Things to see and do in Benidorm

Of course one of the primary reasons to visit Benidorm – and cities along the Costa Blanca including Denia and Moraira – is for the beaches, which elegantly fuse the beauty of the Mediterranean coast with sophisticated city life, and offer plenty of activities to tourists, including swimming, diving, sailing, windsurfing and paragliding.

Benidorm’s two biggest beaches, Levante and Poniente are large, sweeping crescents of sand that rank among the best beaches in Spain. Naturally clean and south-facing, they lie on either side of a rocky outcrop known as the Balcón del Mar, which splits the Bay of Benidorm in two. Playa de Poniente, in particular, has a newly built promenade and volleyball courts and is easily accessed from hotels.

A visit to Benidorm needn’t lack a taste of traditional Spain. Just a short drive up the coast is Altea, a maze of cobbled streets and charming houses that exudes character when compared with the sprawling tower blocks of Benidorm. Stop in at the magnificent Virgin del Consuelo, the blue-dome church decorated with white glazed ceramic tiles, and if you can, pay a visit on a Tuesday when the town’s outdoor market is held.

Of course, no visit to Benidorm would be complete without a trip to the city’s theme and water parks, beginning with Terra Mítica, which has Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Iberian and Balearic zones and a multitude of rides and shows for children. Nearby Terra Natura is a zoological park where you can venture into the jungle and see elephants and lions before swimming with sharks and rays at Aqua Natura – also part of the park. Hydrotherapy provides the perfect way to unwind after all that excitement. Aqualandia and Mundomar are waterparks on the outskirts of Benidorm, sure to get your heart racing.