All about Benidorm (Costa Blanca, Spain)

Getting to know Benidorm and its history

Did you know that…

• Benidorm (after Paris) has the most skyscrapers in Europe. In fact, relative to its population, Benidorm has the most skyscrapers in the world;

• in 1953 Benidorm was first town in Spain to allow bikinis;

• the inhabitants of Benidorm speak their own dialect, el panocho. This dialect is a mixture of Catalan and Spanish;

• Benidorm has often been used as a backdrop for movies (such as The Inbetweeners) and TV series (British series Benidorm);

• Benidorm has a huge aquarium with as many as 35,000 fish.

The history in brief

Benidorm’s history dates back to Roman times, when it was an important trading post because of its convenient location by the sea.

In the Middle Ages, the city was fortified against piracy and was an important base for fishing and agriculture.

In the 20th century, Benidorm became a popular tourist destination because of its beaches, warm climate and growing nightlife.

During the 1950s and 1960s, many high-rise hotels and apartments were built to accommodate the influx of tourists.

The name ‘Benidorm’

The origin of the name Benidorm is not entirely clear. One common explanation is that the name comes from the Arabic word “Banu Dirm” meaning“son of Dirm.” Dirm would then have been a local ruler in the region during the Moorish era.

Another explanation is that the name comes from the Latin word “benedictus” meaning“blessed.”

The geography & neighborhoods in Benidorm

The location of Benidorm

Benidorm is centrally located on the east coast of Spain, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The tourist heart of the Costa Blanca, the town is located in a sheltered bay, surrounded by the Sierra Helada mountains and the impressive peaks of the hinterland.

Its strategic position near the Alicante International Airport makes the resort the ideal base for many travelers to explore the rest of the Marina Baixa. The good connections provide quick access to surrounding mountain villages and natural parks.

Geographically, the city is built around a central rock that separates the two extensive sandy beaches. At this point is the historic core, from which one overlooks the entire coastline and the city’s striking high-rises.

Benidorm’s central location makes it not only a popular vacation destination, but also a functional hub between the various landscapes and fishing villages on the coast.

Key points of the site

• Region: the city is the main tourist center of the province of alicante;

• Shoreline: centrally located on the Mediterranean, with direct access to:

  • Levante beach;

  • the Poniente beach;

  • the sheltered bay of Mal Pas and the marina.

• Distances: the place is a short travel distance from neighboring towns such as Altea, Albir and Villajoyosa.

The map of Benidorm

The districts

Benidorm is divided into several districts and neighborhoods:

• Levante: this is the area east of the old center of Benidorm and is often considered the main tourist area. Here you will find the famous Levante beach, many hotels, restaurants, bars and store;

• Poniente: this is the area west of the old center of Benidorm. Poniente beach is slightly quieter than Levante, but there are still many hotels, restaurants and stores;

• Benidorm Centro: This is the old center of Benidorm and lies between the beaches of Levante and Poniente. It is a lively area with many stores, bars, restaurants and nightclubs;

• La Cala: this is the area east of Levante and is slightly quieter than the main tourist area. Here you will also find a beach and some restaurants and bars;

• Rincón de Loix: this is the area east of Levante, near the border with the neighboring town of La Cala. Here you will find many hotels, bars and restaurants, as well as some stores and a small amusement park;

• La Cala de Villajoyosa: this is an area just south of Benidorm and has its own beach, as well as a number of restaurants and bars.

The climate & nature in Benidorm

A Mediterranean climate

The city enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with more than 300 sunny days a year. Summers are long, hot and dry. Winters are mild and pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even in the colder months.

Thanks to the surrounding mountains, Benidorm has a microclimate that provides high temperatures and clear skies during most of the year.

Weather, average temperatures

Below is a table of average temperatures in Benidorm by month:

Nature around Benidorm

Benidorm has surprisingly green and mountainous surroundings, ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Natural Park Sierra Helada (Serra Gelada): this is a mountain range located directly east of the city of Benidorm and is characterized by high cliffs and steep slopes. The park is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, who can enjoy panoramic views of Benidorm, the bay and the Mediterranean Sea from the top;

• Puig Campananature reserve : this mountain dominates the landscape west of Benidorm and, at 1406 meters, is the second highest mountain in the province of Alicante. The area around the mountain offers challenging hiking and climbing routes, with spectacular views across the Costa Blanca;

• Parque de l’Aigüera: this is a large, green urban park in the center of Benidorm, designed by architect Ricardo Bofill. The park offers shade, relaxation and has a variety of trees, plants and flowers;

• Bird watching: the area around Benidorm is a good location for bird watching, with more than 200 bird species, including flamingos, herons and eagles.

The gastronomy of Benidorm

Benidorm’s gastronomy reflects its tourist diversity, ranging from authentic regional specialties from the Valencia region to a wide range of international cuisines. The focus is on accessibility and variety, in keeping with the dynamic and cosmopolitan nature of the city.

Culinary venues

The atmosphere and type of dish in Benidorm depend greatly on the location chosen in the city:

• Calle Santo Domingo (Tapas alley): this is the most famous place in the old town for an authentic experience with a huge selection of tapas and pintxos;

• Levante and Poniente boulevards: along the expansive coastline, you’ll find a mix of modern restaurants ranging from Mediterranean seafood to international cuisine;

• Rincón de Loix: This neighborhood is known for its strong British influences and offers a wide variety of international eateries and pubs;

• Casco Antiguo: The historic heart of the city houses traditional Spanish tabernas where local traditions still prevail.

Flavor profiles and specialties

Menus in Benidorm bring together different cultures, with a strong emphasis on the Mediterranean base:

• Rice dishes from the region: classics such as Arroz a Banda and Arroz con Boquerones are deeply rooted in local fishing tradition;

  • these dishes are often served with a fresh, homemade allioli;

• Pintxos culture: the influence of northern Spanish migrants has created a vibrant culture of Basque appetizers not found anywhere else on the coast;

• Fresh fish and seafood: the local fish auction provides a daily supply of products such as the famous red shrimp and squid;

• Bollos de San Blas: a traditional sweet specialty typical of the region and often eaten during local festivities.

Gastronomic peculiarities

Various events and customs highlight the versatility of the local food culture:

• Benidorm Gastronómico: this is an annual calendar with events such as the week of rice, the competition for the best tapas and the week of local stews;

• International fusion: the huge flow of foreign visitors makes the city a unique place where Spanish ingredients are often creatively combined with global trends;

• Market culture: weekly open-air markets are the place to sample local cheeses, olives and fresh dried fruits from the surrounding valleys.

Transportation & accommodation in Benidorm

Flying to Benidorm

Going on vacation to Benidorm? The nearest and most frequently used airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). From the airport it is about 58 kilometers to the heart of Benidorm. By car or cab, you can usually get there in 40 to 50 minutes.

The destination is easily accessible, as airlines such as Transavia, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly directly to Alicante from the Netherlands and Belgium.

Besides a rental car, you can also opt for an efficient (shared) shuttle bus or a private transfer that drops you off directly at your accommodation.

On vacation to Benidorm

Benidorm is a dynamic and vibrant destination, famous for its iconic skyline, golden beaches and vibrant atmosphere. It offers a wide mix for a variety of vacations:

• Sun, sea and beach vacations: centered around the famous Levante and Poniente beaches, Benidorm is the ultimate place for beach lovers. The long, lively boulevards offer endless restaurants, bars and stores;

• Family vacations: the city is a true paradise for families thanks to its many amusement and water parks such as Terra Mítica, Aqualandia and Mundomar;

• Active vacations: the adjacent Sierra Helada Natural Park is perfect for a brisk walk with spectacular views of the coastline. There are also numerous water sports opportunities on the beaches;

• Overwintering: thanks to its mild microclimate and huge range of facilities open all year round, Benidorm is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for overwinterers.

You can opt for a complete package tour, which is very popular in Benidorm, or book your own flight and accommodation separately.

Vacation accommodation in Benidorm

• Hotels: Benidorm is known for its huge range of hotels, from luxury all-inclusive resorts with extensive entertainment programs to budget-friendly hotels and adults-only options. Many are located in iconic skyscrapers with fantastic sea views;

• Apartments: a very popular choice for both short vacations and long-term stays. You’ll find thousands of apartments scattered throughout the city, from the lively Levante side to the slightly quieter Poniente;

• Vacation homes and villas: for those seeking more space and privacy, villas can be found in the quieter residential areas on the outskirts of town, such as in Rincón de Loix or in the hills, often including a private pool.

Due to the city’s compact layout, most accommodations are within walking distance of the beach, shopping and entertainment venues.

Parking in Benidorm

Everything at hand with the free Benidorm app

Do you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything from your favorite place on the Costa Blanca? Then download the free app and turn your phone into the ultimate travel guide for the entire region:

• All ‘website’ content is available: all travel guides, blogs and other tips for restaurants, activities and sights, but also accommodations;

• Simple navigation: all available information is clearly presented (per location) and you can easily navigate back and forth;

• Interactive map: explore the Costa Blanca and easily plan your routes to the most beautiful places;

• Smart location recognition: when you approach a place on the Costa Blanca, you automatically receive a notification that allows you to directly open the travel guide for that place;

• Your favorites: you can save and easily find your favorite locations, such as restaurants.

The CostaBlanca.nl app is completely free to download and use. Start planning your perfect trip today!

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Benidorm (Tourist information)
• Benidorm Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Alicante (Tourist information)

More tips for your visit to Alicante