What to See in Benidorm

Guide to Visiting Benidorm: Sun, Beach, and a Little Bit of Madness

Welcome to Benidorm, the paradise where the sun never takes a holiday and beach umbrellas are more famous than Hollywood stars! If you are planning a getaway to this gem on the Costa Blanca, get ready for a cocktail of sand, tapas, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of an ’80s comedy. Here is a guide to the best places to visit in Benidorm, with verified facts and a touch of humour so you do not take life too seriously.

1. Levante Beach: Where Tanning Is Practically a Religion

If you are looking for the heart of the action, Levante Beach is the place to be. This two-kilometre stretch of beach feels like an endless parade of sunbathers, colourful parasols, and street vendors offering everything from mojitos to “designer” sunglasses (wink, wink). With its fine sand and crystal-clear water, it is perfect for practising the noble art of lying there like a starfish while reading a book — or pretending to read one so you look intellectual.

Fun fact: Levante Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and services, so you can roll around in the sand without worrying about uncovering a hidden treasure trove of empty bottles. It is also packed with beach bars where you can order a sangria strong enough to make you sing as if you were competing in Eurovision.

Bring sunscreen unless you want to go home looking like a grilled prawn. And if you see someone running around with a unicorn inflatable, do not worry — that is just the spirit of Benidorm welcoming you.

2. Old Town: The Heart of Benidorm with a Taste for Tapas

Between Levante and Poniente beaches lies the Old Town, the place where Benidorm gets nostalgic and reminds you that the city is not all skyscrapers and nightclubs. Its narrow streets are packed with tapas bars where you can tuck into patatas bravas or garlic prawns while listening to locals debate whether the rice in the paella was cooked just right.

The Old Town is ideal for an evening stroll, with local shops and the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, a peaceful spot where you can ask for a miracle to help your suitcase close after buying too many souvenirs.

Do not even try to count the calories in the tapas, because here the Mediterranean diet includes happiness and a little extra olive oil. And if someone asks you to sing flamenco after your third beer, just say you are allergic to duende.

3. Aqualandia: Where Adults Become Kids Again

If you think water parks are just for children, Aqualandia will change your mind faster than a slide at 100 km/h. This park is a Benidorm classic, with attractions such as Vértigo, a slide that looks as if it was designed by an engineer with far too much caffeine. For the less adventurous, there are wave pools and relaxation areas where you can pretend to read while secretly watching the brave souls screaming their way down the slides.

Aqualandia opened in 1985 and is one of the largest water parks in Europe, with more than 20 attractions. It is open from May to October, so plan your visit during the season unless you want to find a park drier than your boss’s sense of humour.

Wear a swimsuit that will actually stay on during the first slide, because nobody wants to become the star of a viral TikTok. And if someone asks whether you want to go on the most extreme slide again, say yes — if only so you can brag about it on Instagram.

4. Terra Mítica: A Journey Through Time with an Adrenaline Rush

If you want to feel like a gladiator, a pharaoh, or a Viking — all in the same day — Terra Mítica is the place for you. This theme park takes you through ancient civilisations with roller coasters that would make Cleopatra tremble. The Magnus Colossus, a wooden roller coaster, is one of the park’s best-known attractions, although the live shows featuring pirates and dancers are so entertaining that you almost forget about the queues.

Terra Mítica is divided into five themed areas — Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and the Islands — and combines rides with cultural shows. It is ideal for families or for anyone who wants to scream at the top of their lungs without being judged.

Do not eat an entire paella before getting on a roller coaster unless you want to recreate a scene from The Exorcist. And if you dress up as a centurion for the photos, be careful with the plastic sword — the security staff may not share your sense of humour.

5. Mirador del Castillo: Views That Will Take Your Breath Away

For a peaceful moment — and some photos that will make your friends seriously jealous — head up to the Mirador del Castillo, also known as the Balcony of the Mediterranean. This elevated viewpoint, where Benidorm’s old castle once stood, offers panoramic views of the beaches and the skyline filled with skyscrapers. It is the perfect place for a romantic selfie or to pretend you are meditating while actually deciding where to go for dinner.

The viewpoint is located in the heart of the Old Town and is an iconic spot for seeing the contrast between modern Benidorm and its historical past. Best of all, it is free, which is always a bonus.

If you go at sunset, be prepared to compete for space with influencers hunting for the perfect shot. Bring a coin to make a wish by the sea, but do not ask to become a millionaire — the Benidorm sea has probably heard that one enough already.

Bonus: Benidorm at Night, or How to Survive a Karaoke Session

Benidorm at night feels like a festival that never ends. The English Square area near Levante Beach is packed with bars and nightclubs where you can dance, sing karaoke, or simply watch British tourists trying to order a beer in Spanish. If you prefer something a little quieter, try the cocktail bars in the Old Town, such as Olivers, where you are likely to be treated like one of the family.

Benidorm has more than 150 bars and nightclubs, so there is something for almost every taste, from live music to DJs playing 2000s hits as if no time had passed at all.

If you end up singing “Sweet Caroline” at a karaoke bar, do not worry — it is practically a Benidorm initiation ritual. Just make sure you do not order another round of shots before attempting the high notes.

Benidorm is much more than sun and beaches: it is an experience that combines relaxation, adventure, and a touch of surrealism. From its busy beaches to its theme parks and the charm of the Old Town, there is something for everyone, whether you are an adrenaline lover or a devoted fan of seaside siestas.

So grab your straw hat, bring a good sense of humour, and set out to discover this city that never seems to sleep — but will almost certainly leave you dreaming about coming back.