Benidorm Spain description. City of Benidorm, Spain: tourist reviews, photos, on the map

Benidorm is the largest resort on the Costa Blanca, which belongs to the province of Alicante (Valencian autonomy). During the holiday season, the population grows several times; many people buy housing here and stay for permanent residence, including many Russian-speaking people.

Benidorm, which is also called the “Spanish Manhattan,” surprises with its diversity - it is a city where historical heritage coexists with colossal skyscrapers. Everything is “the best” here: the largest skyscraper in Spain, a water park, an amusement park and the best concert hall in the country.

You can see the city from above right now by watching this author’s video:

It is worth mentioning the magnificent climate, mountains, sea, endless luxurious beaches and stunning modern amusement parks. The beaches of Benidorm against the backdrop of slender skyscrapers and mountains break stereotypes, but for lovers of secluded corners there will also be a secluded place (for example, Tio Chimo beach).

How to get there

Photo: Detailed map of Benidorm

From Alicante

The easiest way to get to Benidorm is from Alicante, where the international airport is located, which receives direct flights from Moscow.

The ALSA bus runs from Alicante to Benidorm - the journey takes 45 minutes, one-way fare starts from 9 €. Also from the Alicante-Luceros station to Benidorm there is the L1 train - the journey takes 70 minutes, the one-way fare starts from 5 €.

From Valencia

The ALSA bus runs from Valencia to Alicante - the journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes, one-way fare starts from 20 €.

When to go

You can visit the city all year round, since rain is rare here and temperature fluctuations are minimal. The mild climate of Benidorm is determined by the mountains and the sea - in summer the temperature averages +26°C, and in winter +16°C. But if your goal is swimming, then you need to choose summer and the time until mid-autumn, when the water temperature is maximum. In addition, in the middle of summer you can get huge discounts (up to 70%) and buy branded clothing and shoes at ridiculous prices.

Story

The name of the city of Benidorm is interpreted in different ways: from the Spanish words “bein” - sleep and “dormir” - good or the Arabic “beni” - place and “de oro” - golden.

The first settlers of this area were Iberian tribes, traces of which can be seen on Mount Tossal de Cala. The city itself was founded in the 8th century by the Arabs and bore the beautiful name Benidarchim after the ruling Darhim dynasty.

The city was recaptured by the Spaniards in 1245 and became Christian. The small number of ancient attractions is due to the fact that from the 15th to the 16th centuries Benidorm was subjected to severe attacks and, being poorly defended, was destroyed and rebuilt again.

The resort development of the city began in the 19th century, and in the mid-20th century Benidorm grew from a fishing village to a full-fledged resort. Now in terms of the amount of entertainment it can be compared to Las Vegas.

Aurrera el Bodegon is an atmospheric place with stone walls and a fabulous selection of budget tapas.

For those with a sweet tooth, head straight to Chocolateria Valor with exceptionally delicious churros and hot chocolate, croissants, waffles, cakes and other sweet delights.

Chebureks, khachapuri, Napoleon cake and other treats are served in the Russian restaurant Bulgari.

Attractions

Photo: View of the Grand Bali Hotel

The city can be divided into several parts: historical, new, theme parks and aqualandia. Interesting places are scattered throughout the city, so it’s worth setting aside a few days to explore them, supplementing your excursions with beach bliss, active entertainment and shopping.

Let's start from the westernmost corner of the city - Mount Tossal de Cala. Here tourists will find two observation decks with excellent panoramas, the remains of an ancient Iberian settlement and the lovely chapel of Virgen del Mar. Climbing the mountain is very convenient - the climb is equipped with stairs and there are many signs.

The Gran Hotel Bali, built in 2002, is located near the mountain. The grandiose skyscraper, 186 m high, was considered the tallest in Spain before the construction of the business district in Madrid. On the 45th floor at a height of 157 meters, an observation deck is equipped along the entire perimeter.

Torre Morales is the ruins of a 16th century observation tower, standing among modern buildings. After viewing this reminder, you can go to the famous Poniente beach and walk along it to the next group of attractions located to the east.

Mediterranean Balcony (Balcon del Mediterraneo) is a beautiful and romantic observation deck that offers stunning views of modern neighborhoods and the bay. An elegant white staircase leading up to the balcony begins at the elegant Plaza de Castelar with ancient cannons left over from the old fort.

Photo: Observation deck Mediterranean balcony

The Church of St. Jaime and St. Anna (Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Anna) from the 18th century is located here on Castelar Square. The original blue domes perfectly complement the overall composition of the place. Directly from the Church of San Jaime, steps lead to the beach in the cozy bay of Playa del Mal Pas.

Photo: Church of St. Jaime and St. Anne in Benidorm

The port of Benidorm is located at the foot of the Old Town next to Poniente Beach. It is quite small, but quite pleasant - you can go on a boat trip to the islands of Benidorm or Tabarca - the only inhabited island of the coast with unique monuments and delicious cuisine.

Not far from the port there is a small Elche park with a fountain, playgrounds for children and places to relax in the shade of palm trees. From here you can go out onto the Benidorm embankment paved with colored tiles with interesting balconies.

Parque de l'Aiguera is a beautiful central park in neoclassical style with a promenade and an amphitheater for performances. This is where our journey through the theme parks begins.

Terra Mitica is a grand amusement park covering 100 hectares with thematic zoning: “Greece”, “Egypt”, “Rome”, “Las Islas” and “Iberia”. Both children and adults will enjoy the latest attractions, including for the little ones, numerous entertainments and theatrical performances.

Photo: Map of Terra Mitica Park

Terra Natura ZOO is a 32-hectare natural park combining a zoo and a botanical garden. A modern zoo uses a minimum of barriers (except for the cages of predatory representatives), so communication with animals occurs as closely as possible. Zoo guests have the opportunity to interact with some of the inhabitants, feed them, and also take part in a “safari” or bungee jumping.

The Aqua Natura water park can be considered a logical continuation of the zoo. It's great for families, but there are also extreme options, such as swimming with sharks (small ones) or stingrays. It is very profitable to purchase a ticket for two parks at once - Terra Natura and Aqua Natura.

Photo: Aqua Natura water park in Benidorm

Benidorm Palace is one of the best concert halls in Spain, where stunningly vibrant flamenco shows and other performances take place. During the show, spectators sit at tables and can taste signature dishes from the chef. The exterior design of Benidorm Palace in an ultra-modern style deserves special attention.

Aqualandia is one of the largest water parks in the country, covering 15 hectares. Tourists can expect 10 attractions, a zone for kids, one of the most extreme zones in Europe, the Big Bang zone, and more.

Photo: Map of the Aqualandia water park

Mundomar Park is an interesting complex in a pirate spirit with a marine zoo, a dolphinarium, an eco-research center and a collection of exotic birds.

Photo: Mundomar Park in Benidorm

To the south are the luxurious beaches of Benidorm - the crowded Levante, the diving Almadrava with clear water and the tiny cozy beach of Tio Chimo.

Attractions in the surrounding area

Photo: Royal Castle of San Jose on the rock

Guadalest is a town 22 km from Benidorm with only a few hundred inhabitants in a unique mountainous area. The city is famous for the 11th century royal castle of San Jose, built on a rock, as well as many unique museums (rare cars, puppets, microminiatures, the Middle Ages, etc.). Here you can buy handmade souvenirs, homemade cheeses and other goods at very low prices.

The beautiful Fuentes del Algar Natural Park is located 26 km from Benidorm. Waterfalls cascade from the cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation and unusual grottoes delight the eye. This park is especially good in the hot summer - a real refuge from the heat.

The best places for panoramic photos: Mediterranean Balcony, 45th floor of the Gran Bali Hotel and Mount Tossal de Cala.

Shopping

Photo: La Marina Shopping Centers

What to buy:

• Leather accessories from local brands;
• Handmade lace and wooden souvenirs from nearby villages;
• Guitars;
• Branded clothing and shoes;
• Jamon, cheeses, wine, chorizo, etc.

Shopping places:

• Old Town, Avenida Martinez Alejos - there are many leather goods, fashion and sportswear stores here;
• Rincon Luis - a street of jewelers with a large selection of jewelry made of precious metals and stones;
• Souvenirs can be bought on Medditeranio Avenue and Tringular Square;
• Shopping centers La Marina and - 120 boutiques with famous brands Zara, Casa, Mango, etc.;
• The Carrefour hypermarket includes expensive boutiques, popular inexpensive brands, electronics, cheeses, jamon, etc.;
• Mercadillo de Foietes is a market with farm goods.

The discount season occurs twice a year, at the end of December and in mid-summer.

Things to do in Benidorm

10 things to do in Benidorm:

1. Take romantic shots on the “Mediterranean Balcony”;
2. Pluck up your courage and visit the observation deck of the Grand Bali Hotel, 157 meters from the ground;
3. Go on a sea voyage to the island of Benidorm;
4. Swim and sunbathe to your heart's content on the popular Poniente beach or secluded Tio Chimo;
5. Spend the whole day in the fascinating Terra Mítica park;
6. Feed and touch the animals at the Terra Natura Zoo;
7. Spend a “delicious” flamenco evening in the Benidorm concert hall;
8. Fill up with adrenaline in the Aqualandia water park;
9. Visit a piece of paradise in the Algar Falls Park;
10. Try the best paella in the city at the Marisqueria Cordoba restaurant.

What and where to eat

Photo: Favorite food: seafood

Benidorm is very cosmopolitan, which is also reflected in the food - Mediterranean, European, modern, Chinese, Indian cuisines and others are presented.

Casa Toni Restaurant is the best place for seafood lovers with an excellent wine list. They also serve delicious desserts and coffee. Tourists like the fact that guests are greeted by the owner of the restaurant, Tony.

We recommend visiting the Amigos Bistro by Nas & Dino restaurant on the embankment with amazing cuisine and service. Visitors especially praise the steak and chicken fillet with cheese sauce, as well as potatoes with sauces. The owner of the establishment himself works among the waiters.

The Vagabond restaurant is a cozy home-style establishment with mainly French cuisine. Guests are greeted by a hospitable host, prices are very affordable, and the restaurant’s specialty is original sauces from the chef.

Marisqueria Cordoba is a restaurant with a nondescript interior, but excellent Spanish cuisine. The best paella in the city is prepared here, and you can also order mussels, oysters, shrimp, etc.

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Benidorm is the main resort of the Costa Blanca. The city is part of the province of Alicante (Valencia). The new areas of the resort are dominated by high-rise buildings in an urban style. The old part of Benidorm has preserved many architectural monuments of the 17th-18th centuries.

Benidorm is the main resort of the coast, the tourist “capital” of the White Coast. The city is part of the province of Alicante (Valencia). The new areas of the resort are dominated by high-rise buildings in an urban style. The old part of Benidorm has preserved many architectural monuments of the 17th-18th centuries.

More than 70,000 people now live in Benidorm. During the high season, the population increases many times over. Many tourists, once arriving here, decide to move to the “tourist paradise” forever. People from Northern Europe and Great Britain come to Benidorm; Germans are buying real estate, and there are quite a few Russians here too. Foreigners make up about 27% of Benidorm's resident population.

When to go?

The city is surrounded by mountains, creating a special microclimate. It is always moderately warm here: in summer the average temperature is +26°C; in winter – about +16°C. Until the end of October, the water temperature off the coast of Benidorm is at least +20°C. Rains are rare and there are practically no strong winds.

Beaches of Benidorm

The beaches here are considered unsurpassed on the Costa Blanca. Their total area is 274,400 m². Coastal recreation areas shape the appearance of the city and provide it with the reputation of a “tourist paradise.” The resort is located in a beautiful bay, divided by a rocky coast into Eastern and Western parts. There are three famous Blue Flag beaches here.

Levante Beach

The length of Levante beach (Playa de Levante) is more than 2 km. This is the most crowded recreation area on the entire coast. Geographically, it is oriented to the south, you can sunbathe throughout the daylight hours. The beach is sandy, well equipped, with a gentle slope. There are springboards and slides, sun loungers and deck chairs; children's playgrounds are equipped; Many water sports are available. There are restaurants, night entertainment venues, discos, and casinos.

Poniente Beach

The largest beach in Benidorm, Playa de Poniente, is located in the area of ​​the same name. Its length is more than 3 km. The promenade along Playa de Poniente is one of the ten most beautiful in the world. The beach is fully equipped, there are even entertaining floating platforms for children; recreation opportunities for disabled people have been created; There are rescue and medical centers. Poniente is always lively and noisy - day and night.

Mal Pas Beach

Mal Pas (Playa del Mal Pas) is located in a small bay between Poniente and Levante; in the rocks dividing the shore in two. You can get here along the steps from the Cathedral of St. Jaime. The coast of the cozy bay is covered with fine yellow sand. The length of Mal Pas beach is only a few hundred meters. The bottom is sandy, flat near the shore. The main entertainment on Playa del Mal Pas is beach volleyball.

Almadrava Bay

Beach at Almadrava Bay (photo: Carlos Jimenez Abad)

A natural bay with shores covered with fine sand is located at the foot of the Sierra Hellas. There is a rocky bottom and very clean water. Almadrava (Cala La Almadrava) is one of the favorite places of divers. On the northern side, the beach borders the Cape Creus nature reserve. There are kiosks, a restaurant, boat and bicycle rentals. There is a kite and windsurfing club near Cala la Almadrava.

Tio Chimo Bay

Cala del Tio Ximo is the smallest beach in a tiny bay on the steep northern coast. Its length is only 60 m; it is ideal for those who want to escape the bustle of the city. The shore here is sandy and pebbly. The rocky bottom with beautiful underwater scenery attracts divers.

Benidorm attractions map

Mount Tossal de Cala

Hotel Grand Bali

Morales Tower

Poniente Beach

Amusement park Terra Mitica

Terra Natura Zoo

Waterpark Natura

Church of Saint Jaime

Mediterranean Balcony

Mal Pas Beach

L'Aiguera Park

Levante Beach

Almadrava Beach

Tio Chimo Beach

Aqualandia

Mundomar Park

Attractions

Many people compare a walk through old Benidorm to traveling back in time. The ruins of the ancient Iberian settlement of Tossal de la Cala and the remains of Torre Morales o Escaleta, a 16th-century tower, have been preserved here. On the cliffs separating Playa Levante from Playa Poniente, there is the famous “Balcony of the Mediterranean” (Balcón del Mediterráneo) - an observation deck built on a high promontory, surrounded by a balustrade. Once upon a time there was a fort here, now only ancient cannons under the stairs and fragments of walls remind of it. The “balcony” offers views of the Bay of Benidorm and the New Town quarters.

The main religious monument of Benidorm is the Church of St. Jaime (Iglesia de San Jaime). This 18th-century neoclassical temple with unusual blue domes is built on top of Kanfali Hill.

The Gran Hotel Bali, built in 2002, is considered a modern landmark of Benidorm (you can book a room in this hotel). The building, 186 m high, was the tallest in Spain for several years, until the record was surpassed by the towers of the business quarter in the country's capital. Also interesting is the neoclassical park of L’Aigüera (Parque de l’Aigüera) - a beautiful promenade with an amphitheater for performances, created by the architect R. Bofill.

City `s history

In ancient times, Iberian tribes lived here, but the city was founded by the Arabs in the 8th century, and they gave Benidorm its sonorous name. The Spaniards retook the city from the Moors in 1245, since then the majority of the population has been Christian.

The development of Benidorm as a resort began in the 19th century, but at that time it was still a small fishing town. The economic recovery began after 1936 and from the middle of the 20th century. Benidorm has become a full-fledged resort. According to the new development plan, wide streets were built, following the curve of the coastline. In 1967, the airport was built. The city's population grew rapidly, and its tourism infrastructure developed. In the new century, Benidorm has become a prosperous resort town, popular throughout the world.

Entertainment in Benidorm:

Amusement park Terra Mitica and Iberia park

Huge amusement park – Terra Mítica (photo: shmbor)

The huge Terra Mítica amusement park covers an area of ​​1 million m². It is divided into five thematic zones based on geography. Zones “Greece”, “Rome”, “Egypt” invite you to watch recreated historical events; zones “Iberia” and “Islands” (Las Islas) create a feeling of belonging to great eras. All attractions are built using the latest technologies and give a feeling of realism. The center of the park is a large body of water – the Mediterranean Sea.

Iberia Park is a Terra Mitica area that unites Iberia and Las Islas - it is dedicated to medieval Spain. There are dozens of the latest breathtaking attractions, themed shops, and cafes here.

Terra Natura Zoo

One of the inhabitants of the zoo (photo: Emilio I. Panizo)

Terra Natura is a natural theme park that features not only animals, but also various types of flora. You can communicate quite closely with many animals. Terra Natura covers an area of ​​32 hectares. There are green areas and ponds, paths, artificial waterfalls; There is a concert area for themed performances. In the park you can take part in a safari, swim with sharks, and bungee jump.

Waterpark Natura

Agua Natura – water fun area at Terra Natura Zoo (photo: André Viana)

Agua Natura Park is a thematic continuation of the Terra Natura Zoo. The water recreation area, stylized in the “ancient Greek” style, is designed mainly for small tourists. However, adults also feel comfortable and have fun here. The park is designed so that the children's area can be viewed from anywhere. There are also unique entertainments - swimming in special equipment in the company of sharks and stingrays.

Aqualandia

Slides in Aqualandia (photo: Ksenia Glukhova)

Aqualandia Water Park, one of the largest water parks in Spain, covers an area of ​​150,000 m². There are ten attractions built here, where visitors can enjoy a variety of adventures for all ages. The Amazona River flows around a large reservoir; kids frolic in the Adventurelan area; The unique Big Bang slide complex is considered the European leader in extreme sports.

Mundomar Park

Seal show at MundoMar Park (photo: Robert Harley Mostad)

Mundomar Theme Park is a huge complex with a marine zoo, a museum of exotic birds, an environmental research center and a dolphinarium. You need to devote a whole day to visiting it. The magnificent colorful Mundomar is decorated in a pirate style; its inhabitants harmoniously complement the color of the park.

Benidorm Palace Concert Hall

Benidorm Palace (photo: Nacho)

Benidorm Concert Hall (Benidorm Palace) is considered the best in Spain. It hosts daily dance shows - unique spectacular variety shows with a colorful atmosphere. The Benidorm Palace presents the best flamenco in Spain.

In the vicinity of Benidorm

City of Guadalest

The town of Guadalest is famous for the royal castle of San Jose (11th century) and various thematic museums (puppets, nativity scenes, antique cars, history of the Middle Ages, microminiatures). The population of Guadalest is about two hundred people. At a 600-meter elevation, there are observation decks with excellent views of the lake, valley and mountains.

La Isla de Benidorm

Benidorm is located in the province of Alicante, which is located on the Mediterranean coast. This resort town is located approximately 120 km south of Valencia and 40 km north of Alicante itself. The entire coastline is called Costa Blanca.

Benidorm is a place where completely different people can relax, each of whom has their own ideas about an ideal vacation.

First of all, Benidorm in the summer season (and also in September) is the best suited for a beach holiday - the weather is almost always sunny, rain is extremely rare (it rained one day during the month of vacation), in the city itself there are two equipped beaches (there are sun loungers, umbrellas , which can be rented, showers and toilets), and the water in the sea is quite warm - you can swim for several hours without the risk of hypothermia. There are almost no waves in Benidorm, and if there are, they are not very big, so the resort is not suitable for surfers.

A holiday in Benidorm will also appeal to lovers of more active entertainment - not far from the city there is a water park called Aqualandia, which is perfect for travelers with small children (there are small slides for them), as well as for teenagers and young people - most of the slides are there will be interesting just for them, there are more and less extreme ones. Not far from the water park there is a natural park called Mundomar, where you can admire exotic animals. The park is perfect for visiting with children, and will also be of interest to all those who love nature. Read completely

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Weather in Benidorm by month:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature in the sea	Number of solar hours per day
	During the day	At night
January	15.5°C	11.5°C	21.2%	1 day (31.6 mm.)	15.0°C	9 o'clock 47m.
February	14.8°C	11.0°C	22.6%	1 day (20.4 mm.)	14.0°C	10 o'clock 46m.
March	16.6°C	12.4°C	23.9%	2 days (44.1 mm.)	14.3°C	11 o'clock 58m.
April	18.9°C	14.7°C	22.1%	2 days (36.2 mm.)	15.8°C	13:00 13m.
May	21.8°C	17.4°C	15.7%	1 day (11.6 mm.)	18.7°C	14h. 17m.
June	25.8°C	21.5°C	8.8%	-	22.5°C	14h. 49m.
July	29.0°C	24.7°C	7.9%	-	25.7°C	14h. 33m.
August	29.7°C	25.4°C	11.3%	1 day (13.8 mm.)	26.8°C	13:00 37m.
September	27.3°C	23.5°C	17.2%	2 days (34.0 mm.)	25.6°C	12h. 25m.
October	24.3°C	20.4°C	18.2%	2 days (30.9 mm.)	23.1°C	11 o'clock 11m.
November	19.5°C	15.8°C	25.6%	3 days (39.6 mm.)	19.6°C	10 o'clock 6m.
December	16.8°C	13.0°C	20.6%	1 day (20.0 mm.)	16.7°C	9 o'clock 32m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

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Impressions from a holiday in July

I had the opportunity to visit many resorts in Spain, and I want to say that I have never seen such a wonderful beach and youth holiday as on the Costa Blanca, in the city of Benidorm, even in Mallorca. Firstly, this is not a very popular resort among Russian speakers, which makes it more attractive to me personally, and secondly, this is an unusual resort, as it has wonderful clean beaches and skyscrapers. July is great for a beach holiday in Spain in general, and in particular on the Costa Blanca. This month belongs to the high season.

Youth recreation

The architecture of Benidorm is skyscrapers. It seems to me that skyscrapers are a youth theme. Accordingly, there are numerous cafes and other entertainment venues here. The coast is teeming with all kinds of bars. Prices here are accordingly higher than in the interior of the city. Also near the beaches there are nightclubs, where young people gather at ten in the evening and have an orgy until the morning.

What to take with you on vacation?

It may sound a little stupid, but I advise you to take more money with you, or a credit card. This is due to the fact that the resort is by no means cheap! Especially if you want to rent an apartment in one of the skyscrapers. Naturally, it’s worth it, waking up in the morning on the twentieth floor and admiring the sun playing its rays on the surface of the water through the panoramic windows. But, as they say, you have to pay for everything.

Where is the best place to stay?

The answer to this question follows from the previous paragraph. If you are going to the Costa Blanca resort and want to get the maximum emotions, then you should visit the city of Benidorm in one of the skyscrapers. This way you will get a lot of impressions. In my opinion, you shouldn’t spend money and go to the Costa Blanca for something other than combining a beach holiday with living in ultra-modern apartments. While vacationing in Benidorm I lived in Benidorm Plaza. I can’t say anything bad, a decent level of service and, most importantly, a gorgeous view of the sea from the balcony, but the price is not the most humane.

What to do at the resort?

Sea and beach holiday from morning to lunch. A hearty lunch in one of the cafes, relaxation in the room and, as evening approaches, a disco. A disco is exactly why we went here with a group of friends. It is discos that I advise you to visit. If you are interested in an excursion program, then you can take a train to another city in the Costa Blanca resort - Alicante, where you will find a sufficient number of historical attractions. Of course, if the length of your holiday allows, you can take a day and travel by train to Valencia.

As you know, the beaches of the Costa Blanca, and other resorts in Spain, are awarded blue flags. Having visited the beaches of Benidorm, I can say with confidence that they deservedly deserve the award. Indeed, the beaches are clean and equipped with everything necessary (paths, showers, etc.).

Where can I eat?

The resort's cafes and restaurants offer all kinds of cuisines from around the world. But it seems to me that it is stupid to go to the Mediterranean and eat in Chinese restaurants. Spanish cuisine deserves attention if only for its seafood. Here you can enjoy all kinds of sea creatures and not worry about their freshness. However, such pleasure will cost you a pretty penny. Among the local drinks, I like sangria; it is a light alcoholic fruit and wine drink that will put you in the mood for a resort holiday.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

Any food at the resort is not cheap. So the average bill per person for one second course and a drink (fresh) will be at least 18 euros. Of course, the portions here are sufficient, but still the prices are steep. If you are traveling with a group, I can recommend taking a large paella for everyone. It's filling and will save you money. True, having tried this dish twice at different resorts in Spain, I can say that I did not like this dish. For me personally, pilaf is closer.

Entertainment

The main attractions of the resort are nightclubs. Usually, entry into such an establishment does not cost anything, but when you come here, be prepared to leave a decent amount of money. Spending 100 euros for two just on cocktails, as they say, is a piece of cake. This is how I will describe the relaxation and entertainment at this resort (specifically in the city of Benidorm). Since at any resort you can find a relaxing holiday and quietly and peacefully settle down in a small hotel near the sea, limiting yourself to sunbathing and swimming in the sea. But why do you need Benidorm then?

Pros of a holiday in Benidorm

I consider the main advantage to be the peculiarity of the city of Benidorm, since it is unique in its own way with its modern architecture. Another plus is the presence of a large number of clubs; nightlife lovers will not be bored here. Also, for me personally, a plus is the absence of compatriot tourists, since when I go abroad I like to immerse myself in a different language environment, and I have enough communication with “my” people in my homeland.

Disadvantages of holidays in Benidorm

High prices and unpopularity of the destination among travel agencies are the main disadvantages (following from each other) for this resort.

Is it worth a holiday in Benidorm?

If you are ready to put up with high prices and want a youth holiday in a city with skyscrapers, and even right on the shore of a gorgeous warm sea - definitely yes. If you want to visit Spain, but not spend so much, then you should consider other resorts, such as the Costa Dorada.

Benidorm is unexpected. Back in the middle of the 20th century there was no resort - an ordinary fishermen’s town with 2.5 thousand inhabitants and a small port. Nowadays, it is a city of two huge beaches, a city of bright lights, skyscrapers and restaurants, hotels and theme parks. In modern Benidorm you can find entertainment for every taste - from lazy days on the beach and sleepless nights in disco clubs to unbridled shopping, spearfishing and ethnographic forays into neighboring ancient villages and towns. Benidorm is famous for its variety of festivals, delicious food and excellent transport accessibility. It's time to get to know Spanish New York and Las Vegas, located on the shores of the cozy and desirable Mediterranean Sea.

How to get to Benidorm

Benidorm does not have its own airport, but this is not a problem - just an hour's drive away is Alicante Airport, which accepts direct flights from Moscow. Aeroflot and Es Seven airliners regularly fly here, 5 hours in the sky and - hello, Costa Blanca!

There are several ways to get to the resort from the airport. The first is to book a seat on the BeniConnect agency shuttle (office website). A one-way trip will cost 8 EUR for a trip in an economy class bus and 15 EUR for an express bus. Departures are tied to the airport schedule, so the shuttle will not leave without passengers from the delayed flight. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Every hour from 8:00 to 23:00 ALSA buses depart from the airport to Benidorm (office site in English). The price is about 10 EUR, the journey takes 40-50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or purchased directly on site.

A more unusual and interesting way would require first leaving for Alicante to the Luceros, Mercado or Marq-Castillo stops. Shuttle buses leave from the airport every 20 minutes. The journey takes 15-20 minutes, tickets cost 4 EUR. At the stops indicated above, you need to wait for the intercity tram Tram (office site in English), hurrying to the resort along the sea and beaches. There is route L1 to Benidorm, the journey takes about 70 minutes, travel costs 5 EUR. In Benidorm the tram makes 4 stops; it is better to look at the route map in advance and decide on the drop-off point.

It can be quite chilly on the tram. It's a good idea to have a sweatshirt or light jacket on hand.

A taxi ride from the airport to the hotel in Benidorm will cost 75-90 EUR for a car that can accommodate up to 4 passengers.

Search for flights to Alicante (the nearest airport to Benidorm)

Transport

The basis of public transport in Benidorm is a network of 20 bus routes. Transportation is carried out by the company LLorente Bus. The company's page presents all routes in detail, includes schedules and tariffs. The cost of a single trip is 1.50 EUR, a ticket for a night bus is 1.65 EUR. For frequent trips, refillable Tarjeta Bus passes will help you save money; they can be used by several passengers at once. Tourists are offered personal unlimited passes Tarjeta24H, Tarjeta72H and Tarjeta7D for 1, 3 and 7 days for 11, 20 and 38 EUR, respectively. They operate not only on regular buses, but also on tourist buses, as well as on routes to Guadalest and the Algar waterfalls.

Buses in Benidorm like to pass by stops - when you see the desired route, wave to the driver, otherwise you will have to wait for the next one.

Every hour, special double-decker City Tour buses number 30 and 31 run from the Rincon de Lois area to Cala de Finestrat and Altea. This is exclusively a tourist attraction; for the right to look at the city landscapes from the open second tier you will have to pay 6 EUR , children under 6 years old are admitted free.

Taxis in Benidorm are not hailed on the road; they wait for passengers at special parking lots, marked with high signs with the inscription Taxi and tariffs. Landing - 3.15-3.85 EUR, each km of the way - another 0.53-0.63 EUR. Among the local exotics, one can highlight the rental of electric scooters, scooters and strollers - from 10-12 EUR per day, as well as “benibike” - a bar on wheels, where passengers drink beer and pedal a cross between a bicycle and a bar counter. A 1.5 hour walk and 3 glasses of beer to boot will cost 15 EUR per person; the Benibike can accommodate up to 18 people.

Maps of Benidorm

Rent a Car

For a lazy holiday on city beaches and occasional trips between bars and the hotel, taxis and buses are sufficient. But the Costa Blanca, the province of Alicante and the Valencia region are so full of original villages, ancient cities and gorgeous beaches that a curious traveler simply cannot live without a car. The car will also be useful for families with children - it makes it easier to get to theme parks.

Paid parking in Benidorm can be recognized by the blue stripes along the side of the road and payment machines next door; leaving a car for 2 hours will cost approximately 1.50 EUR. At night and during lunch break - free.

In Benidorm there are about a dozen rental offices, mostly representatives of large international companies - Europcar, Goldcar, Avis, Centauro, Budget, there are also local players, for example, Russian-speaking Coblanca. Renting an economy class and mini car on the most budgetary terms - with a deposit and a franchise - starts from 30 EUR per day, more spacious cars - from 45-55 EUR. In summer, rental prices rise by 30-50%.

Communication and Wi-Fi

Russian operators have quite decent offers for roaming in Spain, so it’s worth checking with your current tariff plan and weighing everything before purchasing another foreign SIM card. If you have to talk to home often, then almost all local operators will have special offers for tourists in the spirit of “100 minutes per month to all mobile phones in Europe and Russia for 9.90 EUR and a gigabyte of mobile Internet as a bonus.”

There are also quite sane individual mobile Internet packages, but in Benidorm this service is perhaps no longer particularly relevant - for the last couple of years, public Wi-Fi hotspots have been operating on the resort’s beaches. The municipal program allows you to access the network absolutely free, you just need to get a username and password the first time you connect. Free Internet is offered by most bars, restaurants and hotels, you can check your email at tourist information centers, and there are Wi-Fi points in large shopping centers and the main city market.

Beaches of Benidorm

The beaches of Benidorm are considered one of the best on the entire Mediterranean coast, and the water temperature allows swimming almost all year round. The most popular beach is Levante. This is a 2 km strip of fine golden sand, stretching east from the Old Town. Located in the center of the resort - on one side the sea, on the other - a busy embankment and high-rise hotels. Levante offers guests 4,600 hammocks and 1,400 umbrellas, daily rental will cost 4 EUR per position. In summer you can go cable water skiing here.

All beaches are free, you can easily lie down on your towel and stick your own umbrella in the sand nearby.

“Poniente” is the longest beach, it’s quieter, there are fewer foreigners, more Spaniards. Good for a relaxing family holiday. It stretches 3 km west of Levante and has 1,700 paid sunbeds. Both main beaches are equipped with paths, children's and sports grounds, water activities and even libraries with reading shelters. The beaches are under the supervision of doctors and rescuers, there are a huge number of bars and restaurants within walking distance, and in the summer floating diving platforms are installed in the sea. The main disadvantage is that there are no showers; they are replaced by modules for washing feet. Another drawback is that there are few toilets.

The small beach of Malpas has been proud of its Blue Flag for 30 years. He hid in a quiet cove between Levante and Poniente. You can get to it through the port or from the fortress. There are sun loungers, foot washing stations, and lifeguards on the 120 m strip of sand. The entrance is gentle, the sea is calm, it’s good to relax with children, but during the season it can be filled to capacity.

A pleasure boat with a transparent bottom runs from Malpas to the island of Benidorm.

In the east, in the Rincon de Lois area, you can relax from the hustle and bustle in Tio Chimo Bay and its neighboring Almadrava Bay. The local beaches are very small, surrounded by steep cliffs at the foot of the Sierra Helada mountain, they combine sandy and rocky shores and a rocky bottom, and are good for snorkeling. There are about a hundred paid sunbeds on both beaches. In addition, 2 km from the coast is the island of Benidorm, where you can enjoy wildlife, sunbathe on bare rocks and swim in a quiet bay. For convenience, stairs to descend into the sea are installed near the coast of the island.

Diving

The waters of Benidorm are often recognized as the leading diving destination in Spain; it has everything for this - clean water with excellent visibility, rich marine life, sites for both beginners and pros, good dive centers and schools that teach not only diving, but also diving. but also spearfishing.

The most popular dive center, Diving Stones, has been awarded 5 PADI stars and offers a full range of training and a variety of excursions with and without diving. The Scuba Diver course costs 210 EUR, Open Water Diver - 380 EUR, one dive - from 35-50 EUR. If you have no experience, don’t have time to study or don’t want to, you can walk along the bottom of the sea in the Sea Trek system - 75-80 EUR per person for half an hour, does not require preparation and is suitable for the whole family. Also offered are snorkeling trips to the island of Benidorm for 25 EUR and advanced snorkeling - huka diving with a price tag of 35-50 EUR per session with diving from a boat or shore to a depth of 6 m.

The main diving site near the resort is the island of Benidorm; about 10 interesting sites are concentrated around it, some with diving depths of up to 33 m. Almadrava and Tio Chimo bays are also popular.

Benidorm Hotels

Benidorm can rightfully be called a tourist paradise. All conditions have been created here for a comfortable stay for tourists of all categories. Local hotels (2-5*) are ready to provide travelers with a total of 32 thousand beds. Most hotels specialize in accommodating families with children and provide professional nanny services, game rooms, etc. In addition, many hotels offer free accommodation for a child under 12 years of age as the third child in the room. Here you can also rent separate apartments or stay at a campsite.

Often, even six months before the planned trip, Benidorm hotels are 70-80% full. Early booking will expand the choice of offers and help you find interesting options with pleasant discounts.

The most budget rooms in boarding houses, inexpensive apartments and 1-2* hotels cost around 40-60 EUR per night during the season. Offers from 3* hotels with swimming pools and breakfast start in the range from 55 EUR to 85 EUR. For this money you can choose a good option on the first line. 100-130 EUR is the minimum price for the comfort of a 4* hotel. For a stay in exclusive rooms and bungalows of 5* boutique hotels you will be asked to pay from 200 EUR to 900 EUR.

Shopping

Benidorm is a real shopping center by the sea! Tourists here will find not only the usual souvenir shops, but also full-fledged shopping. In summer, shops are open until late, which allows you to enjoy the sea and sun during the day and go shopping for new clothes in the evening.

The most tempting discounts and sales occur in July-August and December-January.

Perhaps the main retail outlet is the La Marina shopping center in the Finestrat area - a bunch of brands, a cinema, playgrounds, a food court, you can get Tax free. An outlet of the popular hypermarket “El Cort Inglés” was also opened here - everything from souvenirs to clothes and household appliances with significant discounts. There is a Carrefour hypermarket across the road, and it is also worth wandering around the shops of the Old Town.

In the La Cala area you can buy native buckwheat in the Russian grocery store “Baltika”.

Local markets are a must-visit. On Wednesdays and Sundays, in the Rincon de Loix area, shoppers will find the El Pueblo market, the landmark of which is the Servigroup Pueblo Hotel. Here they sell souvenirs, antiques, paintings, clothing, leather goods, fresh fruits and vegetables. The city's main market or "Spanish Market" recently moved to Plaza de Toros. Popular with locals, open on Wednesdays, we go here for cheap and tasty fresh food. “El Cisne” is of interest to lovers of antiques and vintage; the classic flea market is open on Saturday and Sunday near the Benisol campsite; local jazz bands often play there. All markets are open from morning until lunch. Bargaining is not only appropriate, but also encouraged - here it is a kind of sport.

What to bring

Probably the most important souvenirs from Spain are edible. The first item on the shopping list is jamon, a real signature of Spain. Inexpensive ones cost on average 14-24 EUR per kg, more “cool” varieties are estimated at amounts from 100 EUR, for the “elite” dry-cured ham they ask for up to 5000 EUR for a pork leg. Local sausages are no less interesting - spicy red chorizo, mouth-watering “fuet” and fragrant “salchichon” will please even those who are indifferent to such snacks. A kilo of sausage will cost 5-12 EUR.

You need to purchase delicacies not in tourist shops, but in regular chain supermarkets - Carrefour, Lidl, Mercadona. It also makes sense to visit the food market.

A bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil would be a wonderful hostess gift. Prices are also a gift. For 1.5 liters of decent oil they ask for about 4 EUR. Local wine goes well with appetizers. It’s better to try in advance and take home the varieties you like. A bottle costs from 2 to 30 EUR. For children and those with a sweet tooth, we definitely bring “turron” - a national dessert made from honey, sugar, nuts and egg whites with all kinds of additives - from dried fruits to marzipan.

Cuisine and restaurants of Benidorm

The choice of bars, cafes and restaurants in Benidorm is huge; you can have a snack and drink on every corner, joining almost any cuisine in the world, including local traditional fishing with subtle Arabic notes.

The Aboriginals have a simple breakfast - for 2-3 EUR the client receives a cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice and lightly toasted tosdato bread with a bowl of pureed tomatoes with olive oil. You can get by with crusty bread and butter, it’s also delicious. Served in any bar. During the day, establishments offer daily menus with a price tag of 8-10 EUR for a full set of dishes. Chinese restaurants will help you save money - their lunches cost 4-6 EUR for a drink, soup, rice and main meat.

Small tapas deserve special attention. They are usually served free with drinks, but there are also “tapas bars” where they offer a hearty snack of a variety of sandwiches, omelettes or kebabs, at the same time getting to know this colorful side of Spanish cuisine. A set of 5 tapas will cost 7-8 EUR. Or you can simply move from bar to bar, drinking a glass of beer or wine for 1.50-2 EUR and getting free branded “tapas” everywhere.

You can't visit Valencia without trying paella. The best way is to attend the annual festival of this famous dish, which is held in Benidorm in October. Also, at various times, local thick soups, “pintxo” sandwiches and the same “tapas” are celebrated with multi-day holidays.

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Guides in Benidorm

Entertainment and attractions

Conventionally, the city is divided into old and new. Having taken a walk through the historical part of Benidorm, tourists find themselves in Spain of the 17th-19th centuries with its narrow streets the width of one knight’s spear. Here, within the city and nearby, are the Church of St. Jaime, the ancient Iberian settlement of Tossal de Cala, the “Balcony of the Mediterranean” - an observation deck on the rock separating the beaches of Levante and Poniente, as well as the ruins of an observation tower Torre Morales Escaletes from the 16th century. The new part of Benidorm is a typical modern city with multi-storey buildings, business centers, supermarkets, souvenir shops, many fashionable shops and restaurants. The central artery of the city is its embankment, which stretches for 6 km. Here are the most fashionable hotels, expensive restaurants, discos and other establishments that are always open to tourists.

Benidorm is home to the tallest building in Spain - Gran Bali, whose height is 210 m. Compared to it, the 20-30-storey buildings standing next to it seem squat. At the very top of the hotel there is an observation deck with stunning views, entrance is 1 EUR for hotel guests and 5 EUR for everyone else.

In the center of the resort, on Plaza de Toros, there is a Spanish bullfighting arena. Now it often becomes a venue for concerts, performances and festivals. By the way, the latter are a real attraction of Benidorm; they are held here a lot, regularly and for every taste and theme - from rock classics and just classics to performances by stars of the modern electronic scene and food festivals. Another popular concert venue is the Benidorm Palace - an excellent music hall where you can watch classical ballet, flamenco theater, circus shows, as well as touring programs of troupes from all over Europe.

The nightlife of the resort is hardly inferior to the popular Ibiza. Most of the clubs, for obvious reasons, are located outside the city - on Avenida Comunidad Valenciana, the landmark is the Tram Disco intercity tram stop. You can also choose a disco to suit your taste on Levante Beach.

5 things to do in Benidorm

1. Marvel at the local skyscrapers.
2. Go fishing on the island of La Isla de Benidorm.
3. Take a deep breath of fresh air on the Mediterranean Balcony.
4. Hang out for the whole day at Aqualandia.
5. And, of course, enjoy idleness on excellent beaches.

Benidorm for children

Children in Benidorm will have real freedom, there will be enough adventure and fun for the whole holiday! In the amazing theme park "Terra Mitica" (office site in English), you can not only go on breathtaking rides, but also prepare for the new school year by plunging into the world of myths and stories of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, learn about Iberia - the ancestor of the southern states of Central and Western Europe, as well as attend one of the many theater shows.

“Terra Natura” (office site in English) will appeal to zoo lovers. This hefty safari park is home to about 1.5 thousand species of animals. For convenience, the park was divided into 4 zones telling about the life of animals on different continents. The Mundomar Park offers a chance to observe marine life (office site Feb.

Benidorm is a modern resort, which, in addition to beautiful and long beaches, is also rich in a variety of attractions: historical, modern and natural.

The main, most exquisite and visited attractions of Benidorm are:

Balcony of the Mediterranean (Balcon del Mediterraneo)

The Mediterranean Balcony is an observation deck that offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Benidorm, the coast and part of the city. A snow-white staircase running along the side of the cliff leads to the Balcony.

Near the stairs leading to the Balcony of the Mediterranean, there is a beautiful snow-white square - Plaсa de Castelar. There is a balustrade, arches, observation points and seating areas. Part of the site is decorated with ornamental mosaics. And in front of the stairs, in the very center of the square, you can see ancient cannons.

Church of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne (Church of Saint Jaime and Saint Anne)

This church is perhaps the main historical attraction of Benidorm. A beautiful snow-white temple with blue domes looks elegant among the low buildings of the Old Town of Benidorm.

Both of the above attractions are located on a picturesque headland in the Old Town of Benidorm. In addition to the balcony and the church, there are low buildings in the traditional Spanish style, small and cozy squares, narrow winding streets with an abundance of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops, as well as a great place for shopping.

Port of Benidorm

A small but pretty city port is located at the foot of the Old Town, near one of the central sandy beaches of Benidorm -.

There are snow-white yachts in the port. You can also arrange a boat trip on one of the boats. From the seaport there are boat trips to the island of Benidorn, the only inhabited island of the Costa Blanca, and other nearby coastal cities.

Near the seaport of Benidorm, on the sea side, there is a walking breakwater (pier), on which a lighthouse is located

Near the port there is a picturesque square from which, along a winding staircase, you can climb to the Old Town.

Elche Park

A wonderful green area located near the port and the Old Town, at the eastern end of Poniente beach.

In the park: a fountain, seating areas and playgrounds. This is a favorite place for locals and city guests to relax and walk.

Elche Park smoothly flows into the promenade of Poniente Beach. The embankment is lined with colored tiles, there are benches for relaxation, and there are ledges in the form of balconies, from which a beautiful view of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea opens.

L'Aigüera Park

L'Aiguera Park is a beautiful neoclassical promenade with an amphitheater for performances, designed by the architect Riccardo Bofill. This central city park is the largest park in Benidorm, located in the city center. The park has dense vegetation and palm trees.

Observation deck of Gran Hotel Bali

There are several paved trails throughout the park, encircling the hillsides. These comfortable walking paths, right through the mountainous terrain, are accessible to everyone, and are suitable for families, people with disabilities, as well as for cycling.

During your walks, you will see a picturesque rocky coastline with small bays, which is the main pride of the reserve.

Here, between the rocky coast, there are two secluded bays suitable for swimming. These are two beaches of Benidorm - Almadrava (Cala L’Almadrava) and Ti Ximo (Cala del Ti Ximo).

There are observation decks in the park that offer picturesque views.

historical landmarks

and, perhaps, the main attraction of the park, for which many tourists visit this wonderful place - the observation deck of the Benidorm Cross/La Creu Benidorm, from which beautiful landscapes and views of Benidorm open up. The landmark is a cross, which is clearly visible from anywhere in the park, follow it, up and up the mountain, and you definitely won’t get lost. From the observation deck, to the other side of the hill, there is also a path, but it is less convenient and not paved.

Or maybe you want to add your own stone to the pyramid, for good luck))

Mount Tossal de Cala

On the territory of the mountain there are:

Ruins of the ancient Iberian settlement of Tossal de Cala;

Chapel of the Ermita Virgen del Mar;

Two observation decks.

The climb up the mountain is convenient, there are stairs and paths. Along the way you will be accompanied by signs, it is impossible to get lost.

Benidorm Palace Concert Hall

The Benidorm Palace concert hall is rightfully considered one of the best in Spain. Every week, and more often during the holiday season, colorful dance shows, including flamenco, are held on the stage of the concert hall, troupes that come here from all over the world also perform, pop stars give concerts, and famous orchestras take part. During concerts, guests are offered dinner with dishes from the restaurant's chef.

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