Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain

Benidorm

Benidorm has two main beaches, Poniente and Levante which stretch for over 4 miles of golden sands. The La Cala area is the southernest resort in Benidorm and is home to the largest hotel in Europe. The Terra Mitica theme park provides a great family day out, with plenty of rides, rollercoasters and themed entertainment, it is only 10 minutes from the centre of Benidorm. Benidorm is situated 50kms north of Alicante airport and transfer time is approximately 1-1hr 30min.

Due to it's short flight time, holidays to Benidorm have a popular following from the British holiday maker.

Beaches

The Bay of Benidorm boasts 6km of golden sands, shelving into the warm Mediterranean Sea. The much photographed sweeping crescents of the Levante Beach in the east and Poniente Beach in the west are divided by the old town of Benidorm and it's harbour. Near the harbour you will find the sheltered Malpas Beach and at the far western point, nestled behind the headland is the smaller and quieter beach of La Cala.

All the beaches are clean, well maintained and a magnet for sunbathers. Levante Beach is the busiest and has a lively atmosphere with water sports and beach activities.

Things to Do

For fun days out, head for the Terra Mitica theme park or one of the neighbouring TerraNatura parks. The Terra Mitica theme park has adrenaline rides and kids rides, set amid ancient Mediterranean theming with over 20 daily shows, ranging from Roman circus acts to Egyptian and Greek dancers with plenty of bars, cafes and fast food outlets to keep you going for the whole day.

The TerraNatura Aquapark features a wave pool, hydrotherapy pool, kids pool, chutes for all ages, grassed picnic areas and a sun deck with jacuzzis. TerraNatura Zoo boasts over 1500 animals living in beautifully landscaped natural habitats including many endangered species.

In front of the Terra Mitica and the TerraNatura Parks you will find the Villaitana Golf Resort; home to two 18 hole golf courses.

Out and About

A promenade runs behind the Levante Beach and the Poniente Beach and, lined with bars and restaurants, it is nice to stroll along during the day or evening. There are numerous sitting spots along the promenade and the Parque de Elche, on the Poniente Beach near the harbour, has some children's play apparatus under the shelter of the palm trees. A couple of blocks back from the centre of Levante Beach, you will find some lively bars and clubs on 'The Square', and another popular stretch of nightclubs at the very back of the resort.

There are plenty more shops, bars and restaurants in the streets and squares of the old town of Benidorm and, if you stroll through the charming and historic Placa del Castell you can admire stunning coastal views from the whitewashed viewpoint, the Balcon del Mediterraneo.

Nearby Attractions

On the far eastern boundary of Benidorm, the Mundomar Sea Life and Animal Park is a landscaped tropical delight with plenty of animals and colourful birds. Spend the whole day here and you can watch a host of entertaining shows with dolphins and sea lions, parrots and exotic birds. Families can take a break at the children's play area and when you're hungry, there is an A la Carte restaurant as well as a cafe, snack bar and a number of kiosks to choose from.

Next door to the Mundomar, the Aqualandia Benidorm aquapark has plenty of eateries and everything you need for a fun filled day from kamikaze chutes and exhilarating rapids to the relaxing jacuzzi pool and kid's aventureland.

From the harbour you can take a boat trip across to Benidorm Island where a glass bottom boat awaits to show you the underwater world around this uninhabited little islet. From then on, relax with a picnic and have a lazy time watching the birds and admiring the views to the Benidorm skyline and its mountainous backdrop.

For a real flavour of Spain, head on up the road to the picturesque town of Altea (12km), browse the art galleries and stop for lunch in an authentic Spanish restaurant.