I’m sure you’ve heard of Benidorm – notorious for cheap package holidays and boozy tourists. In fact, many tourists flying into Alicante airport (the airport for Benidorm) will be heading straight for this popular resort.
And what I like about Benidorm is that there are two completely different sides to it. The nicer side (well, in my opinion anyway) is the old town set on the hill between Benidorm’s two beaches (Levante and Poniente). The old town has cobbled streets with lots of character and lots of lovely, albeit smaller, restaurants.
The new town set along Levante Beach is all high-rise apartment blocks, expat bars serving British-style fish and chips, and lots and lots of karaoke bars. Benidorm is notorious for hen and stag parties; you will likely see lots of people in scantily-clad fancy dress. But it’s a fun experience. The new town sure is full of cliches.
As you can imagine, there are loads of places to stay in Benidorm (over 2,000), and there’s so much to do in Benidorm that it’s definitely worth spending a night or two.
And funnily, it’s often dubbed the “Manhattan of Spain” due to its impressive skyline, which features the second-tallest residential building in Europe. Anyway, here’s my guide to the best things to do in this Mediterranean paradise.
What to Do in Benidorm, Spain
1. Wander around the Old Town
Benidorm’s Old Town, or Casco Antiguo, is a charming area filled with narrow, winding streets and traditional Spanish architecture. Spend an afternoon wandering through its alleys, where you can discover quaint boutiques, local craft shops, and cozy tapas bars.
And make sure to take a stroll to the lovely Iglesia de Saint Jaime with its white-washed walls. The church, constructed between 1740 and 1780, was established to honor the discovery of the Virgen del Sufragio, the patron saint of the city. This church is central to Benidorm’s major religious events, including the Patron Saints Festivals, Easter Week, and the celebrations for San Jaime and Santa Ana, after whom the church is named.
2. Balcony of the Mediterranean
Don’t miss the Balcony of the Mediterranean, a picturesque viewpoint offering panoramic views of the sea and the city’s skyline.
Nestled atop the rocky promontory known as the Canfali hill in the Old Town, this iconic spot is a must-see!
3. Levante Beach
Besides partying, Benidorm is renowned for its pristine beaches, with two main stretches of sand that attract sun-seekers year-round. Levante Beach is essentially the main beach here, and it’s known for its lively atmosphere because there are heaps of bars and restaurants that line the beach (this street is known as ‘The Strip’).
Away from the bars, it’s the perfect spot for those who enjoy water sports and beachside activities. And its golden sands and clear waters make it ideal for swimming, jet-skiing, and parasailing.
4. Poniente Beach
For a quieter experience, head to Poniente Beach. With its more relaxed vibe and stunning sunset views, it’s popular with families, especially.
FYI, this is the biggest beach here at 3.1 km.
5. Benidorm Island
Benidorm Island is another major attraction here, due to its picturesque setting. The island spans 6.57 hectares, and its triangular silhouette is easily recognizable.
You can reach the island via a 15-minute boat ride, and some boats have a glass bottom so that you can see the underwater views of the vibrant marine life. The boat ride costs 23 euros per adult return and 14 euros per child. The island is a popular spot for divers, especially near La Llosa, as there are various marine species to be found here, like octopus and starfish.
A fun way to reach the island is on a jet ski tour that costs from 90 euros for up to two people.
6. Party!
As the sun sets, Benidorm transforms!
As you likely already know, Benidorm is famous for its diverse entertainment options, from vibrant nightclubs to laid-back pubs. The Strip, located along Levante Beach, is a hotspot for party-goers, offering a variety of bars and clubs with music ranging from dance hits to live performances.
Check out the most popular tours in Benidorm:
7. Sierra Helada Natural Park
The nearby Sierra Helada Natural Park provides hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness, most of which meander through aromatic pine forests and offer spectacular coastal views.
Spanning approximately 5,600 hectares, this park’s dramatic landscape is characterized by towering limestone cliffs, some reaching heights of over 300 meters, which plunge dramatically into the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. And these cliffs provide a sanctuary for a variety of bird species, including the endangered peregrine falcon and the yellow-legged gull.
8. Hike to the Cross of Benidorm
The trail to the Cross of Benidorm is particularly popular, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline.
It starts at the end of Levante Beach and the hike up to the summit, which stands at an elevation of 200 to over 400 meters, takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes for the 3 to 5 km round trip. The path is mostly paved but steep, providing a moderate workout along with breathtaking views of the sunset.
9. Benidorm Palace
Visit the Benidorm Palace for a spectacular dinner and show, where flamenco dancers and international artists take to the stage.
The 2026 production is called “Elements,” and it’s a 2.5-hour extravaganza that showcases a mesmerizing blend of dance, music, acrobatics, and magic. Held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the dinner section starts at 8:30 pm, with the show starting at 10:00 pm. The menu offers a variety of choices, including meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
10. Mundomar Animal Park
For kids (or big kids), there’s loads to do in Benidorm, like Mundomar Animal Park, where you can watch a dolphin and a sea lion show, and interact with other animals like exotic birds and reptiles.
11. Terra Mitica Theme Park
Opened in 2000, Terra Mitica is an exhilarating and fun day out for the whole family. Located only 10 minutes from Benidorm. The park is divided into 5 sections – Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and the Mediterranean islands. Each area is influenced by its origins. There are 25 rides in Terra Mitica, all ranging from exhilarating to kid-friendly. Prices start from €15 per person.
It is open every day in June, July and August and for the first two weeks in September. It has varied opening hours for the quieter months of May and October.
You can stay at Terra Mitica Theme Park – the Grand Luxor Hotel is located on-site and is highly recommended!
12. Aqua Natura Water Park
Aqua Natura Water Park is honestly so much fun and ideal for those hot Summer days with its wide array of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. In fact, here there are more than 40,000 square meters of slides, pools, and children’s zones. There is also the Terra Natura Zoo located here.
13. Forestal Park La Nucia
Have fun at Forestal Park La Nucia, where you can zipline from tree to tree, and other fun (adventurous) activities for both children and adults. Opt for the Family Zipline Circuit for a more relaxed experience or challenge yourself with the Adventure Circuit.
Where to Stay in Benidorm
The Climia Hotel Belroy is a great choice here in Benidorm; it boasts contemporary design features and is conveniently located near Levante Beach. But note that in the busy season, there is a minimum night stay (around 3-4 nights). For families, the Magic Natura Resort is a good pick as it combines a hotel and zoo experience – it’s set within the Magic Natura Animal and Water Park.
While for couples, the Hotel Don Pancho is a popular choice if you’re after a more adult-oriented stay.
Thanks for Reading!
Benidorm is a city that embodies the perfect blend of leisure and excitement, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re lounging on its sandy shores, dancing the night away, or exploring the cultural heart of the Old Town, Benidorm promises unforgettable memories.
Benidorm is certainly worth a visit, even if only to see a city of stark contrasts. Look beyond the clichéd and give this popular area another chance.
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Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by snaphappytravel