Once a small fishing town in the Valencia region, today Benidorm has become one of the premier destinations in Europe, known specifically for its two long stretches of sandy beach backed by palm trees and beach-side bars, as well as its hopping nightlife. There are plenty of great things to do around this region any time of year, so if you’re looking to plan a holiday to Benidorm, here are some of the great sites and activities you won’t want to miss out on.
The Beaches
If you’re heading to the coast of Spain for your holidays, odds are you’re looking to spend a little time relaxing and unwinding on one of their many luxurious beaches. Benidorm has great stretches backed by promenades where you can order fresh seafood and paella or simply sit in the shade of a palm tree and enjoy a refreshing drink. The two main beaches are Levante and Poniente, which are both large curling beaches that are great to relax on or walk. Malpas is the third and can be found at the foot of the castle cliffs.
The Old Town
Benidorm’s Old Town is filled with great sites and landmarks, such as the Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana, Placa del Castell, and the Balcon del Mediterraneo, where you can take in wonderful views of the coast and the city. At the edge of the Old Town, between the beaches of Levante and Poniente, you will also find the location of an old castle that was bombed in 1812 prior to the Battle of Trafalgar.
Algar Waterfalls
For those looking to get out and explore some of the region’s natural wonders, Algar Waterfalls is a place you must visit. Located just 15km from Benidorm, this park not only provides visitors with beautiful vistas of the river and waterfalls along with spots to picnic, but it also is home to swimming holes that sit beneath the falls and allow you to stop and cool off along the way. Be sure to also explore the nearby Old Town of Algar.
Guadalest
For a great day trip, the old walled town of Guadalest and the mountaintop castles of San Jose and Alcozaiba are must-see attractions for those who enjoy stunning panoramic views of the mountains and historical sites. The region is also home to the baroque Catholic Church, Mare de Déu de l’Assumpció, as well as the tower Rock of Alcala, a tower that protected the northern side of Guadalest Castle.
Benidorm Island
A trip out to Benidorm Island, located about 3.5km off the coast will give visitors the opportunity to escape the crowds and spend some time relaxing amongst the native wildlife, which mostly consists of peacocks, and has given the island its nickname Peacock Island.
However you plan to spend your time exploring the Benidorm and the Costa Blanca, there is no doubt that you will find your Spanish holiday unforgettable.
Images by Stephen, Diego Delso, Jon Connell, Roger Davies and Rob Ellis used under the Creative Commons License.
