Benidorm is a municipality and town located in the province of Alicante, Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Benidorm is a must-visit if your idea of a perfect vacation is long days on the beach, warm weather, fun activities for the whole family, and loud parties until the wee hours of the morning. And if you have planned your next vacation in Benidorm, we have curated a list of the best things to do in Benidorm for you.
Golf, go-karts, paintball, water sports, and mountain climbing are just some of the many activities on offer here. You can choose between a week or two of sightseeing or a relaxing vacation where you have to do almost nothing. The nearby water and amusement parks are sure to be a hit with families with young children.
We have compiled a list of the best things to do in Benidorm.
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It may be that not everyone likes to go to animal parks with shows and demonstrations, but Mundomar is very modern and has large enclosures for its many marine animals and birds.
The sneakers and keepers of the dolphins and sea lions seem to have a real connection with the animals, so children will enjoy watching them perform.
At the zoo in this park, you can see otters, penguins, and many species of monkeys and birds up close.
For experiences such as swimming with sea lions or getting up close and personal with dolphins, advance reservations are required.
Another popular activity, Benidorm has literally thousands of places to choose from, from dives to cabarets and karaoke venues to cocktail lounges.
Here’s a comprehensive list of bars, complete with clickable maps.
Most restaurants and pubs are open all day, and some are even open until the wee hours of the morning. You can find something to eat or drink at any time of the day or night.
Drive or walk to the famous cross at Mirador de la Cruz.
A visit to the cross is a must, as it is one of the things to do in Benidorm at any time of the day or night to enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Benidorm and its surroundings. Located high up in the Sierra Gelada nature reserve, it is an excellent vantage point.
You can drive almost to it by car, park and then walk up the stairs and footpath to the cross from the city. You can take bus line 24 for about two-thirds of the way to your destination. To get to the Albir Lighthouse, you can continue walking through the highlands. Since there are no stores or toilets at the cross, you will have to take everything you might need with you.
Just across from Mundomar is one of the largest water parks in Spain, which opened its doors in 1985. It is enlarged every year, and new attractions are opened practically every season.
The new Vertigo water slide sends visitors into the pool at 100 km/h, and some of them, like Big Bang, the largest water slide in Europe, can break records.
All pools, whirlpools, and water slides use water pumped directly from the Mediterranean Sea after being desalinated.
Aqualandia’s wave pool is huge and can accommodate thousands of swimmers at once.
It is one of the best destinations for children in Benidorm.
There are 15 different golf courses on the Costa Blanca, so you do not have to skip your Mediterranean vacation just because you want to play a round of golf.
The Sierra Cortina pitch and putt course is a great option for families and is close by. There are 18 holes, so both experienced professionals and beginners can improve their skills.
If this is just the beginning of your golf adventure, just fifteen minutes away you will find a picturesque nine-hole course nestled between the mountains and the sea.
Altea Golf Club not only has a driving range, but also a Pilates studio for those who prefer to stay on the sidelines. If you like golf, now you know one of the best things to do in Benidorm is to enjoy yourself!
Saint James, the patron saint of the city, is honored by naming the local church. It is located on the highest point of Canfali Hill, overlooking the old town below. It is a neoclassical building from the 18th century with a dome covered with blue Mediterranean tiles.
On the inside of the building is a statue of Virgen del Sufragio, the patron saint of Benidorm. The Virgin Mary is honored with her own small church, which houses the picturesque wooden statue that, according to legend, was found on a ship lost at sea.
Benidorm is a real tourist enclave, so the food here is not exactly the pinnacle of Spanish cuisine. However, the large community of expatriates and tourists from northern Europe makes dining in the resort a truly global experience.
There are restaurants serving Chinese, Thai, Indian and Italian cuisine, as well as a sushi bar serving Japanese food.
Nevertheless, Valencia has some good tapas bars, and restaurants that serve authentic Valencian rice dishes such as seafood paella. Benidorm’s wide selection of nightclubs, pubs, and bars party until dawn, making the city’s summer evenings some of the most exciting and lively in Europe.
KM Discoteca and Discoteca Privilege are two of the most popular establishments in Avenida Communitat Valencia, where the most famous clubs are located.
The next destination on the coast is Altea, a resort town located on a harbor beyond the Sierra Helada mountain range. Compared to Benidorm, the atmosphere in Altea is much more tranquil, and the historic center of the town is reminiscent of places around the Mediterranean.
It is located on a steep slope that drops off quickly and is full of winding streets and stairs. All the houses in this neighborhood have white exterior paint, wrought iron balconies and window grilles, and gas lamps.
Altea’s parish church is a well-known landmark with its white tile patterns on the two bright blue domes. This building is not to be missed.
Visiting the Low Festival is undoubtedly one of the best experiences in Benidorm. Spain has a significant independent music scene, and during the summer months, festivals are held in almost every city and major resort in the country.
Benidorm hosts the Low Festival every year, an acronym for “Low Cost” When it comes to town at the end of July, it’s a real treasure trove for those who like both alternative guitar pop and dance music.
In the tradition of other Spanish festivals, the first bands perform at sunset, and the program continues well into the night as temperatures begin to drop.
Benidorm is a treasure trove of beautiful things to do, and you can take part in any of the activities that we have listed above, and make the best of your vacation.
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