Benidorm Old Town | Explore this beautiful part of the city

With its sky-high tower blocks, beach-front clubs and all night energy, Benidorm has got a reputation as a modern party and poolside destination. But there is another side to this Costa Blanca resort, a quieter, more Spanish part of the city which is a must see when in Benidorm.

With narrow cobbled streets, quaint white-washed buildings, tapas restaurants and sparkling sea views, Benidorm's Old Town feels a world away from the high rise hotels around the corner. It is a place where the city dials back the pace and enjoys a more leisurely way of life, where the smells of tapas drift onto the street from tiny restaurants and locals meet and mingle in beautiful city parks.

Finding Your Way Around Benidorm Old Town

Finding your way to the Old Town is easy. If you're staying in the new part of the city, the easiest way is to find Levante Beach and follow the promenade to the Old Town. Public transport is awesome in Benidorm, so if you don;t fancy walking, you can always jump on the bus.

The main street in the old town is Passeig de la Carretera, which runs parallel to the sea, and is lined with shops, restaurants and bars to help you unwind and refresh after yall of your exploring.

Food, Glorious Food

One thing's for certain, you won't go hungry in Benidorm's Old Town. Fans of traditional Spanish fare should make a beeline for 'Tapas Alley' which is brimming with bars and restaurants selling this traditional meal. Prices are usually great, and there is nothing more authentically Spanish than crowding around a bar and digging into delicious meats, seafood and vegetables served in bite sized portions.

You won't be short of a bar or two in the old town, either. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink or an all night party, there'll be somewhere for you amongst the winding streets.

Benidorm's Old Town is also a fantastic destination for LBGTQ+ travellers. The city has been welcoming to the gay community for a long time, and the Old Town has a fantastic choice of gay bars and clubs.

Where To Stay in The Old Town

When looking at the vast spread of skyscrapers stretching off into the horizon, it's easy to forget that the original old town of Benidorm is actually pretty compact. Accommodation in this part of the city is mainly guest houses, apartments, studios and the odd sea front hotel. If you like your holiday stay a little more intimate, the old town would be a great place for you to stay.

Shopping and Markets

Benidorm's old town streets are crammed with independent and local shops. A good many are souvenir shops, tempting you to part with your euros for all manner of fridge magnets, towels and postcards, but there are also some more traditional places to be found. The main shopping street is Passeig de la Carretera, but by getting off the beaten track and exploring the smaller streets branching off of the main drag, you might find some hidden gems.

The old town is also the place where the markets take place. Spanish cities do fantastic markets, and Benidorm is no exception, with a flea market every Saturday and Sunday selling everything under the sun, and a local produce market every Wednesday, offering a mind boggling variety of colourful fruits and vegetables, cured meats and fish. It would be easy to lose a couple of hours wandering through the stalls and picking up some fresher-than-fresh food to make up a picnic.

A Bit of Benidorm Culture

Benidorm's Old Town is a truly beautiful part of the Costa Blanca, and steeped in history and architectural delights. Culture vultures will delight in exploring the churches, museums and ruins, such as San Jaime Church, recognisable by its blue roof, which is a small but beautiful example of traditional Spanish architecture. There is also the Plaza Mayor Square, which is a great place to stop for a coffee and watch the world go by.

El Mirador de la Punta del Canfali is a must visit. It is the remains of a 14th century castle built to protect Benidorm from pirates, and although you (hopefully) won't see any black sails on the horizon, the panoramic views across the sea from the castle are worth savouring.

Time to Relax

Of course, one of the things Benidorm is famous for is its pristine beaches, and there are several within easy reach of the Old Town. Poniente Beach has 3km of white sand, so it's often easy to find your own little piece of Mediterranean bliss. There's also the lesser known Malpe Beach, a small but perfectly formed stretch of sand often used for sports and recreational activities, such as volleyball.

If lazing on the beach isn't your thing, Benidorm's Old Town has other places that you can kick back and unwind. There are two beautiful parks in this part of the city, and they're a favourite place for locals to come and spend a lazy afternoon in the sun. Parque de Elche is also known as 'Dove Park', because of the large number of white doves that call it home. There is also Parque de L'Alguere, with a palm-lined promenade stretching between Benidorm's old and new parts.