You might not know Benidorm yet, but it is not just another Spanish beach resort. Benidorm to Spain is what Cancun is to Mexico. Also, it was the first city that allowed bikinis back in 1959, a historic revolution that made its beaches World famous. Most tourist who visit Benidorm just want to relax on the beach, but my experience was quite different.
Since I live in Barcelona, I would go to the beach quite often, so my trip was all about finding the best Benidorm attractions and its surroundings. Here are my picks for any traveler who wants to get the best of Benidorm.
Enjoy the view from top of the cliff
Start off by renting an electric bike! When youΒ΄re on holidays you might be tempted to go from your hotel straight to the beach, but honestly, there are more spots to explore in Benidorm. The most awesome place you can visit is Sierra Helada, a natural park that is located right by the city center! I suggest spending there the whole morning to enjoy the nature and breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs.
Make a splash!
Unlike smaller towns in Costa Blanca, Benidorm has a great offer and competitive prices of water activities. Do you want some thrill? Hop on a jet ski and floor it ☺ I must say the first time I ever tried Jet Ski I was really amazed with its speed. But trust me it is very easy to control, plus there is always a guide leading you through the waves. You can go slow if you like, or speed up like crazy.
If you are more adventurous, try scuba diving in Benidorm. Here I did it for the first time in my life and I am very happy with the excursion. Of course there is no coral reef, but to be honest there is quite a lot of Mediterranean fish. Also, I saw a couple of starfish! I was quite apprehensive before the whole experience. Luckily, the stuff at Diving Stones was highly professional, The scuba equipment was first class and the diving location was just perfect for a first time diver. There was no underwater current, the sea was calm, and once I went with the instructor 5 meters deep there was a nice plain rock which you can hold on to and just watch the marine life around you. It was just perfect!
Another water activity that I highly recommend is way more romantic. For me, a perfect plan for a romantic evening in Benidorm is definitely sunset kayaking. Going to a restaurant or having a stroll is always an option, but jumping into a kayak and watching how the sun goes down while your partner is rowing and you can relax is all you can ask for when on holidays ☺ Check out Capitan Kayak for more details.
Eat out in style or go for local food
Now after doing some sports you might want to find a great place to eat in Benidorm. Obviously, youΒ΄ll be tempted big time to visit one of the touristy restaurants on the Levante beach, but hold on, I will give you some recommendations.
For a romantic dinner with a view go to planta 23 or hotel Venecia. Both of them serve exquisite modern Spanish cuisine paired perfectly with local wine. I could go on and on telling you how delicious it was, but let me just show you. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
If you came to Spain in order to try some more traditional dishes, I can recommend La seΓ±orΓa which is located in a lovely house in the old town. Another option is Ulia restaurant on Poniente beach which also serves fresh seafood, fish and rice. Remember, itΒ΄s worth waiting half an hour for a real paella.
And finally, the best of Benidorm is going out in the old town for some tapas. You just cannot miss calle Santo Domingo. You will find there all kinds of tapas! There is plenty of options, just look around. Most of the tapas are on display and they look de-li-cious! Be like a local, just hop from one bar to another and try different tapa in every place. DonΒ΄t forget to check out the menu for more elaborate dishes like gambas al ajillo or sepia a la plancha. Trust me, youΒ΄ll be coming back to that street.
Time to go to the cellar
I have been living in Spain for the past 5 years and there is one thing that never gets old β wine tasting. Almost every region has its own variety of wine and Benidorm is no different. Visit Bodegas Enrique Mendoza and I can guarantee you will have a great time. It is a small family owned winery with exceptional wines sourced from local grapes. The tour takes you down to the cellar where you can understand the whole wine making magic and then continues in the garden, the best place to relax and enjoy a selection of Mendoza wines. The absolute highlight is the sweet aged wine that closes the whole experience.
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More to see outside the city center
For those who like to explore and connect with nature Benidorm has surprisingly a lot to offer. If you are short on time a great option is to book a jeep tour. It is lots of fun to ride through rural bumpy roads in a vintage Range Rover, best option if you come to Benidorm with a pack of friends! They will take you to the footsteps of Puig Campana mountain (1403 meters) where you get a unique view of Costa Blanca and then it gets even better⦠You did not expect that there is a waterfall full of pink flowers where you can actually swim and take some beautiful pictures. Just have a look:
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Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore on your own. We rented stylish Fiat 500 from Centauro, prepared picnic food and drove up the hills to see Benidorm bay during sunset. Very recommendable for a perfect date night!
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Walk around the old town
There are many beautiful spots to take pictures in the old town of Benidorm. I suggest waking up early to see the sunrise and to experience moments of solitude.
Ride roller coasters all day long
Benidorm boasts some truly spectacular theme and water parks. I am not a big fan of roller coasters but if that is your thing, you definitely should visit Terra Mitica for a day full of thrill.
Where to stay?
I stayed at Hotel Madeira Center which is located right in the heart of Benidorm, close to all the restaurants, shops and beaches. It features the only rooftop bar in the city which is the most awesome for having a drink while watching the sunset. It has really spacious rooms with all the amenities you need in a 4-star hotel. Even though the breakfast buffet was standard, I was surprised to have freshly squeezed orange juice, soy milk, and sugar-free pastries. I also liked the pool area which had a lot of sunbeds, so there was no problem to relax in the afternoon after all the intense activities.
Thank you, VisitBenidormΒ for inviting me to this trip. As always all opinions are my own. For more information see VisitBenidorm
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