Benidorm travel tips: Things to do, see and explore
Benidorm is one of the most popular cities in Spain, famous for its party scene.
But there is also a relaxed part of the city for families and retired people looking to enjoy the local activities and explore the more historic side in the old town, writes Travel News Blitz’s Bianca Wright.
With a residential population of around 75,000 the city can be quiet and relaxed in the non-peak times – if you're looking for a more relaxed and peaceful experience, this is the period to visit.
However at peak times you can expect to see the streets full of tourists, bars filled with party goers, and beaches full of families.
Around five million visitors stay overnight and 12 million pass through on day trips.
With over three miles of golden coastline divided into two stretches of sandy beaches and a hidden cove, you can expect to have a fantastic day enjoying the beach either sunbathing, playing volleyball or even getting that adrenaline pumped on the jet skis, banana boats or paragliding through the sky overlooking the beautiful city above the Mediterranean Sea.
With over 2,000 bars and 200 nightclubs there is no wonder the city attracts those seeking to dance the night away.
On the other hand, the city has so much more to it than just partying.
For those families fancying a day out you have access to the famous waterpark, a zoo and Terra Mitica, the largest theme park in the Costa Blanca region for all the thrill seekers.
There are also weekly markets to enjoy, cabaret shows, water activities and more, so let's explore what's on offer.
New Town
Filled with high rise buildings and hotels, the new town of Benidorm – also known as the Levante – is a world away from the old town of Benidorm.
Filled with neon lights, the city really does glow in the dark.
Fantastic for its nightlife, the city also offers a space where families can come together and enjoy their holidays – from plenty of arcades to entertain children, a funfair and a wide variety of eating establishments, here you can be assured you will not get bored.
Old Town
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the New Town and engage yourself in a totally new experience of Spanish culture, historical buildings and cobbled streets.
Fancy some shopping? No problem – on offer there are vibrant, quirky alleyways full of shops where you can find souvenirs, artisan items, bakers, and a lovely selection of shoes and clothes.
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Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana
If you enjoy sightseeing here you can explore the 18th century church, located at the top of the old town, with its vibrant bright blue tiled domes containing the chapel of Benidorm's Patron Saint.
Balcon del Mediterraneo
Built on the ruins of the 14th century castle is the beautiful white stone and bright blue railing platform that offers you a full panoramic view of the city – you can be sure you won’t want to miss.
There are plenty of restaurants, tapas, cafes and bars to choose from, whether you like to spice up your tastebuds with fresh Mediterranean cuisine or if you fancy something different there are Italian, Indian and a large range of different foods to choose from.
Terra Mitica
For all you adrenaline junkies, this theme park is for you!
Situated just outside the main city on the hills of Partida del Moralet area, just a short 10-minute drive away from the main town, this theme park is easily accessible by taxi or the local bus.
The park features over 30 different rides and attractions accommodating people of all ages, as well as a wide variety of live shows available to watch throughout the day.
Feeling hungry and forgot your packed lunch? No problem. With over 10 food outlets you can be sure to be spoilt for choice – whether it's a tasty paella or a grab-and-go burger, you can be sure to well fed.
Terra Natura
For those families wanting to entertain the little ones, this zoo is the most magical day out for all.
With over 1,500 animals and 200 different species from all over the world, the park features a unique design allowing for a full immersion into wildlife and the tropical lands.
Enter the monkey cage where you can have access to feed the animals or visit the parrot show to watch these beautiful birds give you a show to remember.
You can also visit the dolphin show and watch them perform with the opportunity to get into the water with them for a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with these magical sea swimmers and get professional photos taken for your own memories (at an additional cost).
Tickets can be bought online prior to your visit for a discounted rate or purchased on the door.
Aqua Natura
Situated right next door to Terra Natura, this waterpark is nice and compact, making it a more relaxing experience for families with little ones.
The park features three roller coaster waterslides, La Cresta, famous for its zero-gravity experience on the double water raft, the Blackhole and the Kamikaze for those seeking a thrill.
In the children's zone you can expect to see the Adventure Island which features such as splash pools, water playgrounds and water nets.
For those little mermaids wanting to experience what it is like to swim with a Monopin the park offers a swim school for this.
Be sure to bring some extra cash as the park has a strict policy where you cannot bring in your own food – this must be purchased from the food courts within the park, extra payment for locker hire, rubber ring hire and sunbed hire.
Alternatively, you can just pitch up on the surrounding grass areas for free.
Aqualandia
Europe's largest waterpark you can find here in Benidorm. The first ever to be built in Spain back in 1985 and remains the largest waterpark in the country.
Located just outside the Sierra Helada natural park, the park has various swimming pools, lagoons and over 30 waterslides for all ages to enjoy.
The park is separated into various zones where the slides are situated together at their own insensitive levels to ensure safety for those riders and enjoyment for everyone.
Here you can experience Europe's tallest standing vertigo slide tower that features a 33 metre drop inside a capsule with a trap door that opens underneath you sending you flying down at over 100km/ph. Yikes, this one is not for the faint hearted.
If that is too much for you, don't worry, there’s plenty more on offer for everyone to enjoy.
Be sure to purchase your tickets online for a cheaper rate or you can buy them on the door.
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Markets
You can visit the markets on various days in the week depending on what it is you are looking for.
El Pueblo Levante
Located in the new town area, this market takes place weekly every Wednesday and Sunday. Known for being the largest market in the city with around 300 stalls you can be sure here you will find whatever it is you are looking for.
You can access the market by foot or hop on a local bus. The times to visit are between 8am and 2pm, however in peak season the times extend to 3pm depending on how busy it is.
The Foietes Market
Situated in the Foietes area of Benidorm, this market is slightly different to the highly populated and busy Levante one, offering a more traditional Spanish feeling and less packed with tourists, it is the oldest market offering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses.
It runs every Wednesday from 8.30am until 2pm.
El Cisne Flea Market
For all the car boot lovers, get yourself down to this incredible flea market.
As the saying goes “someone else's trash is another man's treasure” – you can be sure to grab a bargain here, with a variety of used items sold from antiques to furniture and second-hand clothing, there is something of everything for you to see.
You can be sure to enjoy the day here on a Sunday with live shows being performed in the courtyard, from traditional flamingo dancers to jazz bands.
You can also find yourself having a little boogie as you browse while enjoying some Spanish cuisine.
Situated outside the main town and on the border of the nearing village of Alfas Del Pi, the Market takes place every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am till 2pm.
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