Benidorm is a unique resort on the Costa Blanca that is well familiar with many tourists who prefer to stay in Spain. However, freshman travelers probably have heard something about this incredible city too, and is not surprising. The many-faced Benidorm has been called a lot of things by its enthusiastic visitors: «Mediterranean Dubai», «Little Las Vegas», «Spanish Manhattan» – all that are impressive names, aren’t they?

Today, in our article, we will tell you why this Spanish city is so beloved by tourists from all over the world, what is actually worth to visit there, how to have fun, and what better place to have dinner in.

What makes Benidorm so special?

Exciting Nightlife and Parties

Well, how else may matters be in a city whose informal name is «Spanish Las Vegas»? As is known, there are 5 bars for every 1000 inhabitants (only Spanish cities with a population of over 50.000 people were taken into account) in Benidorm, and in total there are more than two hundred nightclubs in the city! If you are a fan of the popular films such as «Hangover», 2009 (about a crazy bachelor party in Las Vegas) or «Bridesmaids», 2011 (about an equally crazy bachelorette party in the same city), then now you know for sure: there is no need to fly to the far-off USA for the adventures like these because bright and gambling nightlife can also be easily found on the Spanish coast.

Lots of Skyscrapers

While the Costa Blanca is full of charming small towns with picturesque white houses, covered with lush greenery and flowers, wayward Benidorm is betting on on ultra-modern buildings and skyscrapers: 8 out of the 20 tallest skyscrapers in Spain are located here.
By the way, in the summer 2021, the highest residential building in Europe was commissioned in Benidorm, its height is 187 m, the number of floors is 47, the cost of apartments starts from 250.000 euros, and penthouses with incredible views are from 2.000.000 euros.

Great Weather All Year Round

Benidorm pleases with its wonderful climate. The sea here is tender and warm: the water temperature does not sink under +14°C even in winter. The warmest month is August, when the water is especially nice +26.8°C on average.

There are very few rainy days here: in late autumn or early spring it can be 2-3 days per month, and the rest of the time is only sunshine and relax at the resort!

The warmest months are July, August and September, when average air temperature is 27-30 °C, and water temperature is 26-27 °C.
Given such favorable weather conditions, the well-maintained beaches of Benidorm are never empty: summer is time for swimming and getting a tan, and winter is for sunbathes, walks and picnics on the costal.

Luxurious Golden Beaches

Benidorm has wonderful beaches – Poniente, Levante, Cala del Mal Pas and La Cala, covered with fine golden sand. For many years there was a legend among tourists that this sand was specially imported from Morocco. In fact, it didn’t take any efforts in beaches’ improving: sand here was beautiful and of good quality initially.

For those who prefer walks along the charming bays and pebble beaches, Benidorm can offer places like Cala Tio Ximo, suitable for diving, or the secluded bay Ľ Almadrava, where there is a nudist beach.

Fascinating history of the city

In the 70s of the last century, there has been a rapid development of construction industry and, as a result, of tourism on the Costa Blanca and, in particular, Benidorm. It appeared – modern active, bright city that was once just a quiet and unremarkable fishing village – who’d have thought of it!

The then Mayor of Benidorm, Pedro Zaragoza – a quite remarkable person invested a great deal of effort in flourishing and popularization of the city among tourists, as well as ensuring the well-being of the infrastructure and economy of Benidorm managed to negotiate with dictator Franco himself. From now on, all ladies at this resort were allowed to wear bikinis – that was unheard of at this time!

The thing is, Spain introduced a ban on such element of ladies’ wardrobe in the 60s, and many Spanish resorts didn’t dear to breach this rule until the dictator’s death in 1975. But wilful 3 municipalities – Benidorm, Santander and Marbella refused to follow these restrictions and thereby attracted the best fashionistas of that era, including world-famous actresses.

So, now we know what Benidorm is interesting and famous for, which means it’s time to get to know its sights better. Let ‘s split them up conditionally into several categories:

  • cultural monuments and natural sites;
  • amusement parks for family holidays;
  • the most popular bars, clubs and cabarets of the city.

Cultural monuments and natural sites of Benidorm

Despite its modern buildings, developed urban infrastructure and bustling nightlife, there are places in Benidorm that keep memories of the origins of the city and of things long gone.

The Viewing Platform Mirador de la Cruz (La Cruz de Benidorm)

This is one of the most magical places of the city located at an altitude of 217 meters, at the top of the Serra Gelada Natural Park. The name of the viewing platform translates from Spanish as The Cross of Benidorm, and breathtaking panoramic views of Benidorm – the coast and mountains are opened from this place.

The start of the route to Mirador de la Cruz is at the end of the Levante Beach. One can get there either on foot, choosing one of the hiking trails, or by car. From the observation deck, one can always enjoy the best views of Benidorm, but experienced tourists recommend to come here at a special time – at sunset, when the light reflected in the sea, creates magical highlights, and a romantic aura hangs in the air.

The Old Town of Benidorm (El Casco Antiguo de Benidorm)

The old town, el casco antiguo, is located in the heart of Benidorm. On one side, it borders the Elche Park, and on the other, there is the Triangular Square.

Most of the streets of the Old Town, c/Gambo, c/Ruzafa, Paseo de la Carretera and c/Alameda are pedestrian and paved with cobblestones. Apart from the fact that it is the historical center of Benidorm, there are many fashion shops, restaurants, pizzerias and tapas bars.

There is also an alley in the Old Town, where two of the most «party» streets of Night Benidorm intersect. The famous pub Manhattan Benidorm and the bar La Posada Bar also located in this area:

Manhattan Benidorm

La Posada

The Church of St. Jaime and St. Anna (La Iglesia de San Jaime and Santa Ana)

This majestic church of Benidorm’s central district is located next to the equally beautiful and famous walking square Del Castel. The construction of this temple dates back to the XVIII century, and inside the building, there is a chapel of the Holy Virgin – La Virgen del Suffragio, which is considered the patroness of Benidorm. For this reason, it is here, next to the church, the most important city events are held.

La Iglesia de San Jaime and Santa Ana

  • Address: 1 Castelar Square, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante

After implementing the cultural programme, one can bring a whole family to one of the noisy amusement parks of Benidorm – there are entertainment for all tastes!

Benidorm’s Amusement Parks

For example, multiple water parks can be found in the city:

Mundomar Park

The most popular attractions in Benidorm-6

This is a marine park where one can observe the aquatic, animal and feathered world in all its diversity. There are sea lions, dolphins, pink flamingos and colorful parrots. The park regularly hosts exciting show programs with the participation of its inhabitants. Your children can enjoy haunting this place.

Mundomar

  • Address: Carrer Metge en Cosme Bayona, 6, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante
  • Website: mundomar.es

Aqualandia Park

Its name speaks for itself – Aqualandia is a large open-air water park with many slides and pools, as well as picnic areas. There are attractions for any age. The ticket price for adults starts from 36 euro.

  • Address: Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante
  • Website: aqualandia.net

Aqua Natura Park

This is a small and cozy water park, which has everything you need for a comfortable stay: water rides, lifeguards, observers, equipment rental for roller coasters and an ice cream parlor. It is part of the Terra Natura Amusement Park. The ticket price starts from 16,5 euro.

Aqua Natura

Of course, in Benidorm you can find not only water parks, there are also

Terra Natura Park

This is a new generation park that invites visitors to be completely immersed in nature and its structure has elements of a contact zoo. The park is home to more than 1.500 animals of two hundred different species.

Here one can take an excursion on a real safari to watch elephants and rhinos, as well as some animals are allowed to be fed with specially provided food. To visit both parks, Aqua and Terra Natura, will cost from 36 euro.

  • Terra Natura (the address and website are the same as Agua Natura Park)

Terra Mitica Park

The Terra Mitica theme park tells about the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean and offers guests many exciting quests and impressive attractions. The park also has its own comfortable hotel. The cost varies depending on many factors, for example, large families can count on a 50% discount here.

To complete the acquaintance with Benidorm is best, of course, in one of its incomparable night establishments.

Nightlife: bars, clubs and cabarets of Benidorm

To describe all the worthy night establishments of the city is like describing every pretty snowflake during a snowfall, but we will still try to give some recommendations.

Benidorm’s Bars

If you are looking for the most budget options, then you should go to such urban neighborhoods as Rincon or Levante, where most bars with inexpensive drinks and snacks are located, which does not mean their low quality – quite the opposite. There are many British themed bars and other tempting offers for foreigners, as each establishment enters into competition for its loyal client.

These bars include:

Daytona-Rock bar with live music

Secret Fountain Rooftop Garden Bar

  • Address: Ground floor, Av. de Mallorca, 5, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante

Tiki Beach Bar or Neptune Bar

Address: Av. Madrid, 14, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante
Website:tikigroupbenidorm.com

Benidorm’s Clubs

Maybe, Benidorm doesn’t evoke associations with the coolest parties and discos like Ibizaэ’s ones for most people, but, nevertheless, there is also a large selection of amazing nightclubs, where some of the best DJs of the world create, and there is often much cheaper than in the same hyped Ibiza. It is believed that the best nightclubs can be found along the avenue Comunitat Valencia, which is a few minutes away by car from the city center.

These clubs include:

Penélope – a bar on the coast, suitable for LGBT people

KU Discoteca Benidorm

  • Address: Av. de la Comunitat Valenciana, Km. 121, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante
  • Website: kubenidorm.es

Manssion

Benidorm Shows and Cabarets

Do you think that the «cabaret show» can mean only Moulin Rouge in France? A trip to Benidorm will not be counted for you without visiting at least one of the many extravagant and incendiary local cabarets and their unique live performances, which begin in the dead of night.

Cabaret shows, contrary to stereotypes, do not necessarily correspond to the 18+ category, and some may be visited by the whole family. Well, if you are young, crazy and there are no children with you on vacation, go to the square in the center of the Levante beach and get ready for great emotions: ideal for stag and hen parties!

These shows include:

Benidorm Palace

Champions Bar

  • Address: Av. de Mallorca, 7, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante

Sinatra’s Disco Pab

Broadway Cabaret Benidorm

  • Address: C. Gerona, 32, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante
  • Website: facebook.com

And where would you go first in Benidorm?

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