You're Going to Love Benidorm
Once known as a package holiday destination, Benidorm has reinvented itself as one of the coolest destinations in Spain. With fabulous beaches, great hotels and restaurants as well as the whole of the Alicante region on your doorstep, what's not to love about Benidorm?
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Benidorm
1. The Beaches
Benidorm has two long, sandy beaches: Playa Levante and Playa Poniente. Soak up the sun as you gaze over the Mediterranean Sea or try some of the many water sports on offer.
2. The Nightlife
Benidorm is one of the Costa Blanca's top nightlife spots and its clubs attract famous international DJs as well as local talent. Live music venues, bars and clubs that stay open until dawn attract a friendly cosmopolitan crowd.
3. It's Ideal for Families
There's plenty to keep younger visitors occupied in Benidorm too. Visit the Aqualandia water park or see the marine animals at the adjacent Mundomar park.
4. The Luxury Hotels
The city has over 35 four-star hotels for you to choose from for family breaks or vacations with friends. However, it's the Benidorm area's luxurious five-star hotels that attract celebrities like Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Bruce Willis.
5. It's a Great Base for Explorers
Whether you'd like to see the famous rock at Calpe, walk along the beautiful promenade at Javea or venture a little further afield to see the perched and hanging cliff houses at Cuenca, Benidorm is the perfect base.
When to Visit Benidorm
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Benidorm is one of the most popular resorts on the Costa Blanca, so it can be very busy during peak season from June to late August. Visit from late April to early May or from September to October for less crowded beaches and lower hotel prices.
How to Get to Benidorm
Plane
Fly to Alicante Airport, which is 36 miles from Benidorm. Take one of the regular shuttle buses for 10EUR to complete your journey.
Train
The easiest way to reach Benidorm by train from major European cities is by taking a high-speed RENFE train to Alicante, then taking the fast tram to Benidorm station. Alternatively, catch the train from Alicante to Denia and then hop on the local service to Benidorm.
Car
It's easy to reach the city by car. Several main roads serve Benidorm, including the A-7 and the A-70.
Bus
There are buses from most European capitals. The Eurolines service from Paris to Benidorm costs 95EUR for a one-way ticket.
Airlines serving Benidorm
Where to stay in popular areas of Benidorm
Most booked hotels in Benidorm
How to Get Around Benidorm
Public Transportation
The local bus service runs till midnight and covers the city and other towns on the coast, such as Denia and Calpe. If you plan to use buses throughout the day, it's worth buying a 24-hour bus pass for 10EUR.
Taxi
Taxis are available all over Benidorm. A typical 5-mile trip costs 12-15EUR and the fare to Alicante Airport is 60-70EUR.
Car
Hire a car for as little as 8EUR per day and discover the city at your leisure. Benidorm's roads are modern and well maintained. The E-15 Costa Blanca expressway runs along the coast to several nearby towns.
Where to Eat in Benidorm
Sample Spanish snacks in the city's many pintxo bars or visit Amigos Restaurant and Roof Terrace in Calle la Palma for a special meal. A simple lunch will cost 5EUR, while dinner for two with wine will be 60-70EUR.