The best (non-touristy) things to do in Benidorm

What is it? Benidorm’s most famous sight is its popular lookout point – the Balcony of the Mediterranean. This iconic spot sits in between Poniente and Levante beaches and as the name suggests, looks out across the Mediterranean. It was built on the site of a 14th century fortress created to defend against pirate attacks. 

Why go? This is one of the most iconic spots in Benidorm and one you must visit. Views overlook the main beaches and provide epic vistas. It’s ideal to visit at sunset, from where you can watch the sun dip below the land. 

Address: Plaça de Castelar, 1, 03501, Benidorm

Hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

What is it? Local legend says that a lovelorn giant ripped off the top of the mountain behind Benidorm and tossed it into the sea to create this little island in the middle of the bay. It’s now a nature reserve, perfect for a stroll, a snorkel and a picnic.

Why go? Regular glass-bottomed boat trips head out to the island, and offer amazing views back over Benidorm’s skyscrapers. On the island, there are walks, peacocks, a little café-bar and minuscule coves to explore with a snorkel. The island is a short boat trip away, and can be booked via Excursions Benidorm with boats departing to and from Benidorm Port every hour. 

Port Address: Pg. de Colón, 03501 Benidorm

Hours: The port is open 24 hours daily. Excursions Benidorm runs every hour from 10 am to 1 pm.

Price: €23 per adult and €14 per child

What is it? Benidorm Palace is the city’s premiere entertainment venue – theatre, concert hall, and cabaret lounge all rolled into one. The first show was held here in 1977, and they haven’t stopped since. The theatre somewhat resembles Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao with its metal plated exterior shimmering like fish scales. 

Why go? Enjoy a night out at the Benidorm Palace complete with all its glitz and glamour. Performances vary from dinner shows and cabaret to traditional flamenco, tribute bands and burlesque. 

Address: Avenida Dr. Severo Ochoa, 13, 03503, Benidorm

Hours: The ticket office is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm. Closed sundays. 

Showtimes vary.

Price: Cost varies by show production.

What is it? In the heart of the old town sits the famed foodie street dubbed Tapas Alley, running all the way along Calle Santo Domingo. This is where many of Benidorm’s best bars and restaurants can be found. 

Why go? With a bubbly, bustling atmosphere and tables spilling out onto the street, it’s the place to go for an evening out. It’s a great place to try some authentic Spanish tapas as well as pintxos – the Basque Country’s version of tapas.

Hours and price vary by restaruant. 

Address: Camino de Santo Domingo, 03501, Benidorm

What is it? Benidorm’s greatest glory is its beach. Two beaches, in fact, which spread each side of the historic town, and curve for miles around the bay. Both are pristine and well equipped, but the Playa de Levante sees more action, while the Playa de Poniente is a little more chilled.

Why go? Benidorm wouldn’t be Benidorm without its beaches, which are easily some of the best on the whole of the Costa Blanca. These stunning swathes of golden sand stretch for more than 5km, and are packed with beach bars, water sports and everything you need for unbridled fun in the sun.

Address: Playa de Poniente, 03502, Benidorm

Price: The beach is free entry, but nearby parking can cost between €1 and €3 

Hours: Open 24 hours daily

What is it? It’s hard to remember that not so very long ago, Benidorm was just a whitewashed fishing village. Get a rare glimpse of pre-skyscraper Benidorm in the whitewashed lanes of the Casco Antiguo, and soak up stunning views from the ‘Balcony of the Mediterranean’.

Why go? The Casco Antiguo is squeezed onto a small headland that divides Benidorm’s lovely beaches. Wind your way up through the narrow streets to reach the ‘Balcony of the Mediterranean’ viewpoint, then tour the tapas bars of C/Santo Domingo, or perhaps slurp some oysters at the Ostreria Bi-Arritz.

Address: Osteria Biarriz is located in the centre of Casco Antiguo at C. de Santo Domingo, 17, 03501, Benidorm.

Hours: Casca Antiguo is open 24 hours daily. 

Ostreria Bi-Arritz is open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, and 7 pm to 11.30 pm. Closed Wednesdays.

Price: It's free to explore the Old Town, and Ostreria Bi-Arritz can range from €7 to €25.

What is it? Located on the edge of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, the Benidorm Cross is a huge religious landmark presiding over the city, built from old railway tracks. Surprisingly it was erected to protest the fact that the town’s mayor had allowed people to wear bikinis here for the very first time. 

Why go? For a bit of adventure, you can hike all the way up to the cross. It’s relatively easy and takes around three hours from the centre. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views over the whole city, gazing at its skyscrapers, beaches and the mountains beyond. 

Address: Calle Taywan, 14, 03503, Benidorm

Hours: Open 24 hours daily 

Price: Free entry

What is it? One of Spain’s biggest theme parks, the Terra Míticia offers some high-octane rides, and lots of thrills and spills in zoned areas resembling ancient Mediterranean civilisations from Egypt to Greece. Whether you fancy risking your lunch on roller coasters or splashing about in pools, this park is fun for everyone.

Why go? Thrill-seekers will love the Titánide – a fast (100km/ph), inverted roller coaster with loops and drops – or the insane disk-shaped SkyKope. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly grounded, there still are plenty of rides and shows to keep you entertained.

Address: Partida del Moralet, s/n, 03502, Benidorm

Hours: Open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm 

Price: €35 for adults, €30 for children aged 4 to 12 and seniors aged 65 and above.

What is it? There’s nowhere better to beat the heat than a water park, and Benidorm obliges with several to choose from. Aqualandia and Aqua Natura offer plenty of slides and pools to keep the adrenaline flowing.

Why go? If the beach just isn’t cutting it, hit one of Benidorm’s water parks for some splashtastic fun in the sun.

Address: Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 Benidorm

Hours: Aqualandia only opens during the warmer seasons

Price: €35 for adults and €30 for children aged 4 to 12 and seniors aged 65 and up. 

What is it? If you want to escape the beachfront craze, there’s nowhere better to do it than the Sierra Helada nature reserve, which stretches across the mountains and cliffs around Benidorm. There are several hikes, suitable for all abilities, so grab some picnic goodies and head uphill for some tremendous views.

Why go? The Sierra Helada (Serra Gelada in Valencian) provides the perfect retreat from the summer crowds. There are well-signposted hiking trails, including a stunning cliff walk and another that leads to the Benidorm Cross at the top of the mountain. Park at the Albir lighthouse car park to find the two official routes of the reserve at your feet. 

Address: Camí Vell del Far, 39, 03581, L'Alfàs del Pi, Benidorm 

Hours: Open 24 hours daily 

Price: Free entry