Benidorm

Overview

Benidorm is the Costa Blanca’s most iconic resort city. Two sweeping sandy beaches — Levante and Poniente — embrace the centre, with the Old Town’s white terraces and the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint in between. A vertical skyline, lively promenades, and Mediterranean buzz — all year round.

Population: ~70–80k (many times more in summer). Vibe: beaches, skyline, lots to do.

Attractions

• Balcón del Mediterráneo — white terraces in the Old Town.
• Levante Promenade — bars, cafés, sunrise vibes.
• Poniente Promenade — modern, wave-like design, perfect for sunset.
• Intempo — the golden “V” topping the skyline.
• Benidorm Island — short boat ride, crystal-clear water.

Getting there & around

By air — Alicante–Elche (ALC), about 57–60 km.

• Direct airport bus — regular services to Benidorm Estación de Autobuses, usually 45–60 minutes.
• TRAM d’Alacant — L1 Alicante (Luceros) ⇄ Benidorm; onward to Altea–Calpe–Dénia in the north. Great if you’re based in Alicante.
• Taxi / Cabify — ALC ⇄ Benidorm roughly 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Car hire — handy for wider exploring; central parking is mostly paid.

Tickets: TRAM and local buses run on the SUMA zone system; single, 10-ride and time-based passes available.

Benidorm beaches

Playa de Levante — Benidorm’s emblematic city beach, about 2 km long. Light, fine sand, gently shelving water and a continuous promenade with cafés, bars and watersports rentals. Sunrise comes from the Serra Gelada — perfect for a run or an early swim.

Playa de Poniente — over 3 km of wide shoreline with a calmer feel. The wave-like promenade offers shaded rest areas, playgrounds and fitness points. Best for golden sunsets when the water turns amber.

Mal Pas — a small, sheltered cove beneath the Old Town — ideal for a quick dip. Tío Ximo and Almadrava hide on the Serra Gelada side — crystal-clear water and pebbly bottoms, great for snorkelling.

Facilities & tips: foot showers, accessible ramps, lifeguards in season; loungers/umbrellas for rent in several spots. Plan for sunrise at Levante, sunset at Poniente.

Getting around: dense bus network along the seafront; if you park further out, it’s a 10–15 minute walk through the Old Town between the two main beaches.

Nature & hikes

Serra Gelada — dramatic cliffside natural park between Benidorm and Albir. The lighthouse walk (Faro del Albir) is an easy paved trail with sweeping views over the bay. More experienced hikers can take the ridge path for real cliff-edge drama.

Benidorm Island — a small rocky islet just offshore. Transparent water and posidonia meadows make it perfect for snorkelling; glass-bottom boats depart hourly from the harbour.

Viewpoints: La Cruz de Benidorm above Levante — short drive/hike with full-bay views; Tossal de la Cala Roman remains provide a great outlook from the Poniente side.

What to bring: closed shoes for rocky paths, sun protection, water. In summer, go early morning or late afternoon.