residential buildings in Spain are located here – a total of almost 400 buildings with more than 12 floors. The skyline of Benidorm reminds of Rio or New York and is absolutely unique at least in Europe. Most of the tall buildings in Benidorm are hotels. Every year, millions of tourists come to the city on the Costa Blanca with just 80,000 inhabitants. Also in winter there is something going on here. The high mountains behind Benidorm often protect the city on the Costa Blanca from bad weather. Even on some winter days, the beaches are well visited and the temperatures in the afternoon are over 20 degrees.

Sights Benidorm

There are hardly any sightseeings in the classical sense in Benidorm. In the centre, one recognizes the old town centre. Today, there are many British pubs in the few old streets. At the shore in the centre, a balcony was built out into the sea (the famous “balcony of the Mediterranean”). From here, one has a magnificent view to the high-rise city Benidorm with the two beaches.

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The two wide beaches of Benidorm are world class. The Playa de Poniente (directly west of the center) is about 3 km long; the Playa Levante (directly west of the center) is about 2 km long. Both consist of fine sand. On summer days several 10.000 tourists visit these beaches. It becomes quite narrow despite the enormous length and width. Behind the shore there is a kilometre long pedestrian promenade with hundreds of restaurants, bars and discos. Due to the high competition, the price level in Benidorm is not too high. In winter Benidorm is an absolute bargain.

People from almost all European countries have settled in Benidorm to open a restaurant or a bar. In these restaurants food and drinks from the respective homeland (as in the picture above from Holland) are offered. The vast majority of tourists in Benidorm come from Great Britain. By the way, Germans are a small minority in Benidorm – only about 3% of all tourists in Benidorm come from Germany. I found only one German restaurant in Benidorm (the “German House” at Playa Levante), while there are certainly several hundred British bars and restaurants.

An attraction in Benidorm are certainly the many skyscrapers. In the picture above is the Gran Hotel Bali, the highest hotel in Europe and currently the highest building in Benidorm (52 floors, 186 meters high). Almost all skyscrapers near the beach are hotels, in the hinterland also many skyscrapers were built as residential buildings. In Benidorm the land prices are very high due to the lack of space, which leads to the fact that even further away from the sea in the height is built.

               

Benidorm is as far as I know the only tourist city in Spain where a bullring was built. In the summer months thousands of tourists come to the bullfights, the stadium is often sold out.

There are also four large theme parks in Benidorm.

Benidorm Approach

Benidorm is the transfer point for the two narrow-gauge railways on the Costa Blanca. One line connects Benidorm and Alicante every 30 minutes, the other line Benidorm with Denia once an hour. The trains stop in all holiday resorts on the way. Of course, Benidorm also has an important bus station. From here there are frequent buses to all towns in the area and all important cities in Spain. Unfortunately, the train station is about 2 km and the bus station about 3 km from the centre. But there is a good city bus network in Benidorm, which connects the leisure parks in the surroundings, the beaches, the centre and the (bus) stations with each other. Public transport is cheap in Spain.

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Our pages about Benidorm and surroundings

Information about places and sights	link
Benidorm – beach metropolis with skyscrapers, beaches and nightlife	Click here
Terra Mitica – Adventure and leisure park with themed worlds	Click here
Mundomar – Animal park with dolphin show, parrots and sea lions	Click here
Terra Natura – Zoo with replicas of various habitats	Click here
Altea – White old town, beautiful views and artistic flair	Click here
Calpe – holiday resort with sandy beach and the Peñón de Ifach rock	Click here
Guadalest – A charming mountain village with a castle and views	Click here
Villajoyosa – Colorful old town, beach and chocolate factory	Click here

Benidorm Insider Tips!

Benidorm is famous for its skyscrapers, beaches, and vibrant nightlife. But if you think that’s all there is to it, you don’t really know the city yet. Here you’ll find real insider tips that will help you discover a surprisingly cool side of Benidorm.

1. Benidorm Old Town – Charm among Skyscrapers

Many visitors only stay on the beaches or in the hotel complexes. But the old town is a true gem: narrow streets, colorful houses, small tapas bars, and squares where locals meet.

Tip: Be sure to try the local tapas at Bar Rico – it’s typically Spanish and far from the tourist crowds.

2. Mirador de Castillo – Sea View

The small mountain with the castle ruins (Castillo de Benidorm) offers a magnificent view of the beaches and the city. Early in the morning or at sunset, it’s a quiet place – and perfect for photo ops.

Tip: Bring a camera – or your phone if you have to.

3. Playa de Poniente – The Chilled Beach

Poniente Beach is quieter than the more popular Playa Levante and popular with families and locals. Here you can relax, play beach volleyball, or simply people-watch.

Tip: In the early morning, there’s almost nobody here – perfect for a quiet start to the day.

4. Parque de Elche – The Green Heart of Benidorm

A pretty little park with palm trees, fountains, and plenty of shade. Ideal for a break from the beach life or to treat yourself to an ice cream.

5. Tapas Tour along Calle Santo Domingo

This street in the old town has some of the best tapas bars in the city – and it’s still very authentic. Lots of small restaurants, plenty of choice, and you can try your hand at everything.

Tip: Ask for the daily specials – there are often surprisingly good ones.

6. Finca La Torre – Mediterranean Garden and Restaurant

A little out of the way, but perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The finca offers Mediterranean plants, tranquility, and a restaurant serving fresh, regional dishes.

7. Cala Almadrava – The Hidden Beach

This small beach is located just outside of Benidorm and is much quieter than the city’s larger beaches. Crystal-clear water, sand, and rocks – perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.

8. Benidorm Night Market – Stroll & Marvel

The night market is perfect for finding souvenirs, jewelry, and all sorts of curiosities. There are often street performers and food stalls as well.

9. Benidorm Aquarium – Discover a World of Marine Life

A great destination if you need a break from the beach. The aquarium displays local and exotic marine animals, and the underwater tunnels are a real highlight.

10. Free Walking Tour – Benidorm with a Difference

Many operators offer free city tours with humor and insider knowledge. This way, you’ll learn about the city’s history and little secrets – and have fun at the same time.

11. Cala Tío Ximo – A Mini Cove for Nature Lovers

This small, hidden cove is the perfect place if you want a break from the hustle and bustle. Crystal-clear water, a few rocks for climbing, and almost no tourists.

Tip: Grab your snorkel and mask – there are exciting underwater worlds here!

12. Elche Park (Parque Elche) – Relaxing under the Palm Trees

This green park in the heart of Benidorm is ideal for a little break. In the shade of the palm trees, you can read a book, people-watch, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.

13. Mercado Central – Fresh Ingredients and Authentic Life

Benidorm’s central market is colorful, lively, and a great place to discover local specialties. If you’re feeling inclined, you can buy fresh fruit, cheese, or olives for the beach here.

14. Benidorm Festivals – Culture with Local Flavor

If you’re there at the right time, Benidorm has some cool festivals: from flamenco to jazz to street festivals. The atmosphere is relaxed, the music authentic, and the crowd diverse.

15. Parque Natural Serra Gelada – Hike with a View

For active explorers: This nature park right outside Benidorm offers beautiful hiking trails and great views of the Mediterranean and the coast.

Tip: Don’t forget sturdy shoes!

16. Bar Manolo – The Legendary Beer Bar

A true Benidorm original: This is where the local scene meets, with affordable beer and often live music. It doesn’t get more authentic than this.

17. Café de Oriente – Breakfast with Flair

Start your day like a king at Café de Oriente with fresh coffee, delicious croissants, and a view of the hustle and bustle of the city.

18. La Cala Finestrat – Another hidden gem

Just outside of Benidorm lies this quiet beach with sand and small rocks – perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle.

19. Roman Ruins of Lucentum

Did you know that Benidorm stands on the remains of an ancient Roman city? Lucentum may be small, but it’s exciting for anyone who loves history.

20. Sunset Bars – The perfect end to the day

Benidorm has several bars with great sunset views, such as the Mirador Gastro Bar or the Sky Bar on top of one of the skyscrapers.

 

Other guides: Roman Forum Entrance Fee    Vatican Museum Entrance Fee