I'm usually drawn towards emerging destinations but Europe has some fantastic beach destinations, especially Spain. One destination that has been popular for many decades is Benidorm.

Benidorm can be a good option if you're from the UK and are looking for a week away in the sun. It's been years since I've been to Benidorm but it is a fun, lively destination. It may not be Ibiza but with a vibrant party scene, it is a good alternative to the white isle.

Every year, this coastal town welcomes around 5 million visitors. Nearly, 15% of the people that visit Spain head straight to Benidorm, every year. So, what is so special about this relatively small seaside town? If you're looking for things to do in Benidorm, I hope this article helps.

Places To Visit in Benidorm

See The Beach

Well without a doubt the fact it has three beautiful beaches helps. All of them have been awarded Blue Flags, which means the water and sand meet high standards of cleanliness. Each beach has lifeguards on patrol during the high season. The disabled and elderly visitors are also well catered for.

Levante

If you want to see a spectacular sunrise or sunset this is the beach to stroll along. During the day it is very busy. There are over 5,000 sunbeds for hire, as well as areas that are given over to those who just want to lay out a beach towel. The wet playground that is anchored off the beach is great fun, with slides, rafts and diving boards for all to enjoy. It is very popular with teenagers and families. Behind the beach, there is a broad promenade that is full of bars, restaurants and shops. The town is just a short walk away.

Poniente

This beach is a bit further away from the town, so is less crowded. There are still quite a few cafes, bars and shops to enjoy. You can still hire a sunbed, but far more of the beach is given over to people who just want to stretch out on a towel to sunbathe and enjoy a dip in the sea.

Mal Pas

This is a small sandy cove, which is located near the old town. It is quieter than the other two.

Water Sports in Benidorm

As you would expect water sports are big in Benidorm. You name it, you can try it here, or nearby. If you're a water Girl about the Globe, you'll love all the water sports here, whether it's jet-skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, on the back of an inflatable banana, windsurfing or going underwater and scuba diving. You can even try flyboarding or just sail along the coastline taking in the views.

Theme Parks

There are several theme parks in the area. Mundomar is a modern water park that puts on dolphin and sea lion shows. It also has a zoo with a big primate and bird population.

Terra Mitica is a quirky theme park with a 1km wooden roller coaster, which is a particularly popular attraction. There are also shows and performances to enjoy in the Roman, Greek and Egyptian areas of the park. In July and August, the Iberian and Islands sections are also open. There is also a big spa area to enjoy.

The three other big theme parks are called Aqualandia, Terra Natura and Aqua Natura. All of them are open during the peak season.

Other Activities

If you want to get away from the town and enjoy something a little different a round of golf or a walk in the hills and mountains behind Benidorm are both great ideas. You can also find companies offering other activities like riding and mountain biking.

Food and Drink

There are plenty of nice towns and villages nearby to visit. They are much more Spanish than Benidorm, so are they good places to experience the local cuisine. However, there are also some nice traditional Spanish restaurants in Benidorm itself, especially in the old town. Tapas Alley is a particularly good place to head for if you want traditional Spanish food. 

Near to Alicante, Benidorm is a seaside resort on the Costa Blanca and known for its lively nightlife. Admittedly not as chic or trendy as Ibiza, Benidorm does have its more tacky side with cabaret shows, tribute acts, karaoke and of course – foam parties.

At Night: Benidorm Attractions

Head to The Square for the party area, the centre of the nightlife where you can jump on a podium and throw a few shapes. This area isn’t just limited to the evening either. Rock up during the day and grab a bite to eat whilst listening to live music playing in the afternoon.

You’ll see names that you’ll recognise from England, such as the Red Lion, and the Guinness Bar which offers cocktails amongst its aptly-named drink – Guinness. Heartbreak is a fun bar with a huge yellow car inside, and it also doubles up as an internet cafe too.

Champions Bar is one of the most lively venues here but prepared to be open-minded. Amongst the electronic and pop music, you’ll find a mechanical bull to try and tame. Beachcomber, situated on Avenue de Mallorca is a cool place to party and one of Benidorm’s best clubs, or head to the Hippodrome Club for dance music until the early hours.

The bars and clubs here play a range of music from R&B, funky house and trance and you’ll even find a pool party or two amongst the nightlife at The Top Road with professional clubbing dancers.

If the thought of walking into a club alone is too nerve-wracking, one great place to visit as a solo is the Cuba bar. This sociable venue isn’t just a taste of Latin America and the Caribbean upon the European continent but it’s also a place to learn how to dance like a Latina. Every Sunday they hold salsa lessons – for free! If you love to dance, this is the place to show off your bachata or cha cha skills.

Consider joining a pub quiz to meet others at the New Life Pub with a happy hour that lasts all night. If you prefer to party at the beach, head to KM Playa with a myriad of bars at night and pre-parties during the day. For those who do want to go cabaret-style, Chaplin’s is where it’s at. Named after the famous actor, you’ll find statues of the man himself inside and lots of cabaret acts to choose from.

Benidorm is really safe to go out with lots of tourists around but if you prefer company for an evening, join one of the bar crawls. Benidorm Bar Crawl claims to be the biggest and craziest bar crawl culminating with a foam party.

So if you're looking for somewhere fun to go for your next trip, Benidorm holidays are for the type of solo who loves the beach by day and a party atmosphere at night.