Benidorm is the most visited tourist resort on the Costa Blanca Coast of Spain. With great beaches, the Mediterranean Sea to swim in, a busy resort packed with bars, restaurants and clubs. With the fifth largest population in the Alicante province, Benidorm is located 45 kilometers Northeast of the city of Alicante, and just south of Altea Village.

It is the central destination on the Costa Blanca with it’s dominant skyline sometimes being called the “Manhattan of Spain” due to the high rise tower blocks. The backdrop to Benidorm is the magnificent mountain range known as Sierra Helada. Benidorm attracts some great entertainers and lots of visitors looking for a good time. Clearly it has something going for it as over 4 million visitors come here every year.

With a flying time of about two hours from most Northern European airports, long weekend breaks are becoming increasingly popular. Benidorm represents great value for money compared to other destinations. The price of food and drinks are low due to the amount of competition between bars and restaurants.

THINGS TO DO
Benidorm is rather unique in that it attracts many different segments of holidaymakers, for example many younger people visit Benidorm for the vibrant nightlife and the huge amount of bars, clubs and pubs. Benidorm also attracts many pensioners and retirees who enjoy the many facilities such as restaurants and shops all very close together within walking distance and all with very reasonable prices.

Benidorm also attracts young families because of the fabulous beaches lined with the promenade full of lively bars with live music, restaurants and shops, and again your hotel or apartment is likely to be within a short walk. Young families also enjoy the many options for excursions and activities and there are lots of things to do and see if you have children.

BEACHES
The reason Benidorm has become so large and so popular is the beautiful setting with three miles of fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters with  wonderful all-year round climate and hot sunny weather in the summer. There are two wonderful long sandy beaches, Playa Poniente - Sunset Beach and Playa Levante - Sunrise Beach, separated by a rocky promontory, the Canfali vantage point that offers great views in each direction. At the foot of this lookout point is the Mal Pas cove.

The main Benidorm beaches are long and wide although very crowded in summer. Levante is busier than Poniente. There is also a very good beach South of Poniente at Finestrat. There are plenty of watersports available such as waterskiing and parasailing. For scuba divers you can visit the Llosa reef teeming with sea-life.

BENIDORM OLD TOWN
Benidorm also has a lovely old town area inbetween the Levante and Poniente beaches. This area is very traditional, very Spanish and quite peaceful. This area is centred around the Canfali vantage point and the Parque de Elche. The old town district has all the major shops of Benidorm as well as some good bars. The streets are narrow and winding. Be sure to see the San Jaime church with it’s landmark blue dome.

Benidorm has an area in the old town where you will find many gay bars, gay pubs, saunas and gay nightclubs. Some of these are also open to straight people – the Rich Bitch drag queen show is well-known.