10 Best Things to Do in Benidorm for a Fun UK Holiday Break

The Fishing Village Transformation

Benidorm was a quiet fishing village of approximately 2,500 people before the 1950s tourism boom. Mayor Pedro Zaragoza Orts transformed it in 1954, and the permanent population is now approximately 70,000, swelling to over 500,000 in peak summer.

The Benidorm International Song Festival

Running from 1959 to 2000, this festival was the launchpad for world-renowned talent. It was here that a young Julio Iglesias first became widely known, setting the stage for his global career.

The Cross Above the Resort

Installed in 1962, the large cross above the resort was a response to Benidorm's party reputation. The local Bishop famously threatened to place a sign reading "Hell" at the town entrance in protest before the landmark was established.

Levante Beach and Poniente Beach

Benidorm's two main beaches are the core of any visit. Levante Beach on the east side stretches over two kilometres and is the liveliest: water sports, promenade bars, and the main resort energy along its seafront. Poniente on the west runs approximately three kilometres and is noticeably calmer, popular with local residents wanting space. Both hold Blue Flag status for water quality and beach management. Malpas Beach, a small sheltered cove directly below the Old Town, suits families with young children wanting calmer water.

Pescaíto frito (fried fish platter) and churros con chocolate from beachside stalls cost approximately £5 to £8 and are the correct way to refuel between swims.

Old Town and Tapas Alley

Benidorm's Old Town (El Castell) dates to 1325 and sits on the rocky headland between the two main beaches. Cobblestoned streets, whitewashed buildings, and the 18th-century Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana with its striking cobalt blue domes make it a completely different Benidorm from the resort strip. Calle Santo Domingo, known universally as Tapas Alley, is the Old Town's most lively street: small bars line both sides, each with trays of tapas and pintxos displayed at the counter.

Patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), and croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes) cost approximately £2 to £4 each, making a full evening here significantly better value than the main strip.

Balcón del Mediterráneo

The Balcón del Mediterráneo (Balcony of the Mediterranean) is a curved stone viewing terrace at the tip of the Old Town headland between the two beaches. Both Levante and Poniente sweep away in opposite directions from here, framed by the resort skyline behind them.

At sunset, the light over the Mediterranean from this spot is extraordinary. It is free, requires no booking, takes five minutes to reach from either beach, and is the single most photographed viewpoint in Benidorm. It is the correct first stop for any visitor and the point from which the resort's unusual geography, squeezed between mountains and sea, makes complete visual sense.

Aqualandia Water Park

As one of the most popular Benidorm activities, Aqualandia covers 200,000 square metres. The Verti-Go slide is the highest in Europe and delivers a near-vertical free fall that defines the park experience. Wave pools, lazy rivers, and dedicated toddler zones keep every age in the group engaged for a full day. Book tickets online in advance: walk-up prices are higher, and summer queues at the gate are significant. Sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen is essential.

A full day, including food from the park's restaurants, costs approximately £50 to £70 per person.

Terra Mítica Theme Park

Terra Mítica (Mythical Land) is one of Spain's largest theme parks, divided into five zones representing the ancient civilisations of Rome, Greece, Egypt, Iberia, and the Mediterranean Islands. Roller coasters, log flumes, live theatrical shows, and family rides run across all five zones. It is a full-day Benidorm attraction combining genuine historical detail with genuine thrills. Combination tickets with the adjacent Terra Natura zoo offer better value than buying separately.

Regional Spanish street food, including bocadillos (filled bread rolls) and horchata, a cold sweet drink made from tiger nuts and a Valencian speciality, is served throughout the park.

Benidorm Island Boat Trip

Benidorm Island (Isla de Benidorm) sits approximately two nautical miles offshore and is visible from both main beaches. The island is a protected nature reserve and home to a resident population of peacocks that wander freely across the rocky terrain.

Boat trips depart regularly from the marina, with glass-bottom boat options providing underwater views of the protected marine life. A short trail leads to the lighthouse for panoramic views back over the resort skyline and both beaches.

Fresh fish and sangria at the island's small bar is the correct way to spend time before the return boat.

Sierra Helada Natural Park

Sierra Helada (Serra Gelada) is the natural park immediately east of Benidorm, protected since 2005. It covers over 5,500 hectares, with cliffs rising over 300 metres from the water—among the highest on Spain's east coast.

The most popular route follows the clifftop ridge from Levante Beach to the Albir lighthouse, a circuit of approximately three hours. La Cruz de Benidorm, the large cross visible from the resort, sits at the park's highest accessible point.

Take water, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen. Bus line 10 connects Albir back to Benidorm for the return journey.

Day Trip to Guadalest

Guadalest is the most popular day trip from Benidorm, approximately 25 kilometres by road inland. The village is built into a narrow rocky ridge above a turquoise reservoir. The Moorish San José Castle perches at the highest point with sweeping valley views.

The village lane is lined with artisan shops selling local almonds, honey, and handmade ceramics. Many tours combine Guadalest with the nearby Fuentes del Algar (Algar Waterfalls), a Protected Wetland Zone.

Benidorm Palace

Benidorm Palace is the resort's flagship evening venue. The show is Vegas-style: professional dancers, acrobats, magicians, and musicians performing in an elaborate theatre production.

Dinner is served during the performance, making for a complete evening without further planning. Dress code is smart casual. Book well in advance, particularly in July and August when the venue fills weeks ahead.

Mundomar Animal Park

Mundomar is home to over 30 different species, including dolphins, sea lions, and lemurs. The Dolphin Lagoon show is the headline attraction. Interactive shows run throughout the day with a conservation education focus.

Combination tickets covering Mundomar and the adjacent Terra Natura zoo represent the best value and provide a full day of activities for families.

Fly into Alicante and keep transfers simple

Benidorm does not have its own airport. You will land at Alicante, and the transfer to the resort takes about 45 minutes by taxi or around an hour by bus. If you are travelling with children or arriving late, pre-booking the transfer is usually worth it.

Choose your part of Benidorm carefully

When picking places to visit in Benidorm, consider your preferred energy level. Levante suits nightlife and promenade energy. Poniente works better for quieter mornings. The Old Town is the best base if food and atmosphere are your priority, and Benidorm activities.

Book the big attractions online

Major Benidorm attractions like Aqualandia, Terra Mítica, Mundomar, and Benidorm Palace are usually cheaper online than at the gate. In summer, booking ahead also helps you avoid the worst queues at these top Benidorm attractions.

Old Town Evenings & Nature Days

A lot of visitors stay around the strip and miss the better side of the resort. Tapas Alley is one of the best things to see and do in Benidorm after dark. Break up beach days with a visit to Guadalest or Sierra Helada for a rounded experience.

Carry Cash and Start Early

Cards are widely accepted, but smaller bars and beach kiosks still work better with cash. For the best things to see in Benidorm, like the Balcón del Mediterráneo, go early in the day to beat the intense July and August heat.

Check your passport before booking

When travelling to Spain from the UK, your entry depends on three factors. Just like finding the best eSIM for Spain Travel, checking these rules is a vital step:

• Passport must be less than 10 years old from issue.
• Valid for the full trip duration.
• At least 3 months left after your planned departure date.

Why Jetpac is the Best eSIM for Spain

A Jetpac eSIM Spain plan activates before you leave using a simple QR code. No airport SIM shops, no physical swaps, and no surprise roaming bills from your UK network.

Enjoy 24/7/365 priority support via WhatsApp and email. Jetpac keeps your trip simple, keeps the essentials running, and is widely considered the best eSIM for Spain.

Ten Reasons Benidorm Delivers Every Time

The things to see and do in Benidorm go well beyond what the resort's reputation suggests. From two Blue Flag beaches to a natural park with cliffs rising 300 metres above the Mediterranean, the variety is staggering.

Explore a Moorish castle 25 kilometres inland, experience Europe's highest waterslide, wander a medieval tapas alley, or visit a peacock-inhabited nature reserve island, all within the same resort. Things to do in Benidorm are varied enough to fill a week and focused enough to enjoy in a long weekend.

Experience the best of the Mediterranean, delivered every time.