Benidorm wants to offer visitors a total package
Benidorm is one of those cities that evokes very mixed feelings. Praised and detested. For many people there is no room for nuances when describing the essence of the tourist metropolis. But Benidorm's right lies in the cold numbers: five million visitors a year. Its popularity as the number 1 holiday destination on the Spanish costas is not in question.
It all started so gently around 1925 with the expansion of the harbor and the construction of a few hotels to accommodate the small increase in visitors. In the early 1950s, two completely different events marked the start of the construction explosion. The fishing industry, until then an important source of income, fell into decline and Spain, and especially the Madrid people, saw Benidorm as the ideal place to spend the summer months.
After that, everything went very quickly. More Spaniards came, foreigners arrived, and hotels got higher and higher. According to tourism industry insiders, it was Benidorm where the popular 'package holiday' phenomenon was first introduced.
Today, the city with some of the tallest residential towers in Spain is primarily a destination for the whole family during the summer and hibernators during the winter. The level of facilities is perfectly attuned to those groups of visitors.
With two main beaches (Poniente and Levante), beach life is a major draw for tourists. But visitors now know that sunbathing is undermined by an endless supply of entertainment, bars, restaurants, terraces, clubs and a wide choice of a range of fun and theme parks. And for those who still think they can be bored in Benidorm, the nearby region has plenty in store for sports, nature and culture lovers.
Old City
There seem to be two Benidorms. The bustling, bustling tourist city where the pace is fast, where skyscrapers dominate the skyline and moments of calm are limited to a few hours of night. In stark contrast, the old town is much more like the laidback atmosphere of so many other villages and towns along the costas. A walk through the old part can be a pleasant relief for those who want to escape the relentless activity for a while. A good starting point for such an exploration is at the beginning of the Levante beach at the Plaza del Torrejo next to the tourist office. The Carrer dels Gats, a narrow street with cobblestones winds up there. Beautiful mosaics on the steps and houses decorated with colorful flowers lead to the top of the Canfali hill where the San Jaime church stands. This 18th century neo-classical building with the typical Mediterranean blue dome is dedicated to one of the city's patron saints. Inside there is a chapel for the Virgin del Sufragio. She is the other, much loved, patroness of Benidorm.
On top of the hill is also a beautiful viewpoint on the place where the castle of Benidorm used to be. Old cannons evoke memories of the time when the city had to defend itself against Napoleon Bonaparte, who proclaimed Benidorm in 1812 as 'the city of the emperor'. If you follow the balustrade, you will arrive at La Senoria Square, where the town honors its fishing past.
In terms of antiquity, the city has an interesting archaeological area. At the end of the Poniente beach where the El Tossalde la Cala hill surrounds the bay of Benidorm, you can see the remains of an old Roman fort from 77 BC. To reach the restored part of the site, follow directions from Poniente beach.
Cavall Peak and Morales Tower are two 16th century watchtowers that were important to warn the population against attacks by Berber pirates. Cavall Peak is in the Sierra Helada hills and the Morales Tower is located along the N-332 at the La Cala area. Besides their historical importance, a visit to the towers is interesting to have beautiful views of the city.
Theme parks
Benidorm has made a name for itself over the years as the city of theme parks. There are several parks in the area, which have a specific theme. Here is a brief summary:
- Terra Mitica. An amusement park for the whole family. Established in the year 2000, it has a large number of attractions, including many spectacular rides, that can boost the adrenaline levels considerably. Names such as the Magnus Colossus and Hell undoubtedly give a good indication of what to expect from the participants. The special thing about Terra Mitica is that it is set up around five ancient cultures around the Mediterranean: the Greeks, Romans, Egypt, Iberia and the Aegean Islands. This means that walking from one attraction to another one sees large replicas of the pyramid of Giza, the Colosseum and the Acropolis, among others. Terra Mitica also has an activity park with obstacle courses.
- Terra Natura. The 320,000 m² animal park is divided into four areas: Europe, Asia, America and Pangea, the former supercontinent that encompassed parts of Africa, South America, Antarctica, India and Australia. Terra Natura is an animal park, which is part of the newest zoos, which try to remove as many visual barriers for visitors as possible. About 1,500 animals live here. Of the 200 different animal species, 50 are threatened with extinction. It is also an area with more than 160 tree species and a large number of information points. A series of shows can be admired daily. Terra Natura forms a whole with Aquanatura.
- Aqualandia. A large 150,000 m² water park that boasts the tallest slide in Europe and the tallest slide capsule in the world. The large number of spectacular water attractions are divided by the park into three categories: for children, medium and radical. The latter category includes rides with the telling names: Big Bang and Verti Go. Aqualandia as a park is a unit with Mundomar.
- Aquanatura. This water park only covers a quarter of the surface of Aqualandia. Most of the attractions are less spectacular, but there is still a lot to do. Think of the Aquasnake over a length of 150 meters and the Zig Zag of 105 meters. The adults can have fun at the Kamikaze or the Speed Hole, while younger children have a water castle with a range of activities, such as treasure hunting. Aquanatura forms a whole with Terranatura.
- Mundomar. An animal park that mainly focuses on fun for younger visitors. The mammals, birds and reptiles in Mundomar are relatively few in number. The park has only thirty different animal species. The focus is on the interaction with the animals present. For example, you can swim with the sea lions. Together with caretakers, guests can meet the dolphins and learn a lot about the behavior of these popular animals firsthand. Pictures can also be taken with the favorite animals. Mundomar is a park combined with Aqualandia.
- Forestal adventure park. In the wooded area of La Nucia, a few kilometers from Benidorm, this park focuses on adventure activities for the whole family. Here visitors can rediscover the Tarzan and Jane in themselves. You can zoom from treetop to treetop along long zip lines. Various circuits have been set out in the park, tailored to the different age groups. Climb walls, play active games or conquer the Tibetan bridge. A normal physical condition is sufficient for sports activities. Visitors are advised to wear good footwear.
- Dino Park. This is an educational and educational park especially for children. The park is located at Algar near Benidorm. Dozens of different dinosaurs can be admired life-size here. There are static models, robots and dinosaurs that produce sound. For many young people, the paleontological large sandbox is a real highlight. Here they can use buckets and spades to search for bones like real archaeologists. There is also a 3D cinema and a pavilion where real dinosaur remains can be viewed. Prepare the youngest visitors well for an encounter with a gigantic T Rex and the other dinosaurs. It can be a little scary for them. A visit to the park can easily be combined with a trip to the famous Algar waterfalls.
For opening times, prices and other information visit the websites of these theme parks. Certain combination tickets are possible.
Culture
The evening and nightlife in Benidorm has many faces. There is no shortage of bars, restaurants and clubs. Benidorm is the city where many tribute acts regularly perform. And live performances by other artists are the order of the day. Here are some suggestions for a special night out on the town.
- Benidorm Palace. This theater daily draws audiences from a wide area. The Palace has made a name for itself for its spectacular shows, which have a different theme every year. In terms of quality, the shows can effortlessly rival similar performances in major European cities and even Las Vegas. The intention is to provide a total theater experience with music, dance, acrobatics, magic acts and much more. The audience is seated in a semicircle and can enjoy an unparalleled show during an extensive dinner.
- Benidorm Circus. The circus is the only permanent circus in the Autonomous Community of Valencia. There was a conscious choice for performances without animals. The performances are intended for young and old. Performing acts range from acrobats to ballet, clowns to trapeze, music to magic and humorists to singing. The shows are every Saturday night.
- Magic Robin Hood Resort. Welcome to 12th century England. Between Benidorm and Alfaz del Pi, this resort recreates the fight for the throne between battling groups of knights. A spectacular show with swords and horses can be admired for an audience that is enjoying a medieval meal in the meantime. Special effects and sophisticated lighting make it all as real as possible. There is a special area for people in wheelchairs. They must announce their arrival in advance.
- L'Aiguera Park. This is a long green park set up in neo-classical style. The old part of the park is separated from the newer buildings. The two amphitheaters are mainly used during the summer months for a series of open-air shows and cultural events. The bullring is at the end of the park. A little further is an area where fairs are often set up. It is also a popular meeting point for many of Benidorm's fiestas.
- Bullring. This old bullfighting arena regularly hosts live concerts, shows and even some editions of the Benidorm Song Contest. Currently (in 2021), various renovations are being carried out in the complex, which are scheduled to be completed in 2023.
- Molino Benidorm and Burlesque. Two buildings where similar programs are offered. Molino Benidorm has musical and comedy shows with drag queens. Burlesque also has shows with drag queens as well as comedy and cabaret acts.
Activities
The choice of activities in and around Benidorm is almost endless. Under the motto 'Something for everyone', we do a selection from the wide range here.
- City tours. Those who want to explore Benidorm without making long walks have several options. You can use the tourist bus that looks like an old tram. The bus is constantly touring the city and you can get on and off at a range of places. There is an audio system on board where you can choose from eight languages for explanations. Option 2 is the sightseeing bus. The double decker follows different routes and you can choose from information in three languages. A third option is the tourist trains that run around the Levante or Poniente beach. There is also a special tour that visits both beaches. The fourth and most enterprising way to get to know the city better is with guided tours on a so-called 'segway'. The trips with these motorized scooters last two hours and depart from Benidorm Circus.
- Foietes Park. This new park area was a finalist in a competition for 'sustainable development', because it contributes to a healthy expansion of urban planning. The plan was praised for respectful integration into the existing environment. Open since 2017, it consists of a four-kilometer cycling and jogging path, four play areas for children, recreational areas for all ages and a strip of pine trees with walking routes and picnic areas.
- Sequia Mare Park. This park was created around an ancient irrigation system, dating back to 1659. These ditches transported water from Polop to Benidorm over a length of more than 18 kilometers. The city owes much of its current appeal to this system that made life possible in the area. In disuse since 1960, a park has been developed here that preserves as much of the old structure as possible. Now you can cycle, run and walk. There is a skate park, a crossfit circuit, a climbing wall, a children's playground and a petanque court.
- Marco Polo Expeditions. The place for the most diverse sporting outdoor activities. Choice of jeep safaris, bike rides, Nordic walking, paintball, jet ski, paragliding and catamaran tours. Special activities for groups are also organized. Here you can also rent bicycles (road, mountain and electric), scooters, roller skates and kick bikes.
- Mini Golf. An entertainment area for the whole family. In addition to an 18 hole mini golf course, there are games equipment for the little ones and an amusement hall with slot machines.
- Festilandia. Fun fair for the younger audience and an arcade with video games.
- Karting Benidorm Karting circuit 2.0. Karting circuit, paintball area and jet ski.
- Lockdown Escape Room / The Paradox. Lockdown: Four special escape rooms. English language and a challenge for participants to solve riddles and overcome challenges and eventually escape. There is a special children's version. The Paradox has two escape rooms. Story is also told in English.
Day excursions
Benidorm has no shortage of fun and interesting short excursions or day trips. The sea, the varied hinterland and other villages and towns along the coast provide sufficient starting points for a pleasant pastime. Here are some suggestions.
- Three boat excursions. Trip to the island that is part of the Sierra Helada. In this nature park, participants can view the sea bed in glass bottom boats. The Costa Panorama is a mini cruise to the fishing port of Calpe. From the cliffs there are beautiful views to the Sierra Helada, the beach of Albir and to Altea. A third boat trip is to the island of Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencia region. On the island you can see buildings from a distant past when prisoners lived on Tabarca.
- Finestrat (5 km). This municipality has two parts. On the coast, along the sandy beach, there is a lively promenade with bars and restaurants. Four kilometers inland is the village with a cozy old part. Here you can also start the ascent of the Puig Campana. This mountain is the highest in the area at 1,406 meters. Friday is market day on both the coast and in the village.
- Albir (6 km). A pebble beach along a lively promenade can be followed for a pleasant walk to Altea. Sunday is market day.
- La Nucia (8 km). This neighboring municipality of Benidorm has a beautiful old part with an 18th century church and an old, historic 'launderette'. Take an approximately two-hour hike and pass the Favarra waterfall, which is the green lung of La Nucia with lots of vegetation. Or go to Calvari Hill for beautiful views of the bay of Altea and the Sierra Bernia. There is a flea market on Sundays.
- Altea (8 km). The town likes to label itself as the cultural capital of the Costa Blanca. There are many art galleries and markets with handicraft items. Altea has a long promenade along the beach and an interesting old center. Most visited is the old town on the hill where tourists climb up winding streets to arrive at the church with the blue dome. Spectacular views of the surrounding area await at the top.
- Polop (10 km). Small town nicknamed 'the oasis of the Costa Blanca'. It owes this to the Plaza de los Chorros, where water flows from the wall in 221 places. Walk to the cemetery on top of the hill where Polop Castle once stood. Enjoy beautiful views. There is a flea market on Sundays.
- Villajoyosa (12 km). The name of this town just south of Benidorm means 'happy town'. The multicolored houses live up to that name. The town has an attractive fishing port. You can also visit the factory and museum of Spain's largest chocolate manufacturer Valor. Thursday is market day.
- Algar waterfalls (15 km). A trip to the source of the Algar River will take you to a popular area where people want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. A series of waterfalls where you can swim in the pools are surrounded by a nice walking area with a botanical garden and aromatic plants. The falls are often visited, whether organized or not, during a day trip in combination with the mountain village of Guadalest.
- Calpe (20 km). Most eye-catching is Calpe Rock, which can be climbed. Furthermore, Calpe has a beautiful old town with many monuments such as the baths of the queen and a beautiful promenade along the beach. Or visit the fish auction in the harbor. Saturday is market day and there is an antique market on Wednesday.
- Guadalest (28 km). The most visited village in Spain, which seems to be hidden from the rocks. This community of Moorish origin can only be reached through a narrow tunnel. Highlights include a visit to the old castle, the many small museums and a walk through the narrow streets. A visit to Guadalest is combined by many tourists with a look at the Algar waterfalls. Several organized ones are available for that.
- Alicante (40 km). The provincial capital deserves more than a cursory visit. The old town at the foot of the also very interesting Santa Barbara castle is particularly picturesque. Take a look at the marina and stroll along the promenade. For museum enthusiasts, the museum dedicated to the Fogueras, the annual bonfires, is recommended, as well as the archaeological museum.
- Elche (60 km). A little further away from Benidorm, but Elche has a lot to offer. The city has the largest palm forest in Europe and a very beautiful city park with again many palms. Visit the Huerto del Cura, with the unique Imperial Palm and graceful cactus gardens. In the old town, we recommend visits to the Calahorra tower, the basilica of Saint Mary and the ancient Arab baths.
Nature and sports
Although at first glance Benidorm is not the most obvious destination for sports enthusiasts, the city still has some pleasant surprises in store. Besides the choice of many water sports in the waters of the Mediterranean, hikers can also indulge themselves here. The Sierra Helada hills offer several hiking routes that vary considerably in time and difficulty. The tourist offices in the city have a free leaflet outlining three of those routes. The shortest of these is 5.2 kilometers long and reaches a height of 75 meters. It takes hikers to Punta Cavall, where there is a 17th century watchtower with beautiful views. Also 5 kilometers there is a route that reaches up to 237 meters. In this case, the 'Cruz' (the cross) is affected. From this spot one can enjoy one of the most panoramic views of Benidorm. Finally, there is a challenging 8 kilometer trek, which goes up to a height of 438 meters. Walking on a high ledge, this tour provides continuous, beautiful views.
Golfers have five courses to choose from within a 20-minute drive. The most popular is the Melia Villaitana Levante course where many international competitions have already been held. This is a tricky 72 par course with three water features and no less than 106 bunkers. The Poniente course of the Melia Villaitana Golf Resort is a 62 par course with superb views of the sea and the Sierra de Finestrat hills. The three other courses (Altea club de Golf, Puig Campana and Las Rejas) all have nine holes. The latter course is mainly used by golfers who want to practice their short game.
For cyclists, two routes have been mapped out in the Costa Blanca Cycling Guide, which is available at the tourist offices. Both routes can be downloaded using wikilocs. The shortest is 51 kilometers long and takes you back to Benidorm through Finestrat, Sella, Guadalest and Polop. Route 2 goes north and is 84 kilometers long. The first part takes you along the coast via Altea and Calpe and then goes inland to return to Benidorm via Benissa, Gata de Gorgos, Tarbena, Algar and Alfas del Pi.
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