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Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Ho, Benidorm

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Benidorm

Updated 1 October 2026 · 14 things to do

Pictured: Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Ho

Benidorm is easy to caricature and hard not to enjoy. Two big golden beaches back onto a skyline of high-rises, the sun shines for most of the year, and the old town has a tiny church and a headland viewpoint that look as if they've wandered in from a different resort.

It's also a very handy base. Theme parks, water parks and a natural park are on the doorstep, and some of Spain's prettiest hill villages and coastal towns are a short drive away. Do the beaches, then go exploring.

Don't miss

  1. 1Levante Beach
  2. 2Poniente Beach
  3. 3Old town and the Balcón del Mediterráneo
  4. 4Terra Mítica
  5. 5Guadalest

Beaches and coast

Two beaches, back to back, and a coastline that is wilder than you might expect.

  1. Levante Beach

    Beach

    The golden sand of Levante Beach in Benidorm backed by high-rise hotels
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The sunrise beach is the one in the postcards: a wide curve of golden sand edged by a lively promenade, with cafés, ice-cream stalls and a wall of hotels behind. It's busy, brash and fun, and a good place to people-watch.

    Tip: Stroll the promenade in the evening, when the lights come on and the heat drops.

  2. Poniente Beach

    Beach

    Poniente Beach in Benidorm
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Poniente faces west, so you get long sunsets over the water. It's wider and a little calmer than Levante, with a promenade and plenty of room for sunbeds, and it's a favourite with families who want a gentler pace.

  3. Isla de Benidorm

    Nature

    The rocky Benidorm Island just off the coast
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A small, uninhabited rocky island that sits just off the coast, a short boat ride from the port. Boats circle the island and stop for a swim, and the clear water around it's good for snorkelling.

  4. Serra Gelada and the Albir lighthouse

    Nature

    The lighthouse at L'Albir
    Photo: Jesús Alenda, CC BY 2.0

    Between Benidorm and L'Albir, the Serra Gelada is a protected stretch of coast with sheer cliffs dropping into the sea. The walk out to the lighthouse at L'Albir is a favourite, with views over the Mediterranean and a chance of spotting seabirds.

    Tip: Wear proper shoes and carry water, as there is little shade.

The old town and the skyline

  1. Old town and the Balcón del Mediterráneo

    Neighbourhood

    Between the two beaches, the old town is a tangle of narrow lanes around the blue-domed church of San Jaime. At the end of the headland, the Balcón del Mediterráneo is a viewpoint with a stone balcony out over the sea, where Levante and Poniente sweep away on either side.

  2. The skyline

    Landmark

    Benidorm's thicket of high-rise hotels and apartments is part of its charm. It's the reason a small fishing village became a major resort, and the best views are from a rooftop bar or a viewpoint on the hills above town as the lights come on.

  3. Benidorm Palace

    Nightlife

    The Benidorm Palace show venue
    Photo: Zarateman, CC0

    A big, glittering dinner-and-cabaret venue where the entertainment is full-on Vegas: dancers, singers, acrobats and costume changes by the dozen. It's pure Benidorm, and a fun night out for groups.

    Tip: Book ahead and check what is on during your stay.

Theme parks and water parks

  1. Terra Mítica

    Activity

    The Terra Mítica theme park seen from a Benidorm hotel
    Photo: FDV, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A theme park themed on the civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean, including Egypt, Greece, Rome and Iberia, with roller coasters, shows and a series of dramatic gates and temples. It sits on the edge of town, with the hills as a backdrop.

    Tip: Aim to arrive when it opens and ride the biggest coasters first.

  2. Aqualandia

    Water park

    Benidorm's big water park, with slides, pools and splash zones for all ages. It's a favourite for families on a hot day, and a welcome break from the sand.

Eat and drink

  1. Tapas in the old town

    Food

    The lanes around the old town are crammed with tapas bars, where you can order croquetas, patatas bravas, grilled prawns and cold beers at the counter. Hop between a few for the full effect.

  2. Paella

    Food

    A seafood paella
    Photo: Wilfredor, CC0

    Paella is from Valencia, just up the coast, so this is the place to try it done properly. Look for restaurants that cook it to order and use rice from the region, and share a pan for two.

    Tip: Paella is made fresh, so allow time and skip anywhere that has it ready in a hurry.

Day trips

  1. Guadalest

    Day trip

    The hill village of Guadalest in the mountains behind Benidorm
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A tiny village perched on a rocky outcrop, reached through a tunnel in the rock and topped by a ruined castle and a bell tower. The reservoir below is a turquoise sliver among the hills, and the views are spectacular.

    Tip: Go early, before the coaches arrive.

  2. Altea

    Day trip

    The blue-domed Church of Our Lady of Consolation in Altea
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A white-walled hill town up the coast with cobbled lanes, craft shops and a blue-and-white tiled church dome that you can see from far away. It's quieter and more artistic than Benidorm, and lovely for a lunch and an afternoon stroll.

  3. Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach

    Day trip

    The Peñón de Ifach rock at Calpe
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

    To the north, Calpe is dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a giant limestone rock that juts into the sea and is protected as a natural park. A path leads towards the top, and the town has a harbour, beaches and good seafood.

Where to stay in Benidorm

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Benidorm →

Getting around

Benidorm is compact, so you can walk to most things, and the TRAM runs along the coast to Alicante in one direction and to Altea and Calpe on a different line. Hire a car for Guadalest and the villages in the hills.

When to go

Summer is hot and busy. Spring and autumn are warm enough for the beach and good for walking, and winters are mild, so Benidorm stays open and lively all year.

Questions about visiting Benidorm

What is Benidorm best known for?
Its two long golden beaches, Levante and Poniente, a skyline of high-rise hotels, lively nightlife and year-round sunshine.
What is there to do in Benidorm with kids?
Aqualandia, Terra Mítica, calm sandy beaches and boat trips to Isla de Benidorm are all popular with families.
What are the best day trips from Benidorm?
Guadalest, Altea and Calpe are the favourites, each an easy drive and a world away from the high-rises.
How many days do you need in Benidorm?
A week is the classic stay, with beach days plus time for a theme park and a couple of day trips.
Do you need a car in Benidorm?
No, the resort is walkable and has good tram and bus links. A hire car helps for the hill villages and the coast.

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