Benidorm, the European Manhattan.
🌿 TYPE OF TRIP
Leisure and entertainment
🤔 BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO BENIDORM
SEPTEMBER: Traveling to Benidorm outside of peak season can be very appealing. A short holiday, a long weekend, a few days during Easter week, or Christmas are all perfect excuses to enjoy its microclimate, ideal from April to November.
✔ WHAT TO DO IN BENIDORM
Benidorm is a lively coastal town on the Costa Blanca. This Mediterranean resort, just 45 minutes northeast of Alicante Airport, is famous for its long, golden beaches. Families with children will have a fantastic time at Aqualandia water park and Terra Mítica theme park. Benidorm's indoor and open-air markets offer the perfect shopping experience. At night, the town comes alive with bars and clubs catering to international tastes. Find your ideal spot in this town and its surroundings.
🌮 YOU CAN'T LEAVE BENIDORM WITHOUT TRYING IT
Benidorm offers a cuisine that blends international flavors with traditional dishes, resulting in a list of irresistible specialties. Rice dishes (like arroz caldoso), fish from the bay, and cazuela de pescado al estilo pobre (a simple fish stew) are just some of its typical dishes, while for dessert, the bollo de San Blas (a sweet bread roll) and sweet potato pastries stand out. Come and try them all!
👁🗨 CURIOSITIES OF BENIDORM
Benidorm was a small fishing village that received its first visitors around 1893. However, its real tourist boom came with Pedro Zaragoza, mayor between 1950 and 1967. He managed to transform the municipality, turning it from an economy based on the fishing industry—which was in crisis—into a leading tourist destination in the 1950s. For this reason, Pedro Zaragoza is considered "the inventor of sun and beach tourism" because he successfully boosted the tourism sector in the town.
😎 MISS WOOD'S TIP
Don't miss a visit to the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana. It sits atop Canfali Hill and dates back to the 18th century. Legend has it that the Virgin of the Suffrage was found adrift at sea in a boat and has been housed in this church ever since. Be sure to stop at the viewpoint for some incredible views. And later, enjoy a drink in the Alley of the Cats. When you arrive, you'll understand why it's called that.
5 MUST-SEE PLACES IN BENIDORM
1. SIERRA HELADA NATURAL PARK: About 15 minutes by car northeast of Benidorm, the region's rugged terrain offers an unparalleled setting for hiking with rewarding views of the Mediterranean. Numerous organized routes allow you to discover hidden coastal caves, spot wildlife, and even climb to a lighthouse or cape for the best views in the area.
2. THE ALGAR SPRINGS: The visit consists of a 1.5 km circuit along the Algar River (which means 'cave' in Arabic). During this route, the river carries a large amount of cold water, forming waterfalls and natural pools through gorges and surrounded by abundant Mediterranean vegetation.
3. AIGÜERA PARK: Start your day calmly and enjoy a peaceful stroll through this oasis in the heart of the city. Aigüera Park is distinguished by its unique design, with two Roman-style amphitheaters connected by a 300-meter promenade lined with palm trees. Numerous cultural events and concerts are held here during the summer.
4. CALA ALMADRAVA: Cala Almadrava, north of Benidorm, is situated in a wild and natural setting at the foot of Serra Gelada. This beautiful 100m long beach is made up of fine sand and rocks. It is especially recommended for those who love tranquility and are looking to spend a truly relaxing day away from crowded beaches.
5. ALTEA: Its beautiful old town is a labyrinth of whitewashed houses adorned with plants and flowers, among whose pink rooftops stand out, at the very top, the two famous blue domes. A picture-perfect scene, one of the most photographed towns on the Alicante coast and a place that has inspired artists and painters for decades.
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