A Travel Guide To Benidorm For Tourists Who Want To Feel At Home
Once Benidorm was only a small Mediterranean harbor, but it has now become a major tourist attraction. Situated north of Alicante, its spectacular sunrises and sunsets make it a perfect choice for anyone planning a holiday centered around the sun, sea, and sand. The city's beaches stretch from Poniente Beach in the west to the fashionable Levante Beach in the east. Malpas Beach is especially charming, and it is surrounded by scenic castle cliffs. This is an ideal location for a variety of water sports, including swimming, jet skiing, diving off man-made rafts, para-sailing, scuba diving, and banana boat rides.
Benidorm after dark
The city is also well-known for its amazing nightlife that offers something to suit every age and taste-karaoke bars, English-style pubs, trendsetter clubs, international guest disk jockeys, and glamorous discos on the beach. For top-of-the-line entertainment, visit the Benidorm Palace, which features outstanding variety acts, first-class flamenco dancers, and international cabaret performers. Those who enjoy the party scene won't want to miss Sinatras, the Palladium, Stardust Benidorm, or Wheeltappers.
Getting to Benidorm
Daily flights arrive at nearby Alicante Airport from many major cities in Europe, and they are serviced by more than 30 scheduled and low-cost airlines. The popular incoming flights from the UK offer the best fares because of extensive competition in this area.
Getting around the city
Since it is very compact, getting around Benidorm on foot is easy, particularly in the Levante Playa area where many visitors decide to stay, and outstanding local bus service is also available here. For a taste of Spanish history, be sure to visit Casco Antiguo, the city's Old Town, which is an interesting maze of charming white homes and cobblestone streets that are overshadowed by its spectacular blue-domed church.
The Old Town is also the best area visiting for tapas bars and restaurants, and along with excellent Spanish cuisine, you will find English, Algerian, Dutch and French food. India Gate, Mme Butterfly, China Garden, and Witches Bistro are all highly rated. If you are looking for a change of pace and a bit of adventure while you are there, you can also visit one of Benidorm's well-known family-oriented theme parks.
Shopping in Benidorm
The city's streets are lined with gift shops that cater to tourists, the supermarkets are always well-stocked with popular brands of merchandise, and prices are low. An open-air market is also held here every Wednesday.
