About Benidorm

Benidorm is one of the most hugely popular holiday resorts in Spain. It is a Valencian coastal town which is situated in the Alicante province by the Mediterranean Sea.

Benidorm has nearly 65,000 residents, but every summer, the amount of people in the town increases greatly, because of the number of holiday makers who populate Benidorm.

It is worth noting that there is a high number of immigrants in Benidorm. They comprise of people from Germany, England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium and Romania.

The town is nicknamed ‘the Spanish Manhattan,’ because of its impressively tall buildings, which often consist of apartment buildings and hotels. This gives Benidorm a distinguished skyline.

Lying next to Benidorm is the enormous Puig Campana, one of the biggest mountains on the Costa Blanca.

Each year, temperatures in Benidorm reach 26ºC during the summer. This is due to the magnificent levels of sunshine which Benidorm attracts.

Benidorm
is particularly popular with British people, because there are parts of the town where there is hardly a Spanish word and there are pubs round every corner which have a full British menu.

The nightlife is brilliant, with many clubs in Benidorm and you can even catch hold of a few cabaret acts.

Benidorm also has a thriving hotel industry and there are also family-themed fun parks. It is ideal for everybody and always has something to admire and enjoy.

Best sites

The San Jaime Church – An ancient and artistic monument, . the white stone balcony of this Benidorm place of worship gives everybody something to see. It is a hot topic of conversation amongst newlyweds who have had their photos taken here. The San Jaime Church is great for those seeking companionship and solace. There is also a plaque which is in memory of the retrieval of a small wooden figurehead which had been taken from a burning ship.

Benidorm Aquarium - If you are looking for underwater fun and frolics, then the Benidorm Aquarium on Calle Horno will provide you with all the entertainment you crave for. The tanks include models of Mediterranean inhabitants, tropical
specimens, sharks, turtles and even eels.

Levante and Poniente – Two Benidorm areas which have a piece of rocky land known as ‘The Balcony Of The Costa Blanca’ situated in between. Their beaches are thoroughly clean and the sand is fine and golden. The Levante beach offers all-day dance music and great food, as provided by its stylish and lively restaurants. There are watersports to enjoy here, as well, such as water-skiing and surfboard sailing. Poniente is a little further away from the city centre and is usually regarded as the quieter beach. On these beaches, it is possible to sunbathe as long as up to 8.30pm. Even as the sun is setting, you will still be able to feel its heat.

Malpas Beach - This beach is only a few hundred metres long and is sheltered, but it is popular with people who like playing volleyball, and
other sportsmen and women. One thing to remember, though, is that no dogs are allowed.

The Terra Mitica Park – This is ideal for people of all ages, with the park being split into five sections which each represent a country – Rome, Greece, Egypt, Iberia and The Islands. Each place takes you back in time to the way things were, long before the 20th century. In Rome, there is music and rhythm on the streets with dancing, juggling and acrobatics. There is a re-enactment of gladiators fighting at the Coliseum with swords, shields, armour suits and tridents all involved in the action. There is also a circus performance, which often took place during the Roman Empire and a puppet play for the kids called The Prince And The Lady.

Greece has the ultimate dance fantasy in store for you, as well as an informative look at ancient Greek civilization, including the ‘Hoplitas’ which is a term for the military.

In Egypt, you have dancing priestesses, a mystery at the bottom of an Egyptian lake and Heartbeat Of The Sea, a unique multimedia display which reveals a 1000 year old legend. There is sound, light and laser effects, as well as a state-of-the-art projector. There are fireworks and water-jets to add to the spectacular feel of the show.

Aqualandia Theme Park – From its name, you can tell it’s a water park. The Aqualandia is situated right at the centre of Benidorm, near the Avda del Mediterraneo, so there should not be a problem in finding it.
You can find pools, water slides and waterfalls here. The Aqualandia is open between May and October each year and you can even spend the whole day there. The Aqualandia is open from 10am each day and tickets cost 21 euros for adults and 14 euros for children aged between 3 and 12.
There are shops, restaurants and picnic areas at the park, so it should be a pleasant time all round.

Mundomar Theme Park – Right in the middle of Benidorm, this is a fun-filled place for both children and adults.
There is an adventure playground with rope slides for the kids, as well as climbing walls. Mundomar is home to dolphins, penguins, flamingos, turtles, sea lions, bats and lots more.
The dolphins are the most popular and they have two shows per day.

Most shows last 30 minutes each.

You can also watch parrots, as they perform their own comedy routines.

The Mundomar is open daily
every year from 10am, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Adults have to pay 18 Euros and for children, it’s 12 Euros each.

Like any other park, the Mundomar has food and drink facilities, including picnic areas.

Algar Waterfalls – Encourage any touring operator or booking agency to get you a place here.
The Algar is a waterpark with beautifully natural and clear swimming pools that are filled by fresh springs that flow through incredible rock formations and from the waterfalls themselves.
There is a nature park and conservation area with hidden paths following the pools and rivers through herb and spice gardens. The Algar also has a
museum where some of the herbs and spices are made into oils and essences and sold from the gift shop.
Algar Falls also has picnic areas with BBQs and logs, with suitable toilet facilities.

Best areas

Benidorm Old Town – The Old Town in Benidorm has all you need if you are visiting the place. There are plenty of areas to drink and shop at on the cobbled streets. Along with the tower blocks which characterize Benidorm are a blue-domed church and white houses.

You can find many excellent bargains at shops which sell the best in leather items and tablecloths. The El Cisne flea market is held every Sunday and one Saturday each month. A big fruit and vegetable market is open every Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Anytime you want to fill your stomach, come to Tapas Alley and you will get all you want. Located on the street of San Domingo, it serves seafood, meat and vegetables, along with beer and wine. It can be very busy so be prepared to get amongst the throng.

There are also some fine shops which sell leather wear, including jackets and coats, and clothes for babies.

In the jewellery shops in the Old Town, you can find gemstones of exceedingly good quality, which are quite rare in England.

There is a great range of shoe shops, as well as a body shop, a shop selling Barcelona Football Club material, a shop which sells teddy bears and Wine Bodega’s.

The Old Town is also known for its bazaars and market places.

Rincon de Loix – A newer part of Benidorm which is close to Levante, this is defined by its steep roads and is favoured by British people for its excellent accommodations.

There is a lively indoor market, with everything British visitors will want to buy. There are tea shops, hairdressers and craft stalls. There are also two British supermarkets, as well as a small market complex, souvenir shops and cheap bodegas.

There are cafes and sun lounges, in addition to places where you can get free exercise classes.

Why not also try the Cable Water Ski? There are international competitions held for it and it can reach speeds up to 60mph.

There is also a chance for scuba-diving.

Place de la Constitution – One of the parts of Benidorm which is an exclusive English-speaking zone. There are more markets, both indoor and outdoor, as well as shops which sell fresh fish, sandals, juicy Valencia oranges and toys. There are street performers who are there to liven up the stalls, as well as shopping malls and supermarkets. You can also find some traditional British pubs around the corner.

Best hotels

Agua Azul – Close to the Old Town and just a few minutes’ walk away from the Levante beach, this is wonderful for families and there is entertainments galore for them. Children under 12 also get a discount.

Each room is air-conditioned

and equipped with a telephone. There is satellite TV, an optional safety deposit box and a space-filled terrace overlooking the pool and park.

There is a bar and astounding gardens where holiday makers can have a drink. There is a games room where you can play darts, table-tennis and pool.

In the comfortable lounge bar in the evenings, you can treat yourself to an ice-cool drink to start things off.

The air-conditioned restaurant is right next to the swimming pool and after the delicious main course, the chefs will give you the sweetest desserts which are rich in cream.

After the feasts have finished, the ever so friendly staff will find you irresistible ways to keep yourself occupied, so that you can have a great night.


The Mont Park Hotel – Located

at Rincon de Loix, the Mont Park hotel is only a stroll away from the eastern end of the Levante beach.

Each of the 147 rooms are air-conditioned and most of them (apart from 14 single rooms) have a balcony which overlooks the pool. There is a lounge bar, too.

The hotel restaurant offers you the finest selection of aperitifs, main courses, desserts and refreshments.

The Mont Park hotel has a homely atmosphere, but is not too quiet. It suits clients of all ages and there is live entertainment provided for everybody after their evening dinners are finished.

You can find the best shops, bars and clubs near Mont Park. As well as the Mundomar and Aqualandia theme parks, a British cinema is also nearby.


Hotel Cimbel – Situated on the front at the heart of Levante, location, comfort and service are the themes which define the modern and bright Hotel Cimbel.
Thirteen floors high, the Hotel Cimbel has over 140 air-conditioned rooms, which can be warmed up during the cooler months. The surroundings are comfortable and the spacious rooms are decorated in soothing colours. There are also large modern windows which lead onto a private balcony.

Each room has satellite TV, a telephone and a mini-bar. Room service is available for 16 hours and the 24-hour reception service is very helpful indeed, organising trips, arranging taxis and giving information about the resort.

There is a Jacuzzi, an oval-shaped pool and a cafe bar which even has a shade under which you can enjoy your drinks. With plenty of people to chat to and a chance to sample the sunshine, you don’t have to go to the swimming pool that early.

The restaurant on the ground floor, which is also air-conditioned, offers an excellent view of the sun rising at breakfast and you can have a leisurely lunch in the cool interior if you want to get away from the soaring heat. In the evenings, there is a wide variety of dishes to choose from which you can have as you watch the sun set.

Every Friday night sees a Gala Dinner where you can dress up good and taste even better food. All meals are serviced by waiters, except for breakfast.


Hotel Princesa – Next to Benidorm town centre, the Hotel Princesa caters for everybody of all ages and tastes. There are 3 swimming pools, a whirlpool, sun terraces, a cafe bar, a pool bar and even a bowling green. It has a fitness centre where you can find a sauna, a gym and an area for aerobics. You can also play table tennis and pool. There is also a children’s playground.

Each room has a full en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, direct dial telephone and electronic security keys. A safe and mini-bar are optional.

There is 24-hour room service and you can pick what size you want your room.

Each double room has a terrace and you can even see the sun rise and set.

There is an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, which is fitted with a waterslide.

The bar and cafe serve the tastiest snacks around. For mealtimes, the food is freshly prepared and delivered in a buffet style, so you can choose from a selection of hot and cold dishes.


The Melia Hotel – One of the largest top-class hotels around near the Levante beach, the Melia has over 524 rooms, split into two buildings which are each 23 storeys long. There are 4 standard lifts, one of which gives panoramical views. Four rooms are specially designed for disabled people, including a shower stall and there are 30 deluxe double rooms situated in the corners. Four junior suites are on the top floor. Each room is beautifully decorated, with a private bath, air conditioning and heating, a hair-dryer, direct dial telephone and satellite TV. The balcony faces the pool area and as well as a mini-bar, there is an in-room safe. The junior suites have a separate living room, dressing room and a rounder, bigger bath-tub.

For business meetings, there are 8 conference and banquet rooms with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, available for 660 people. There is a banqueting hall which can hold up to 250 people.

Best festivals

Virgen del Sufragio – This is the name given to a wooden statue that was discovered among the ruins of a burning ship. An event is staged every year to celebrate this, with fancy dress and fabulous spectacles. Also on 5 March, the discovery of the ship on Poniente beach is acted out in front of an audience.

The Fallas – Early every year, this is the one to watch. It’s a Valencian festival which commemorates the three Fallas, highly decorated, fabulous and satirical sculptures – Centre Falla, Rincon Falla and Els Tolls Falla. Back in the old days, carpenters would light pieces of wood they had thrown in the street to welcome spring and they still do!

The celebrations involve processions, entertainment on the streets and fireworks which are one of the loudest ever! Everything ends with the Fallas being burned in the ‘crema.’

Bonfires of St. John - Papier mache and wooden figures are displayed for a few days then burned on the 'nit del foc' every summer. See them in the La Cala, Central Market and Old Town areas.

Romeria del Corpus - Traditional Andalucian fiesta with a procession of horses and a fairground.

The Moors and Christians Festival - This festival commemorates 1492 when the Christians banished the Moors from the Iberian Peninsula. For three days feasts and fun abound, until, finally, the 'filaes' (ranks of trooping Moors and Christians) parade through the town in a dazzling spectacle. The Christians in stalwart rows, strong and resplendent, wearing armours of shiny helmets and breastplates. The swarthy, bearded Moors follow, exotic and dark in their feathered headwear and silk robes. The slow and insistent rhythm of the accompanying music sets a dazzling scene. It is fantastic, and the whole thing is a great extravaganza. Also, each year, a Christian King and a Moor King are elected from members of the public.

The Benidorm International Song Festival – This is an annual song contest which takes place each summer in Benidorm. The contest, based on the Italian Sanremo Music Festival, was born to promote Benidorm and the Spanish music. It became international in 2004. The contest is usually broadcast on television by TVE or Canal 9. At present, the first prize winner is awarded with the Golden Mermaid Trophy (Sirenita de Oro) and €36,000 (about US$47,000) to produce a record. Second and third place winners receive the Silver Mermaid Trophy (Sirenita de Plata) and the Bronze Mermaid Trophy (Sirenita de Bronce), respectively.