Greetings from Benidorm: much more than beaches and skyscrapers

Benidorm is probably one of the most recognisable places on the Costa Blanca. Its high-rise skyline, long sandy beaches and lively promenades are famous around the world, but anyone who thinks Benidorm is only about skyscrapers and nightlife is missing a large part of what the city has to offer. Behind its modern appearance you will also find a charming old town, beautiful nature, quiet coves and typically Spanish streets where life feels completely different.

It is precisely this contrast that makes Benidorm special. In the morning you can walk through the Serra Gelada Natural Park, have lunch in the old town in the afternoon and, just a few minutes later, have your feet in the sand. Whether you are visiting with children, enjoy being active or simply want to relax in the sun by the sea, Benidorm has many surprising sides.

Two famous beaches, each with its own atmosphere

The coastline is dominated by two large beaches: Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente. Levante is Benidorm's best-known and liveliest beach. Along the promenade you will find plenty of restaurants, terraces and shops, and there is almost always something going on.

Poniente lies on the other side of the historic centre and has a completely different atmosphere. The beach is long and wide, while its striking wave-shaped promenade is perfect for a walk. It is generally a little quieter than Levante, making Poniente popular with families and those who prefer to stay slightly away from the busiest areas.

Between these two large beaches lies the small Playa del Mal Pas, tucked away beside the old town and harbour. It is a lovely place if you are looking for a smaller beach right in the heart of the city.

The Balcón del Mediterráneo

Right between Levante and Poniente lies one of Benidorm's most beautiful and photographed locations: the Balcón del Mediterráneo.

Its white balustrades, blue-and-white tiles and views across the Mediterranean make this a place where almost every visitor stops for a moment. From the balcony you can look towards Playa de Levante on one side and Playa de Poniente on the other.

A defensive fortress once stood here to protect the coast from attacks from the sea. Today it is mainly a wonderful place to enjoy the views during the day or watch the sun go down in the evening.

An old town that surprises many visitors

From the Balcón del Mediterráneo you can walk straight into Benidorm's historic centre. Suddenly, the image of skyscrapers almost completely disappears.

Narrow streets, whitewashed houses, small shops and pleasant squares give this part of Benidorm a typically Spanish atmosphere. Around the Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana you will find several beautiful streets and terraces.

The well-known Tapas Alley, around Calle Santo Domingo, can also be found here. In the evenings, the small tapas bars are particularly busy with Spaniards and visitors moving from one bar to another for a bite to eat and a drink. Anyone who wants to discover a more authentic side of Benidorm should definitely spend some time here.

A skyline unlike anywhere else on the Costa Blanca

Of course, we cannot talk about Benidorm without mentioning its skyline. The city has an enormous concentration of high-rise residential and hotel towers, giving it an appearance completely unlike other places on the Costa Blanca.

Interestingly, this high-rise development also has advantages. Because the city is built compactly, there is still relatively plenty of space for beaches, promenades and public facilities. From the surrounding mountains, you can truly appreciate the unusual combination of tall buildings, sea and mountains.

One of the most striking buildings is Intempo, with its two towers connected at the top. The building has now become a recognisable part of the skyline overlooking Playa de Poniente.

Serra Gelada: nature right next to the city

If you want to escape the crowds for a while, you barely need to drive anywhere. On the northern side of Benidorm begins the Parque Natural de la Serra Gelada, a protected natural area with impressive cliffs that rise hundreds of metres above the sea in some places.

A popular walk leads towards La Cruz de Benidorm, the large cross high above the city. From here you have spectacular views across Levante, the skyline and the Mediterranean.

Those who want to continue walking can follow several routes through Serra Gelada. The contrast is remarkable: one moment you are looking across one of Spain's liveliest cities and just minutes later you are surrounded by rugged nature.

Benidorm's quiet coves

There are also much quieter spots along the coast. Cala Tío Ximo and Cala Almadrava lie at the foot of Serra Gelada and feel almost like another world compared with Playa de Levante.

The water is clear and the rocky seabed makes these coves popular for snorkelling and diving. They are a great choice if you want to enjoy the sea without the crowds of the large sandy beaches.

Benidorm with children

There is an enormous amount to do for families in and around Benidorm. The city has one of the largest concentrations of theme parks and water parks on the Costa Blanca.

You can visit Terra Mítica for roller coasters and attractions, spend a day enjoying the waterslides at Aqualandia, or discover different animals at Mundomar. Terra Natura and Aqua Natura are also located close to the city and can easily be combined.

The beaches, playgrounds and promenades are also very accessible for families. This makes it easy to alternate action-packed days with a relaxing day by the sea.

Shopping, markets and atmosphere

Those who enjoy shopping have plenty of choice in Benidorm. In the centre you will find both well-known retail chains and small Spanish shops and boutiques. Avenida del Mediterráneo and the old town are particularly good places to spend an afternoon browsing the shops.

The local markets are also popular. Here you can find vegetables, fruit, clothing, leather goods and all kinds of other products. For a larger shopping trip, La Marina shopping centre in Finestrat is only a short drive away.

Eating out in Benidorm

Benidorm's highly international character is also reflected in its restaurants. You can find almost every type of cuisine here, but it would be a shame to overlook the local gastronomy.

Along Poniente and in the old town you will find many Spanish restaurants where rice dishes, fresh fish, tapas and seafood take centre stage. In the old town in particular, it is fun not to choose just one restaurant, but to try several different tapas bars.

Afterwards, you can take your time over a drink on one of the promenades overlooking the sea. For many people, this outdoor lifestyle is an essential part of Benidorm.

Benidorm Island

Just off the coast lies the distinctive Benidorm Island, clearly visible from almost every promenade. Boat trips to the island depart from the harbour, giving you the chance to see Benidorm from the sea.

The waters around the island are also popular with divers because of the marine life. Together with the coves around Serra Gelada, this is one of the best-known diving areas around Benidorm.

A city that stays alive all year round

What distinguishes Benidorm from many smaller seaside resorts is that the city does not completely shut down once the summer season ends. Restaurants, shops and facilities largely remain open, and many international visitors continue to come during the winter months.

This means Benidorm is not only interesting for holidays. Many people choose to move to Spain and live permanently in Benidorm, and there are quiet residential areas where everyday life feels completely different from the city's well-known nightlife districts.

Why Benidorm continues to surprise

Benidorm has a very distinctive character. Some people fall in love with it immediately, while others may need a little time to get used to the skyline. But anyone willing to look beyond Levante Beach and the high-rise buildings will discover a surprisingly varied destination.

You can walk between skyscrapers and half an hour later find yourself in the middle of Serra Gelada. You can enjoy tapas in an old Spanish street and then walk along a modern promenade. And you can choose between a lively beach full of activity or a small rocky cove where it is surprisingly peaceful.

Perhaps that is exactly what makes Benidorm so special: the city does not try to be just one thing. Beaches, nature, nightlife, Spanish culture, gastronomy and family activities all exist side by side.

Greetings from Benidorm!