Benidorm Travel Guide
Benidorm is one of the original Spanish resorts and with miles of gorgeous beaches, perfect holiday weather and plenty to do, it's easy to see why it's so popular.
What you'll find in this guide:
Practical Information
Getting to Benidorm
Getting around Benidorm
Benidorm for families
Top things to do in Benidorm
Where to stay in Benidorm
Where to eat and drink in Benidorm
What you need to know about Benidorm
Practical Info
GMT +1
Euro EUR
Spanish
Type C and F
Avg 2 hrs 30 minutes
What's the weather like in Benidorm?
The summer temperatures average out at 26°C, spring has an average high of 21°C and autumn 25°C. In winter, it varies from 7-17°C. There are activities for all times of the year, including beaches, theme parks, waterparks, wildlife attractions and museums. And if you ever get caught out on a rare rainy day we have a guide to all the best indoor activites in Benidorm.
TopGetting to Benidorm
Can you fly direct to Benidorm?
There are regular direct flights available to Alicante from most of the main UK airports. Alicante is the closest airport to Benidorm and around a 40-minute journey away. Flights are mostly operated by easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2, and the average flight takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Getting to Benidorm from Alicante airport
By car - hiring a car is the most convenient option as you'll be able to get directly from the airport to your accommodation.
Public transport - the ALSA Bus to Benidorm takes around 45 minutes, costs around €9.80 and runs from 6am – 11pm.
Private transfer - if you don't want to rely on public transport then another option is to book a private airport transfer. They'll pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.
Taxi - you'll find taxi ranks outside Arrivals and Departure. A taxi to Benidorm sets you back around €70.
Getting around Benidorm
One of the most important things to know is how to get around (assuming you'll be leaving the beach!). The best way is to hire a car as it'll give you the freedom to explore for the rest of your holiday. But if you're not sure, there are other options:
Bus
The buses in Benidorm are clean and run promptly so it's definitely a service that you can rely on – you can pick up a route map from most hotels. The buses have a variety of ticket types including a tourist pass that gives you unlimited trips for 24 or 72 hours.
Taxis
Benidorm taxis aren't as expensive as you might think and run on meters so you don't need to worry about negotiating a price beforehand.
Benidorm Airport Transfers
Book and save with low cost transfers from Benidorm Airport, with prices starting from under £6.00 with FREE cancellations up to 3 days before departure.
Benidorm Car Hire
Pre-book your Benidorm Airport car hire, with prices starting from just £3.61 per day with FREE cancellations*
Is Benidorm a good destination for families?
Benidorm is a brilliant destination for families - it's a short flight, there are plenty of family friendly resorts to choose from, excellent beaches and a number of amusements and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
The top family-friendly attractions in Benidorm
Aqualandia
This popular waterpark is great fun for all the family. With a range of slides and water-themed areas there's something for all ages and all levels of bravery. If you're an adrenaline junkie, see if you can cope with the almost sheer drop of Verti-Go – a 33 metre plummet down the highest slide in Europe!
The park is open from the end of May to the end of September and a day ticket costs £30 per adult and £23 per child. You can also buy a combi ticket for Aqualandia and Mundomar for £43 per adult or £32 per child.
Top Travel Tips
The food at Aqualandia is a little expensive but there are plenty of picnic areas so take your own food. Just bear in mind the park doesn't allow anything in glass containers or cans.
Mundomar
Right next to Benidorm's popular Aqualandia waterpark, Mundomar is a marine animal park with a tropical theme. See dolphins and sea lions as well as a variety of other animals to enjoy including meerkats, monkeys and turtles.
A day ticket costs £21 per adult and £18 per child. You can also purchase a combi ticket for Aqualandia and Mundomar for £43 per adult or £32 per child.
Top Travel Tips
Mundomar has the same view on bringing food into the park - you're more than welcome to do so, but avoid glasses and cans. There are also restaurants in the park, but again, the prices may be a little high.
Terra Mitica
A fun theme park for all the family divided into 5 different zones - Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The Islands. It's an amusement park with a historical theme and plenty of rides and shows to keep you entertained.
Benidorm Circus
This circus has a permanent place in Benidorm and features some of the best and most modern circuses from around the world. Marvel at acrobats, jugglers, magicians and comedians all at the pinnacle of their craft.
Terra Natura
Spend the day at Terra Natura, a delightful wildlife park where you'll come face-to-face with the animals. This large park is split into 4 areas, Pangea, America, Europe and Asia with wonderful animals from all around the world.
Acqua Natura Waterpark
Once you've spent the day at the zoo relax at the waterpark while the kids enjoy the 40,000 square metres of pools and slides. You can save money by buying a Terra Natura and Acqua Natura combi ticket.
Benidorm Palace
Looking for a Vegas-style evening to celebrate your holiday? Then you've come to the right place. Enjoy the colourful and spectacular show at the Benidorm Palace with dancers, acrobats, magicians and jugglers. Why not enjoy dinner and a show and indulge on a delicious meal alongside the entertainment?
Top Benidorm attractions
Balcón del Mediterráneo
This beautiful vantage point sits on a rocky outcrop on the site of an old castle and commands wonderful views of the nearby beaches.
Benidorm Island
Catch a boat out to this small island home to a nature reserve and some beautiful hikes. You can even book a glass-bottomed boat excursion.
Algar Waterfalls
Just over 8 miles outside of Benidorm it's well worth the excursion to explore and swim in the idyllic natural pools and waterfalls.
What are the top things to do in Benidorm?
Historic Sites
Church of St James & St Anne
This Catholic church dates back to the 1700s and is still in use today. While the outside of the church is fairly unassuming, the inside is absolutely beautiful and the views from outside are stunning.
Tossal de la Cala
It's a bit of a hike up to this viewpoint but it's worth it. With outlines of an old Roman encampment as well as excellent views of the beaches below, it's a peaceful place for a spot of lunch.
Local Museums
The House Museum (Casa Museo de Benidorm)
At the centre of Benidorm, this museum features impressive architecture in its own right. Inside you'll find a range of historic paintings and sculptures as well as seasonal exhibits. It's only open in the evenings and is free to enter.
Agricultural Museum (Museo De Agricola)
Open daily and with free entry, the agricultural museum has a host of historic tools and equipment from a bygone era of farming. There's even a watermill with a water wheel and some examples of old horse-drawn ploughs.
Museo Municipal de la Boca del Calvari
This museum is part history, part art gallery with a wide variety of exhibits to keep you interested. Entry is free and the museum sometimes has special exhibits on.
Beauty Spots
Aigüera Park
This delightful, neoclassical park has landscaped grounds and two amphitheatres making it the perfect place for a picnic in the sun. The park is often home to open-air concerts and other entertainment.
Elche Park
A small but very pleasant park close to the beach, Elche Park is a great place to sit if you just need a quick break from it all. Enjoy the sound of the fountain and the shade offered by the palm trees while you relax on a bench and watch the world go by for a bit.
La Creu
La Creu is a famous cross on a hill overlooking Benidorm. While the hike up the hill is quite a long walk, the breathtaking views along the route and at the top are well worth the effort. Make sure you take some water with you as there aren't any shops along the way and wear good shoes as the last section is a dirt trail.
Serra Gelada
The Serra Gelada is a mountain and marine conservation area covering nearly 14,000 acres and best explored either by boat or hiking. This area of outstanding beauty is full of gorgeous vistas, long walks and mountain climbing spots.
Canelobre Caves
The caves are a 45-minute drive from Benidorm and home to an impressive array of rock formations including beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Because of the excellent acoustics, concerts are often held there providing a truly magical experience.
What are the best beaches in Benidorm?
Playa de Levante
With plenty of shops, bars and restaurants nearby, Playa de Levante has everything you need to spend the entire day on the beach – it's particularly popular with sunbathers.
Playa Poniente
A little further out from the town centre, the Playa Poniente is a beautiful beach with stunning views. It can get quite busy during the summer months so get there early.
Playa de Ponent
This beach offers the best of both worlds with views of the skyscrapers of Benidorm as well the rocks of Benidorm Island. The sandy shores lead into shallow water which is perfect for a paddle.
Where to stay in Benidorm
The first step in finding the perfect place to stay is figuring out what sort of accommodation you're looking for, whether that's a hotel, an apartment or a villa of your own.
Benidorm Hotels
Get everything you need in one place at a Benidorm hotel or resort. The advantage of a hotel stay is that you don't have to do much for yourself. What you may sacrifice in space and privacy is made up for in convenience. Choose a star rating to match your budget and the facilities you need to get your holiday planning started right.
Benidorm Apartments
Looking for something a little more like home? A Benidorm apartment could be the answer. They're usually still central to all the sights but generally give you a little more space than a hotel room, as well as being a little more casual and relaxed. Many of the apartments have access to shared pool areas where you can mingle with other guests if you're looking for that social aspect that a hotel can give.
Benidorm Villas
The ultimate in holiday relaxation. For a private pool and some peace and quiet take a look at a Benidorm villa. Go at your own pace and get the place to yourself in one of these beautiful holiday homes, close to the attractions of Benidorm but far enough from the party town that you can get a good night's sleep.
Where to eat and drink in Benidorm
8 Fine Dining Restaurants in Benidorm
La Falua
This restaurant is chic and stylish with soft lighting, light wood floors and coastal views. La Falua offers a delicious à la carte menu as well as three set menus to really make your mouth water. There are Mediterranean and international dishes on offer so expect plenty of fresh seafood and a variety of delicious paellas.
Amigos Restaurant and Roof Terrace
Easily one of the most popular restaurants in Benidorm, Amigos Restaurant and Roof Terrace has an outstanding à la carte menu and delicious steaks. Whether you're looking for international, British or fusion cuisine, enjoy your meal in an intimate and relaxed setting. The restaurant also caters for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
The Vagabond
The Vagabond combines fine dining with a delicious taste of home-cooked food to bring you a relaxed dining experience with French, Mediterranean and European options as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals. The stand out feature for this little old town restaurant is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Casa Toni
Casa Toni is an authentic Spanish restaurant hidden away among the small markets and pubs - a secret definitely worth uncovering! Enjoy the freshest seafood around as well as delicious steaks and excellent wine. The head chef, Toni, is also the owner and has handcrafted the menu to delight and inspire.
Ulia Restaurant
Overlooking the beach at Poniente, Ulia Restaurant is great for authentic paella and a range of delightful dishes from a family kitchen. The finest local ingredients are combined with family recipes to create a mouthwatering menu with tantalising seafood dishes. Whether you're dropping in for lunch or dinner it has a warm atmosphere and good food.
Llum del Mar
Enjoy the best of Mediterranean cuisine alongside stunning views – Llum del Mar is a true gastronomical experience. Although it's part of the hotel Villa Venecia you don't need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy the delights. As one of the best restaurants in Benidorm, expect high-end signature Mediterranean cuisine to suit all tastes. With views out over the sparkling water it's the perfect backdrop for your meal.
La Cava Aragonesa
La Cava Aragonesa in Old Town has been a staple of Benidorm dining for decades! The menu is full of delicious dishes popular with everyone – expect tasty tapas and an excellent selection of wines to accompany your meal. Enjoy the delightful surroundings while you tuck in.
Rice Restaurant
The Rice Restaurant is in the Sierra Cortina Resort which lies between Benidorm and Finestrat. While you may have to travel a little bit to get to this restaurant, the delicious food and wonderful surroundings make it worth it. Enjoy a holiday cocktail or two in a relaxed atmosphere on the terrace and pick from the menu of tasty Mediterranean dishes.
7 Cheap Restaurants in Benidorm
Sidebar
On the way to Levante Beach, the Sidebar serves Scottish, British and international cuisine with daily specials and a few twists for those feeling more adventurous. There's a wonderful terrace with sunny and shady spots and the menu has options for vegetarians, vegans and those with a gluten-free diet.
The Drop Inn
The Drop Inn isn't just a pub with an excellent name, it's also an incredibly welcoming and friendly restaurant. This small British bar provides classic pub grub at a very reasonable price and is one of the best places to get a roast dinner in Benidorm. The menu also caters for vegetarian diets.
Simply Delicious
Simply Delicious specialises in cakes, pastries and other scrumptious sugary delights but you can still enjoy some light bites for breakfast and lunch. The pastries are raved about, and you can take them away if you're out for the day. Simply Delicious has options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets too.
Fuxion Gastrobar
The Fuxion Gastrobar is a delightful restaurant serving international, Mediterranean, European and Fusion dishes that will show you the best of Spanish cuisine. This little gastrobar offers delicious tapas dishes including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Caspers Bar Bistro
Caspers Bar Bistro is a great little place to get a coffee and some tasty food. Peruse the menu for delicious meals including a hearty breakfast as well as vegetarian and gluten-free friendly choices which make sure there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The Titanic
This family-run sports bar offers a variety of meals including steaks cooked to perfection and take out if you're in a rush. The Titanic welcomes families, stag and hen dos as well as couples, and the menu has plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and those with a gluten-free diet.
Refuel Cafe Bar Restaurant
Close to Poniente Beach, the Refuel Cafe Bar Restaurant is a relaxed place to get comfy on the sun terrace and watch the world go by. They serve an all-day full English breakfast as well as plenty of light bites, snacks, jacket potatoes and alcoholic and soft drinks. The menu is vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly.
Best Bars in Benidorm
Morgan's Tavern
Morgan Tavern is unmissable on the Benidorm bar scene. This watering hole was used to film the Neptune's bar scenes in the popular ITV show, Benidorm.
It's also been called out as one of the best cabaret bars in town with shows on every night including singers, tribute bands and comedy acts among others. Don't worry about getting served either, there are three huge bars so there won't be much of a wait for the next round!
The Black Chicken
The Black Chicken is an all day karaoke bar. Can you imagine? Well, you don't need to because it really is. From 11am until 2am every day this bar gives you somewhere to belt out all of your favourite tunes.
With very reasonably priced drinks to encourage the musical flow, this bar has become well-known as one of the best entertainment bars in Benidorm.
Daytona Rock
If you like your music loud then Daytona Rock is the place for you. With gorgeous views of Levante Beach and plenty of live music this bar is very popular among holidaymakers.
During the day you can sit and enjoy the views with an ice-cold drink or watch sports on the large TVs dotted around the bar and the terrace. Then get ready for an evening of hard rock and fantastic tribute acts.
Cheeky Monkey
For a more relaxed and quiet evening head to Cheeky Monkey. It's a music and sports bar but with an emphasis on a chilled and calm atmosphere, perfect if you need a little break from the Benidorm nightlife.
Cheeky Monkey doesn't allow stag or hen parties which makes it a great bar for families or those just looking for a more laid back evening.
Shooters Piano Bar
Shooters Piano Bar is another of the more relaxed bars in Benidorm with plenty of live acts for you to watch. Set a little further away from the beach, this live music bar manages to blend a fun atmosphere with something a little calmer.
While you enjoy the varied entertainment that Shooters Piano Bar has to offer, sit back and sip on one of their delicious cocktails, after all, you are on holiday.
Best pubs in Benidorm
Scruffy Murphy's
Just 5 minutes from Levante Beach is the friendly Irish pub, Scruffy Murphy's. With all the top sporting events on large TVs, it's a great place to enjoy a few drinks without missing the important matches – making it one of the most popular Irish bars in Benidorm.
But it's not all about sport – you can enjoy live music and even karaoke. Maybe with enough liquid courage you might find yourself up on stage singing your heart out.
Pig 'N' Whistle Pub
A well-established pub and a popular music venue for years, the Pig 'N' Whistle also provides delicious pub grub and a welcoming atmosphere.
There are plenty of TVs in the pub showing sports throughout the day and in the evening there's live music to keep you entertained while you enjoy a few drinks.
The Bodhran
If you're looking for another traditional Irish pub great for the whole family then The Bodhran will not disappoint! This Benidorm pub is owned and run by an Irish family who import their Guinness from Ireland for the perfect taste.
With live sports shown on TVs around the pub and music acts, including traditional Irish music, The Bodhran is a great place to enjoy a few drinks in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
O'Maras Bar
Another delightful Irish pub nestled in the sun-drenched streets of Benidorm, O'Maras is a large, open and friendly pub where you can relax and catch up on your TV soaps.
The food at O'Mara's Bar is also very popular with visitors. The menu covers simple and traditional pub grub as well as some more premium choices like t-bone steak.
Silver Dollar Pub
The Silver Dollar Pub has an American theme and makes for the perfect place to enjoy the sun and do some people-watching while you enjoy a cold drink. The pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is just a few minutes walk from the beach so you can quickly go from sunning yourself to the bar. There are TVs throughout with live sport and a jukebox so you can decide what you want to listen to.
What you need to know about Benidorm
When is the cheapest time to visit Benidorm?
Summer
The most expensive times to visit Benidorm are linked to school holidays and weather - the price tends to rise as the temperature does. If you're not travelling with children, avoid the Easter and summer school holidays to save money. All-inclusive holidays are the most expensive, so go for more self-sufficient accommodation or rent a flat or villa to cut costs if you want to visit during summer.
WinterThe cooler months of May, September and early October are good times to travel to Benidorm as they don't coincide with school holidays, but are still warm and are less crowded! The winter months are the cheapest, but the weather will be mild rather than gloriously sunny. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the resort as Benidorm has so much to do, you won't notice if the sun nips behind a cloud.
When is the best time to visit Benidorm?
For sun worship
The peak time to catch maximum sun is in August, when the temperature can go into the 30s. The average temperature for the other summer months is 26°C, so if you're planning your trip around Playa de Levante or Playa Poniente beaches, or waterparks like Aqualandia or Aqua Natura, June to September is a great time to visit.
For watersportsThe sea in Benidorm is generally warm enough to take a dip all year round. Temperatures vary from 13°C in February to 26°C in the middle of summer, so watersports are something you can enjoy whenever you visit. If you're looking to try cable skiing, scuba diving, kayaking or banana boating, we recommend April to May or September to October.
For natureThere are a handful of wildlife parks in and around Benidorm, including Terra Natura (which has 200 species to see) and Safari Aitana, 47km from the town. To get the most out of a visit to these natural parks, spring is the best time of year to arrive. You won't feel overwhelmed by wandering around in the heat, but the weather will still be glorious and the sights will still be breathtaking.
For indoor pursuitsThe average winter temperature is 15°C (still a lot warmer than a British winter!). You can still head to the beach, but when it's chillier take the chance to brush up on a bit of culture. Benidorm has lots of museums and attractions that teach you about the area, including the Maritime Cultural Centre and the House Museum art gallery.
How much can you expect to pay in Benidorm?
Food
Luckily there are options to suit most budgets. Local seafood chip shops will have quick and easy options like red prawns and patatas bravas, or if you head up Tapas Alley you'll find more exclusive and high-end restaurants for paella, freshly caught fish and local wines and liqueurs. Most tapas places will do deals on shared plates and a bottle of wine, and there are some bargains to be had.
TravelTravelling in Benidorm is easy and affordable. A single bus journey costs between €1.20 and €1.65 and will get you around town and out to some of the neighbouring villages. You can pick up a Bono Bus 20 card and top it up as you go. Trams to other resorts along the Costa Brava cost €5.65 for a return, so you can day trip to Dénia or Alicante without breaking the bank.
ActivitiesThe Maritime Cultural Centre is free to enter, or take a wander up to Cavall Peak & Morales Tower for free. Watersports are a popular daytime activity and cable skiing costs €20-€40, while boat trips to Tabarca Island are €30-€45 for an afternoon excursion. Entrance to Aqualandia is €26 for one person and €112 for a family. To get into Aqua Natura, it's about €17 for children and around €23 for adults.