15 Attractions in Benidorm You Must Visit

The city of Benidorm on the famous Costa Blanca in Spain is one of the most popular vacation spots for tourists from all over Europe. This is due to many reasons. Warm, sunny weather all year round; a long stretch of sandy beach; as well as numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. However, in addition to the sun, sea, and all-night parties, Benidorm is also known for its attractions, of which there are many in this city.

Here is a list of what to see in Benidorm and its surroundings.

This beach is most associated with Benidorm: a crescent-shaped stretch of light-gold sand flanked by a long line of skyscrapers and dotted with numerous blue beach umbrellas. In summer, the beach is usually crowded, but even at peak season, it's possible to find a quiet spot away from the throngs of vacationers trying to get closer to the water.

If the fresh sea air makes you hungry, you'll find a plethora of restaurants and pubs offering Northern European cuisine - mostly located on the ground floors of the high-rise buildings.

Address: Playa de Levante, Av. Madrid, s/n, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain.

Although Poniente is located next to Levante beach and looks similar with its own stretch of high-rises, the atmosphere here is quite different. Most of the resort hotels are situated further east. This beach is usually quieter and caters more to family holidays. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to upgrade Poniente.

The beach is equipped with wooden walkways, making it wheelchair accessible. Wooden boardwalks are laid from the road approximately every 30 meters, significantly shortening the tiring journey to the water in the heat. Like Levante Beach, the surf at Poniente is moderate, but less experienced swimmers should not venture too far, as the underwater current can be quite strong.

Address: Platja de Ponent, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain.

Today, it's hard to imagine that not long ago, Benidorm was a small fishing village. Strolling through the whitewashed houses in the alleys of the Old Town, you can envision what Benidorm looked like before the skyscrapers were built. The Old Town is situated on a small picturesque cape that separates Benidorm's two main beaches.

Climb the narrow streets to reach the viewpoint of the Mediterranean Balcony and enjoy the stunning views from there. Then pop into one of the tapas bars on Calle Santo Domingo or try the best oysters in Benidorm at the restaurant Ostreria Biarritz.

GPS coordinates: 38°32'13.9"N 0°07'44.7"W.

Wildlife parks may not be to everyone's taste. However, unlike them, Mundomar Marine Animal Park is a modern entertainment complex featuring large enclosures for fauna from around the world.

During shows, which children particularly enjoy, trainers and park staff demonstrate excellent communication with dolphins and sea lions. In the zoo area, visitors can approach otters, penguins, primates, and birds closely.

Address: Mundomar Benidorm, C/ Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain.

Terra Mitica is one of the largest theme parks in Spain. Inspired by the rich history of ancient civilizations, the park is divided into several themed areas, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In each area, you will find original decorations, roller coasters, and other exciting attractions.

One of the park's best rides is called Magnus Colossus. It is a wooden roller coaster that speeds through a track over 1 km long. The park frequently hosts street performances with historic themes, such as the Spartacus Rebellion.

Address: Terra Mitica, Partida del Moralet, s/n, 03502 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain.

Next to Mundomar Park is one of the best and oldest water parks in Spain - Aqualandia. It opened in 1985 and has been continually expanding ever since, adding new types of rides and attractions each season. Some rides in the park can be called record-breakers, for example, Big Bang - the tallest water slide in Europe.

This is one of two slides in the new extreme attraction VertiGo, where the descent speed to the pool reaches about 100 km/h. The water for the slides, pools, and jacuzzis comes straight from the Mediterranean Sea, naturally after desalination. Aqualandia's giant wave pool can hold up to a thousand swimmers at once. The wave pool is one of the best places for young children to relax in Benidorm.

Address: Aqualandia, Sierra Helada, Benidorm, Spain.

The Plaça del Castell is a kind of stone garden featuring a chessboard-tiled floor and white balustrades. It sits on the cape between Poniente and Levante beaches. Once, a city castle stood here, lasting for hundreds of years until it was destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars.

On both sides of the square, there are stunning views, but nothing compares to the panorama seen from the Mediterranean Balcony - a viewpoint at the southern end of the cape. From here, the unforgettable scenes of the Mediterranean Sea and the skyscrapers of modern Benidorm can be admired endlessly!

Address: Balcón del Mediterráneo, Plaça de Castelar, Benidorm, Spain.

This high rocky mountain on the southern edge of Poniente beach is considered one of the best spots to enjoy a fairy-tale view of the sea and the city from a bird's eye perspective. The stunning panoramas at sunset are particularly impressive, even with many couples falling in love.

Climb the mountain on foot if you want to take perfect pictures of the Mediterranean Manhattan (as Benidorm is often called) for social media. Moreover, you will have the chance to wander nearby and see some of the earliest signs of human habitation in this area. Those who are not fans of hiking can take a taxi.

Address: Tossal de la Cala, Carrer de la Ermita, 1, 03502 Benidorm, Alacant, Spain.

This resort city perhaps does not always have the most honorable reputation. Apparently, this is why in 1961, a religious mission was accomplished - to raise the cross from the city on this rocky mountain to atone for the city's sins. The cross, located west of Benidorm, became a popular attraction for tourists.

In 1975, the original cross, which was washed away by a storm, was replaced by a permanent monument. The 45-minute climb to the mountain is best done at the end of the season when the climb is easier and the views are clearer. However, even if you struggle to reach the top in midsummer, you will ultimately be rewarded with amazing panoramas of Benidorm.

Address: La creu (Benidorm), Calle Taywan, Benidorm, Spain.

Despite the urban appearance of Benidorm, there is a vast natural park nearby that occupies an extensive stretch of coastline. Just a few minutes away, the city skyscrapers will be left behind, replaced by rocky mountains.

You will only need a good pair of shoes, a hat, and some cool water to hike through the rugged landscape - through a terrain of limestone rocks and Aleppo pines. In the northern part of the park, there is a paved road leading to the Albir lighthouse. The climb to the radio masts at the highest point in the park - 300 m above sea level - will be more challenging.

Address: Parque Natural de Serra Gelada, L'Albir, Cami Vell del Far, 18, 03581 L'Alfàs del Pi, Alicante, Spain.

The coastal village of Finestrat is only a 15-minute drive from Benidorm. Here you can find detailed information about climbing one of the highest and most impressive peaks in the region - Puig Campana. To reach the summit 1406 m high, you will need a route map, comfortable clothing and footwear, food, water, and a phone.

Along the way, you will encounter landscapes of stone debris that resemble the surface of the Moon, as well as rare areas covered with pines and junipers. Your efforts will be richly rewarded when you reach one of the two peaks. From here, you will get a unique panorama of Benidorm - its skyscrapers look like a row of dominoes from above.

Address: Puig Campana 03500, Finestrat, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante, Spain.

This island is connected to many local legends. One of them states that a lovesick giant picked the top of the mountain behind Benidorm and threw it into the sea to create this small island in the middle of the bay. Now it is a nature reserve, perfect for walking, snorkeling, and picnics.

Regular boat services equipped with panoramic glass hatches take visitors to Benidorm Island. From the island, you will have stunning views of the city skyscrapers. Besides, you can take interesting hiking routes, watch real peacocks, visit a small café-bar, or go snorkeling and explore tiny coves.

Address: L'Illa de Benidorm, Alicante, Spain.

Altea is the next resort town after Benidorm. It is situated on the Mediterranean coast, in the bay behind the Sierra Helada ridge. The town, built on a steep hillside, is dotted with numerous alleys and staircases.

Compared to Benidorm, Altea is a quieter town. It is one of those old Mediterranean towns where it's pleasant to wander around. A popular attraction in Altea is the parish church of the Virgin Mary, noted for its two brightly colored blue domes decorated with white ceramic tiles.

Address: Altea, Alicante, Spain.

If you're pressed for time, this amazing place should be at the top of your planned visits. Guadalest is a small town founded by the Moors in the early Middle Ages. It is located on the edge of steep limestone cliffs, 500 m above sea level.

The town has surprisingly adapted to the mountainous landscape and fits into it incredibly harmoniously. For example, to reach the old Moorish castle of San Jose, you need to pass through a tunnel carved in the rock. From the castle walls, there are breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain peaks Aitana and Xortá.

Address: 03517 El Castell de Guadalest, Alicante, Spain.

This is the center of the province of the same name, located not far from Benidorm, which can be reached even by tram, regularly running on line L1. The city has many historical attractions, but most striking is the medieval Santa Barbara castle.

The outer walls of this fortress rise above Alicante from the steep slopes of Mount Benacantil. As you descend, you enter the Santa Cruz neighborhood - a preserved part of the old town with winding cobblestone streets and traditional whitewashed houses.

Address: Alacant, Spain.