Tourism Tickets Spain Benidorm

Things to Do in Benidorm: Beaches, Skyline & Theme Parks

From golden beaches and towering skyline views to theme parks and legendary nightlife, discover the best things to do in Benidorm, Spain’s favourite Costa Blanca getaway.

Neighborhoods

Levante, Poniente, Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

Rincón de Loix, Pueblo Levante, Cala de Finestrat

Levante for nightlife and beach action, Poniente for a quieter family stay

Signature Sights

Soak up two golden beaches, Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente, admire the view from Balcón del Mediterráneo, wander the Old Town’s whitewashed streets, and hike up to the Benidorm Cross for panoramic views over Sierra Helada Natural Park.

Best Time Windows

May to October brings warm, dry weather ideal for the beach, with July and August the hottest months and the peak of Benidorm’s nightlife. April and October are quieter and milder, while winter stays a mild 12–18°C, much warmer than most of Europe.

Getting Around

TRAM Metropolitano links Benidorm to Alicante, Altea, Calpe and Dénia

Llorente Bus runs frequent routes across Levante, Poniente, Old Town and La Cala

The seafront promenades are flat, walkable, and lined with bike lanes

Food & Nightlife

Tapas, paella and fresh Mediterranean seafood in the Old Town

Rincón de Loix for British-style pubs, karaoke bars and late-night clubs

Benidorm Palace for dinner shows, plus beach clubs along Levante

Seasonal Highlights

Spring brings Easter processions and mild sightseeing weather

Summer means packed beaches, festivals and Benidorm’s famous nightlife

Winter offers a mild, budget-friendly break away from the crowds

Side Trips

Altea’s whitewashed old town and Villajoyosa’s chocolate houses

The mountaintop village of Guadalest

Alicante’s wine route and historic centre

Things to Do in Benidorm

Beaches & Water Sports

Relax on the golden sands of Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente, two of the Costa Blanca's most popular beaches. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or a snorkelling trip to the quiet coves around Cala de Finestrat and Sierra Helada.

Theme Parks & Family Fun

Benidorm is home to three of Spain's biggest theme parks: Terra Mítica's ancient-civilisation rides and roller coasters, Aqualandia's record-breaking water slides, and Mundomar's marine and animal shows.

Old Town Charm & History

Wander the whitewashed lanes of Benidorm's Old Town, visit the 18th-century San Jaime Church, and take in sweeping bay views from the Balcón del Mediterráneo, the symbolic heart of the city.

Hiking & Nature

Climb to the Benidorm Cross for panoramic views over the bay, explore the dramatic cliffs of Sierra Helada Natural Park, or tackle the trails of nearby Puig Campana for a change of pace from the beach.

Nightlife & Entertainment

From the British-style pubs and karaoke bars of Rincón de Loix to the dinner shows at Benidorm Palace and the beach clubs along Levante, Benidorm's nightlife runs until sunrise.

Benidorm Neighborhoods

Levante

Benidorm's most energetic district, Levante stretches along a 2km golden beach and is packed with bars, restaurants and high-rise hotels. It's the heart of the resort's entertainment and nightlife scene.

Poniente

A longer, quieter beach than Levante, Poniente is popular with families and couples, with a relaxed promenade, water sports, and fewer crowds even in peak season.

Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

A maze of narrow, whitewashed streets filled with traditional tapas bars and shops, Benidorm's Old Town offers a more authentic, low-key side of the city just steps from the beach.

Rincón de Loix

At the eastern end of Levante Beach, Rincón de Loix is famous for its lively international crowd, karaoke bars, tribute acts and nightclubs — a favourite with British visitors.

Pueblo Levante

Set back from the first line of the coast, Pueblo Levante offers a calmer base while staying within easy reach of Levante's beach and tourist infrastructure.

Cala de Finestrat

Home to a small, sheltered cove with calm waters, Cala de Finestrat has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with local cafés and a close-knit community atmosphere.

How to Get to Benidorm

Airport
Train
Bus
Car

Benidorm is served by Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), located around 60 km south of the city, with a drive time of 40–50 minutes. Getting from the airport to the city:

ALSA Bus Direct coach service from the airport to Benidorm bus station, around 45 minutes
TRAM + Bus Combine train and local bus for a budget-friendly option, though slower than the direct coach
Taxi/Rideshare Around 40–50 minutes, roughly €72 for up to 3 passengers
Private Transfer Pre-booked transfer services are available directly to your hotel

Plan your perfect Benidorm itinerary

Benidorm in 3 Days

We recommend: Classic Benidorm Highlights

Relax on Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente, and explore the Old Town and Balcón del Mediterráneo
Spend a day at Terra Mítica or Aqualandia
Experience Benidorm's legendary nightlife in Rincón de Loix

Benidorm Zoo and Aquatic Theme Park Spaim

Family Theme Park Adventure

We recommend: Terra Mítica + Aqualandia + Mundomar

Ride the slides and wave pools at Aqualandia
Meet marine life and catch a show at Mundomar
Explore ancient-civilisation rides and coasters at Terra Mítica

Coast & Nature Escape

We recommend: Sierra Helada + Hidden Coves

Hike to the Benidorm Cross for panoramic views over the bay
Explore the cliffs and coastal trails of Sierra Helada Natural Park
Cool off in quiet coves like Cala de Finestrat

Old Town & Culture Trail

We recommend: Historic Benidorm

Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Visit San Jaime Church and the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint
Sample tapas and local wines in traditional bars

Beyond Benidorm: Costa Blanca Day Trip

We recommend: Altea + Guadalest + Villajoyosa

Wander Altea's whitewashed old town and blue-domed church
Visit the mountaintop medieval village of Guadalest
Taste chocolate in the colourful houses of Villajoyosa

Beyond Benidorm: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Altea

Just 11km up the coast, Altea is known for its whitewashed old town, blue-domed church, and a lively seafront promenade lined with art galleries and restaurants.

Villajoyosa

A 10-minute drive south, Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa) is famous for its rows of brightly coloured houses along the seafront and its centuries-old chocolate-making tradition.

Guadalest

Perched on rocky peaks 600 metres above sea level, the medieval village of Guadalest is one of Spain's most visited inland destinations, reachable in around 30 minutes by car.

Alicante

Around 45km south via TRAM or bus, Alicante offers the hilltop Santa Bárbara Castle, a historic old town, and the palm-lined Explanada de España promenade.

Valencia

About two hours away by ALSA coach, Valencia is home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the Central Market, and some of Spain's best paella.

Alicante Wine Route

The DO Alicante wine region's bodegas, including Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, offer vineyard tours and tastings paired with local cheeses and cured meats.

FAQs About Visiting Benidorm

What is there to do in Benidorm?

Benidorm offers two golden beaches, three major theme parks (Terra Mítica, Aqualandia and Mundomar), a historic Old Town, hiking trails in Sierra Helada Natural Park, and some of Spain's liveliest nightlife in Rincón de Loix.

How do you get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?

The easiest way is the direct ALSA bus from Alicante–Elche Airport, taking around 45 minutes. A taxi or private transfer takes 40–50 minutes, while combining train and local bus is possible but slower.

How do you get from Valencia to Benidorm?

ALSA runs direct coach services from Valencia to Benidorm in around 2 hours. Driving takes roughly 1 hour 50 minutes via the AP-7 motorway.

What do you need to travel to Benidorm?

EU citizens need a valid passport or national ID card. Visitors from outside the Schengen Area may need a visa depending on nationality, and travel insurance is recommended for all visitors.

What is the best time to visit Benidorm?

May to October offers the best beach weather, with July and August the hottest months and peak nightlife season. April and October are quieter and milder, while winter stays mild at 12–18°C.

Is Benidorm good for a family holiday?

Yes. Benidorm's theme parks, calm Poniente beach, and sheltered coves like Cala de Finestrat make it one of the Costa Blanca's most family-friendly resorts, alongside its livelier nightlife districts for adults.

What is Benidorm best known for?

Benidorm is best known for its two long sandy beaches, high-rise skyline, theme parks, and vibrant nightlife, making it one of Spain's most popular resort destinations.