What to do in Benidorm: A helpful travel guide for 2026

The Old Town and views of Benidorm

Who said Benidorm is just beaches and sun? The Old Town (Casco Antiguo) reveals the city’s authentic soul — a quarter born as a humble fishing village and shaped by centuries of Alicante tradition.

Wander the Old Town’s narrow streets

Getting lost in the hidden corners of Benidorm’s Old Town is a highlight for any visitor — especially when you have no map or set plan. Most travelers start around Calle Alameda and naturally drift toward Calle Santo Domingo, better known as Tapas Alley. This is the perfect spot to slow down as bar tables spill onto the sidewalk and the aroma of grilled shrimp and garlic fills the air.

By the way, here’s one interesting fact about Spain — while many Americans are used to the corn or flour tortillas found in Tex-Mex cuisine, a Spanish tortilla is actually a thick omelet made with potatoes, eggs, and onions. Don’t be too surprised when your order arrives!

From Tapas Alley, the streets begin to climb toward the Church of San Jaime y Santa Ana. It’s a scenic walk through narrow alleys that eventually reveals the iconic blue dome above the rooftops. From there, it’s a short stroll to Plaça del Castell and the Balcón del Mediterráneo, a picturesque lookout that offers spectacular views regardless of the weather.

As evening settles in, the Old Town grows even cozier. Plazas fill with chatter and the soft sound of guitars. It’s the ideal time to grab a table, order a glass of vino, and watch a slower, more intimate side of Benidorm unfold.

Climb up to La Cruz de Benidorm

One of the standout experiences in Benidorm is the walk to La Cruz — the iconic cross that stands high above the city. Travelers often set off on foot from either the Old Town or the New Town, then follow a pedestrian path that winds through the Sierra Helada Natural Park. It’s a definite uphill push, but the reward at the top makes every step worth it.

The history of La Cruz adds extra meaning to the experience. Villagers from the Church of San Jaime carried the original cross up the mountain in 1961. This was part of a local tradition known as the Day of Forgiveness — a symbolic act rooted in faith, reflection, and reconciliation. At the time, Benidorm was still a small fishing town. This was long before the skyline and tourism boom reshaped the area. The climb itself was a collective effort that brought the community together.

Later, in 1975, workers replaced the cross with the one that stands today. They built it from old railway tracks to anchor the viewpoint in both spiritual and local history. Because of this, the place feels like more than just a scenic lookout. That story seems to hang in the air. It gives La Cruz a sense of continuity and grounds it firmly in Benidorm’s past — a contrast to the modern celebrations that people often associate with the city today.

The best time to visit La Cruz is early evening or just before sunset. As the light softens and the sea and city begin to glow, the whole scene feels especially memorable. It’s the kind of moment that stays with a visitor long after they walk back down.

See the Mediterranean Balcony

The Balcón del Mediterráneo deserves extra attention because it remains one of Benidorm’s most iconic landmarks. Built on a rocky promontory that separates Levante and Poniente beaches, this bright white lookout feels almost suspended between land and sea. From this vantage point, the Mediterranean stretches ahead — it makes it easy to understand why this spot became such a defining image of the city.

The balcony sits above Plaça del Castell, a historic square that once held Benidorm’s old fortress. Today, you can stand here under the full midday sun as the sea shimmers below, but the best times to visit are early in the morning or in the evening. At dawn, the town stays quiet, and the light feels gentle. At dusk, the sky softens into shades of gold and pink.

The calm of this location draws travelers back repeatedly, especially those who want to watch fishing boats drift across the water while the horizon slowly changes. It offers a moment of reflection as the city wakes up or winds down.

Things to do in Benidorm with kids

Benidorm has earned its reputation as a family-friendly destination, and it’s easy to understand why after one sees how many activities cater to children. The city serves families exceptionally well and offers attractions that keep kids (and adults, too!) happily entertained.

Visit the Mundomar animal park

If you’re travelling with children — or just love animals — Mundomar might become one of the highlights of your Benidorm trip. This marine and exotic animal park is more interactive than a big zoo, and it’s packed with shows and encounters that will keep everyone entertained.

For example, the dolphin and sea lion shows are simply spectacular — to watch the dolphins leap and twirl in sync with their trainers is genuinely fascinating. You can always see the amazement on the children’s faces as they cheer and clap. The sea lion show is just as fun — playful, educational, and full of emotion.

Beyond the big shows, visitors love to spot the penguins as they waddle around their enclosure. They watch lemurs leap through the trees or stand eye-to-eye with colorful parrots.

Also, the park itself is beautifully landscaped with lush tropical plants and winding walkways. This makes exploration feel like a leisurely garden stroll rather than a concrete zoo visit — with the right plan, you can easily spend at least half a day here. Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes! Some areas have limited shade, and guests stay on their feet a lot as they hop from show to show.

Enjoy an exciting day at Aqualandia

If you were to ask local families for a “must-do” activity in Benidorm with kids, we can almost guarantee that Aqualandia would be the top recommendation. It opened in 1985 as one of Europe’s largest water parks, but even now the park feels vast and exciting in the best possible way.

The first thing you might hear about is Big Bang — one of the tallest water slides in Europe, which is not for the faint of heart. Visitors often watch brave souls disappear over the edge before they decide if they feel courageous enough to try it. 

However, parents will appreciate how well Aqualandia caters to younger kids. While thrill-seekers queue for the big rides, there are plenty of gentler slides and shallow splash areas where little ones play safely. The park also features Adventureland, which is perfect for children aged 4 to 12. It offers smaller slides, fountains, and water features designed specifically for them.

Aqualandia is the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time. You’ll hop between rides, grab ice cream, and cool off when the sun gets too intense. One helpful tip, however — arrive early, especially during peak summer months. The best sun loungers go fast, and a good home base makes the whole day much more relaxed.

Take an e-bike and cycle the coast

For a relaxed activity with a touch of adventure, you can rent e-bikes for your entire family to ride along Benidorm’s coastal paths. The electric assist on these bikes makes longer rides feel effortless, so younger riders (and adults with kids in child seats) can enjoy the route without getting too tired.

You’ll find plenty of local rental options in town, whether you’re after classic beach cruisers or modern, assisted electric bikes. Great places to start include Tao Bike, Rent Bike, Buggie and Quad Benidorm, Villajoyosa, or Benidorm Hire for easy options right in the centre. Most rental shops include helmets and can fit child seats, so it’s very easy to put together a family‑friendly cycling day!

The seafront promenade in Benidorm stretches for miles on smooth, flat paths that run beside golden beaches and palm‑lined walkways — perfect for gliding along at your own pace. You can easily stop for refreshments, enjoy views across the Mediterranean, or take quick breaks at playgrounds and scenic spots whenever something catches your eye.

Explore Benidorm’s nightlife

Now let’s talk about what Benidorm does exceptionally well — nightlife. As soon as the sun goes down, the city completely shifts gears and turns into one of Europe’s most energetic after-dark destinations.

If you’re looking for a big, lively night out, The Square, also known as the English Square, might be your best bet. This is the heart of Benidorm’s party scene, and it doesn’t really believe in quiet nights. British-style pubs, karaoke bars, tribute acts, and themed venues all sit shoulder to shoulder, and by the weekend, the place is buzzing. Drinks are affordable, the atmosphere is loud, and it’s especially popular with “stag and hen” groups. Even if you don’t plan on staying out all night, it’s worth passing through just to experience the energy.

For something a little more polished, the Levante beach strip offers a different kind of night out. Bars and beach clubs line the promenade, and evenings often start with cocktails at sunset before turning into dancing under the stars. It attracts a slightly more mixed crowd and works just as well for a relaxed evening drink as it does for a late night.

If you prefer a calmer, more local feel, the Old Town is where you’ll find your place. Here, nights revolve around tapas, wine, and conversation, with small bars tucked into narrow streets and plazas. It’s common to stumble upon live music or even an impromptu flamenco performance, and the atmosphere feels more intimate and authentic. This is a great place to start the evening — or to end it, if you’re not in the mood for anything too wild.

For those who want to dance until the early morning hours, Benidorm doesn’t disappoint. Areas around Avenida de Mallorca and beyond house larger clubs and late-night venues where the music continues until dawn. These spots usually come alive after midnight, and it’s where the night peaks for serious party-goers.

“Stag and hen” activities in Benidorm

Spend five minutes walking through The Square on a Saturday night, and it becomes instantly clear why Benidorm has earned its reputation as a bachelor and bachelorette party hotspot. Matching T-shirts, inflatable props, themed outfits, loud laughter — these groups are very easy to notice. What really stands out, though, is how the city leans into this culture. Benidorm doesn’t just tolerate these celebrations — it actively welcomes them.

What makes Benidorm such a perfect choice for “stag and hen” weekends is how much you can pack into a short stay. Plus, from the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by other groups doing exactly the same thing, which creates this shared, anything-goes atmosphere that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. It feels like the whole city is in on the celebration.

Daytime doesn’t slow things down either — beach clubs host DJ sets and pool parties, while boat parties head out onto the Mediterranean with music, cold drinks, and swimming stops. If your group thrives on competition, activities like go-karting, paintball, or jet skiing add a burst of adrenaline between nights out, and casino visits offer a slightly glossier way to keep the evening going.

That said, Benidorm also understands that even the most enthusiastic party groups need downtime. One of the city’s underrated strengths is how easy it is to switch gears. Many hotels offer day spa packages with massages and thermal circuits — perfect for recovery mornings. Beach days are an obvious and much-needed reset, whether you’re sprawled on the sand or floating in the sea. If you’re in the mood for something calmer, private boat rentals, nearby golf courses, or even a whole day in Alicante or in the countryside offer a more relaxed, grown-up way to spend the day before heading back out at night.

But the real beauty of Benidorm for weekend celebrations is its infrastructure. Hotels are set up for groups, restaurants are used to large bookings, and nightlife venues actively cater to these parties instead of pushing back against them. It all adds up to a destination where groups can let loose without feeling out of place — which is exactly why so many come here to celebrate big moments before the wedding bells ring.

Practical information for visiting Benidorm

A little planning goes a long way in Benidorm. Knowing when to visit, where to stay, and how to stay connected can make your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable — especially in a city that mixes laid-back strolls with busy nightlife.

Best time to visit Benidorm

Benidorm is a year-round destination, but the experience changes noticeably depending on the season. The busiest months are June, July, and August, when school holidays and hot weather bring the biggest crowds and the highest prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are often considered the sweet spot — warm sea temperatures, pleasant weather, and fewer people, while nightlife and attractions are still fully running.

If you’re wondering about rain, October is typically the rainiest month in Benidorm, though showers are usually short and intense rather than all-day washouts. Winters are mild and relatively dry, making Benidorm popular with long-stay visitors escaping colder climates.

If you’re comparing destinations or planning a wider trip, this guide on the best time to visit Europe can help you decide how Benidorm fits into your itinerary.

Where to stay in Benidorm

Benidorm has no shortage of accommodation, from budget apartments to large beachfront resorts. When people ask about the number one hotel in Benidorm, Hotel Don Pancho frequently tops the list thanks to its consistent service, central Levante location, and strong reputation with repeat guests. It’s adults oriented, well maintained, and known for its quality dining and relaxed atmosphere.

That said, the “best” place really depends on your travel style. Levante is ideal for nightlife and energy, Poniente suits quieter stays and families, and the Old Town is perfect if you want character, walkability, and a more local feel. Take a look at our list of the best travel apps — you might find one that will help with your search for accommodation.

Beware of Muggers’ Alley

Benidorm is generally safe, but like any busy tourist destination, there are areas where extra caution helps. Muggers’ Alley is a nickname often used for Calle Gerona, particularly the stretch near the nightlife zones late at night. Trouble is not guaranteed, but it’s an area where pickpocketing and opportunistic theft are more common, especially when crowds are heavy and alcohol is involved.

Simple precautions — keeping valuables secure, avoiding quiet shortcuts late at night, and staying aware of your surroundings — are usually enough to avoid problems in this area.

Staying connected in Benidorm with the Saily eSIM app

Having reliable internet while traveling makes everything easier. It helps with map navigation, taxi bookings, and checks for opening hours. It also ensures travelers stay in touch and can access emergency information at any time. After all, international roaming often becomes expensive very quickly, and public Wi-Fi is not always reliable or secure.

That’s where an eSIM comes in. An eSIM lets you activate mobile data digitally without swapping out physical SIM cards. You can install it before you travel and connect as soon as you land, avoiding airport queues and roaming surprises.

Using the Saily app, you can set everything up in advance. Just download the Saily eSIM app, get an eSIM for Spain with a data plan that suits your trip, and stay connected throughout your time in Benidorm with no hassle. It’s one of those small preparations that makes a big difference once you arrive.