10 Places in Benidorm You Must Not Miss
This list of the best places to see in Benidorm helps you plan your visit to this tourist city on the Costa Blanca and make the most of your time.
The city was a small fishing village until the 1960s but has since been transformed by impressive skyscrapers and is today one of Europe’s most famous holiday destinations, thanks to the sun, the beach, and the 24-hour entertainment offerings.
One of Benidorm’s biggest attractions is the pleasant climate for most of the year as well as the large, clean beaches. This allows you to visit the city outside the high season and enjoy its main sights in a more relaxed setting than in the summer months. If you are traveling with children, Benidorm also offers large family-friendly holiday complexes and several amusement parks such as Terra Mítica and Aqualandia.
However, keep in mind that Benidorm during the summer season may not be the ideal place for those seeking a quiet holiday, as the city fills up with young people from all over Spain and Europe who come to party at the many discos and nightclubs.
Based on our own experiences during our self-driving trips in the Valencia region, and because Benidorm is one of Spain’s most intense cities, we have compiled this list of what we believe are 10 places in Benidorm you simply must see. Let’s get started!
1. The Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Strolling through the narrow streets of the Old Town, located on the Punta Canfali cliff and forming the core of the original fishing village, is one of the best things you can do in Benidorm.
A good route can start by picking up a map at the tourist office at Plaza Canalejas and continue towards Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana, the town’s oldest church, where you can find the beloved figure of the Virgin of Sufragio.
When you step out of the church, you can walk to the Sant Jaume viewpoint overlooking Playa de Levante and further up to Plaza Castelar, where there is a large anchor and views of Playa de Poniente.
Continuing upward, you reach Plaza de Santa Ana, which is flanked by four old iron cannons from the former castle, as well as Plaza del Castillo, from which you can access Balcón del Mediterráneo.
On the way down, you can stop by Plaza de la Señoría, which has a monument dedicated to the sailors who perished at sea, and get lost in the Old Town’s narrow streets, such as Costera del Barco, until you reach the pedestrian street, Calle Alameda, which is perfect for a drink at one of the many bars.
A good way to learn more about the city’s history and ensure you don’t miss anything exciting is to book this free tour in Benidorm – one of the best free tours in the city.
2. Balcón del Mediterráneo
Balcón del Mediterráneo (or Mirador del Castillo), which you reach via the beautiful staircase at Plaza del Castillo, is one of the most iconic places in Benidorm.
This white stone structure, located on a small cliff separating Playa de Poniente from Playa de Levante, offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city’s skyline, beaches, and the Mediterranean Sea – and is also a perfect place to enjoy both sunrise and sunset.
3. Benidorm’s Beaches
Among the best things to do in Benidorm is to take a dip in one of the city’s beautiful beaches and coves.
The closest to the center are the wide sandy beaches Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente, both located on either side of Punta Canfali and offering all the facilities you need.
Between these two beaches, you’ll find the small, charming Cala de Mal Pas, but if you’re looking for more peace and the opportunity to settle down right at the water’s edge, you can go to Cala del Tio Ximo and Cala Almadrava in the northern part of the city, which are perfect for snorkeling.
4. Mirador de La Cruz – One of the Most Important Places to See in Benidorm
Although you get a beautiful view from Balcón del Mediterráneo, Mirador de la Cruz in Benidorm is the place where you truly get the city’s best panorama.
This lookout, located 217 meters above sea level in the highest part of the Serra Gelada natural park, has become a must-visit spot in both Benidorm and the entire Valencia region. Here, you’ll have a spectacular view over the city, the coast, and the mountains – especially at sunset, when the light reflects on the sea, creating a magical moment.
An interesting fact: At the top, you can see a cross that the Franciscan brothers erected in 1961 to free the city from sin and its new customs, such as the use of bikinis.
You can either walk up from Rincón de Loix in about 40 minutes, drive by car, or book this tourist bus tour, which runs to the city’s main attractions.
5. Benidorm’s Markets
Another place you should see in Benidorm is the popular markets, where you can feel the city’s soul and enjoy the special atmosphere.
One of the most famous is the market in Rincón de Loix, located on an open square next to Hotel Pueblo. It is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 2 PM, and it’s a great place to buy quality clothing and fresh produce – and additionally, you’ll find a stall with delicious churros.
Another market, open year-round on Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, is the Foietes Market, which stands out with its fruit and vegetable stalls as well as a number of bars and restaurants in the area.
If you have more time, you can also visit Rastro de Benidorm or El Cisne Market, 4 km from the center. Here, you can find all sorts of second-hand products and antiques. It is open on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
If you travel to Benidorm in the summer, you can experience the lively Les Nits del Castell market, held at Benidorm’s castle (Castillo) and filled with crafts and paintings.
Our Recommended Hotel in Benidorm
Our recommended accommodation in Benidorm is Hotel Benidorm City Olympia, located in the heart of the Old Town, just 150 meters from Playa de Levante and 300 meters from Playa de Poniente.
If you’re looking for a hotel with a pool and close to the beach, you might consider Hotel RH Princesa or Sol Pelicanos Ocas, both offering excellent value for money.
For a romantic holiday, we also recommend checking out this list of charming hotels in Alicante.
6. Theme Parks
Another place you should see in Benidorm, perfect for a fun day with family or friends, is the city’s theme parks. Among the best are:
- Aqualandia: One of Europe’s largest water parks with fast slides and large pools for both adults and children. [Buy your ticket here]
- Terra Mítica: Inspired by ancient cultures from Egypt, Rome, and Greece. Here you can get your adrenaline pumping on roller coasters and enjoy various shows. [Buy your ticket here]
There are also parks like Aqua Natura, Terra Natura, or Mundomar, which use animals for commercial purposes. We cannot recommend these on principle, as we believe they do not promote responsible tourism.
7. Eating Paella – One of the Best Things to Do in Benidorm
Benidorm is brimming with a wide and varied selection of restaurants serving everything from local Spanish cuisine to dishes from around the world.
However, there is one dish that stands out: the delicious paella, which you can taste at some of the best places to eat in Benidorm, such as J.Manu, Bar Mal Pas, or Marisquería Córdoba, all located in the city’s old center.
Another one of the best things to do in Benidorm is to eat tapas at La Cava Aragonesa or The Zodiac Bar, enjoy freshly made pasta and pizza at Italian Twist or Duetto, savor mussels in all varieties at La Mejillonera, or enjoy a great view with your meal at D-vora Gastrobar.
8. Gran Hotel Bali
Gran Hotel Bali, located near Playa de Poniente, is Europe’s tallest hotel and one of the places in Benidorm you must not miss.
This gigantic hotel complex, spanning over 60,000 m², is known for being one of the safest in Spain and boasts a height of 186 meters spread over 52 floors. Here, you’ll get an impressive 360-degree view of the entire city and its surroundings.
It costs 6 euros to take the panoramic elevator up to the viewpoint (if you’re not staying at the hotel, where the price for guests is 2 euros).
9. Nightlife
In addition to sun and beach, many tourists, especially in the summer, come to Benidorm to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
The city offers everything from large discos, English pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and cozy bars in the Old Town where you can start the evening with a beer.
Among the most visited areas are the bars on Calle Esperanto, the discos along Route N-332 featuring performances by the hottest DJs, the English pubs and bars around Gerona, Ibiza, and Lepanto streets, as well as the center around Carrerò dels Gats and Carrer del Metge. Additionally, Paseo de Levante houses several nightclubs, such as KM Playa, Richard New Look, and Penélope Playa.
10. Excursions from Benidorm
As a final recommendation on this list of places to see in Benidorm, you should consider taking an excursion to one of the many beautiful areas near the city, for example:
- Guadalest: A small, medieval town with a charming castle on a cliff top. Here you can follow our list of places to see in Guadalest.
- Altea: This coastal town captivates at first glance. Here you’ll find an old town with chalk-white houses and narrow streets leading up to the impressive church Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. You can read more in our list of places to see in Altea.
- Calpe: One of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca. Calpe impresses with its beaches, cliffs, medieval and Roman ruins, salt lakes, and the iconic rock formation, Peñón de Ifach. Here you can follow our list of places to see in Calpe.
- Villajoyosa: The town is known for its colorful, picturesque houses and is an old fishing village where the famous Moros y Cristianos festivals are celebrated. Read more in our post about what to see in Villajoyosa.
Safe travels and enjoy Benidorm!