Benidorm: beaches, old town and excursions

Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente are the city’s main beach areas and are easy to reach. Levante borders the lively centre, with plenty of restaurants and amenities; Poniente stretches west of the old town and feels more spacious in some sections. The old town sits on the headland between them. Smaller coves complement the long beaches, although access and conditions vary. Check the flags, sea conditions and lifeguard notices locally. For a quieter day at the beach, it’s worth setting out early, especially during the holiday season.

The routes between the beach, your accommodation and the old town are important to consider when planning. Benidorm is densely built-up and hilly in some places. If you’re travelling with a pushchair or have limited mobility, check the specific route and beach access. The city’s tourism information has a dedicated section on accessible and inclusive travel; access conditions may vary between individual facilities.

The old town lies between Levante and Poniente. Its narrow streets, squares, shops and restaurants offer a contrast to the wide beach promenades. The Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint on the headland is a popular landmark, with views over both sides of the coast. You can combine a stroll through the old town with a day at the beach; in the midday heat, take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water.

The hills above the city have more viewpoints and walking trails. The Serra Gelada (Sierra Helada) nature area offers a very different landscape from the centre. Before setting out, check the marked trails, journey time, elevation gain and current weather conditions. Heat is an important factor in summer, so start early and stick to designated routes. Plan your return trip so you’re not travelling during the hottest part of the day.

Benidorm has something for different kinds of trips: families can enjoy excursions and attractions, sports enthusiasts can try activities on land and on the water, and there’s a wide choice of restaurants and entertainment in the evening. Theme parks and event venues have their own seasonal schedules, admission requirements and opening hours. Check the official information before visiting and, for particularly popular activities, consider booking in advance. A visit to a single park can take up a whole day, so don’t try to fit in too many other activities as well.

The events calendar is constantly changing. If a festival, concert or sporting event is the main reason for your trip, check the date, venue, admission details and ticket conditions directly with the organiser. Older travel reports often no longer reflect the latest information.

Benidorm can be reached from Alicante-Elche Airport. Depending on your plans, you can take a bus, taxi or hire car for the transfer; journey time depends on traffic and the route you choose. The official tourism information describes transfer options and the local transport network. Timetables and services can change, so check your journey for your arrival date.

Many central routes in Benidorm can be covered on foot. City buses serve longer journeys, while the coastal tram connects Benidorm with towns along the northern coast. If you’re planning day trips, check the timetable for both the outward and return journeys, and make sure you don’t miss the last service. Accommodation outside the centre can be quieter, but it means extra travel to the beach and old town. A hire car isn’t automatically necessary for a stay in the city, though it can offer more flexibility for visiting out-of-the-way destinations.

Benidorm is a good base if having the beach, restaurants and leisure activities close at hand is important to you. For a smaller old town and a quieter atmosphere, consider Altea or Villajoyosa. L’Alfàs del Pi may appeal to travellers who want to stay in the Benidorm area. Further north are Dénia and Jávea; to the south, Santa Pola, Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura may be a better fit for a quieter or more nature-focused stay.

Your choice depends on more than just the beach. Compare location, the activities you’re interested in, how you’ll get there and the distance from your hotel to the places you want to visit. For an overview of other destinations, see the page on the Province of Alicante.

Which beach is more central?

Levante is right next to the lively city centre. Poniente is also close to town, but stretches further west along the coast. The best choice depends on where you’re staying and the atmosphere you’re looking for.

Can you visit Benidorm without a car?

For the beach, old town and many central attractions, walking combined with the city bus is often enough. For trips outside the city, a train, bus or hire car may be useful, depending on your destination.

Is Benidorm suitable for families?

The city offers beaches and plenty of leisure activities. Check the age recommendations, opening hours and routes for individual attractions before visiting.

What is the Serra Gelada?

A nature area with coastal scenery and walking trails above the city. Check the route, weather and requirements in advance; in summer, it’s advisable to start early.

When should you check event details?

As soon as you start planning your trip, and again shortly before you go, as dates, tickets and admission conditions may be updated.

Is Benidorm a quiet beach resort?

The main beaches and city centre are especially busy during peak season. For a quieter atmosphere, head to the beach early or choose a smaller neighbouring town as your base.