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Come check out the very best things to do in Benidorm, featuring attractions, nature, food, drink, nightlife, and day trips around Costa Blanca, Spain.
Some suggestions are located around the Old Town, where the more historic landmarks are found, and others are situated at the “Blackpool in the sun” streets of the New Town, but don’t let that put you off, we love it there!
You may also find our guide to adult-only hotels in Benidorm useful.
Things to Do in Benidorm’s Old Town
Secret Platja del Mal Pas
Benidorm is not shy of beaches, with Platja del Mal Pas being the most secluded, as it is a sheltered inlet.
Spend the day sunbathing, then grab a drink at the cosy Mal Pas bar, which sits in the shadow of Església de Sant Jaume i Santa Anna.
Beach Day at Poniente Beach
If you prefer more space to stretch out, Poniente Beach is bigger than Mal Pas but a little less touristy than its counterpart, Levante Beach, which is partly located in the New Town.
Poniente is 3 km long, so there is plenty of room to settle in a private space to spend quality time chatting and catching some rays.
The beach area has parasols, loungers, foot showers, and toilet cabins for your comfort.
Alternatively, take a stroll along the Poniente Beach promenade designed by architect Carlos Ferrater, just one of the many free things to do in Benidorm.
Parasailing Adventure
Thrill-seeking visitors should check out this parasailing trip, where a large kite whisks you up into the air for epic views over the coast.
While the ride up into the sky is an adrenaline rush, most of the tour involves peacefully floating about the Med Sea!
Plaça del Castell at Sunset
You just can’t beat the Old Town’s Plaça del Castell at dusk for its spectacular views and striking architecture.
The structure is built on a rocky cliff called Punta del Canfali, making it the ideal viewing platform, looking down on both Poniente and Levante Beach.
There are steps going up to the tiled viewing area, which also has ruins protected by glass, and steps going down to another viewing platform that sits above the water.
Tip: It gets busy with crowds of couples and families; the positive of this is that you can ask someone to take a photo of you and your partner!
Restaurants are located close to the terrace, but as to be expected, they are a little pricier than others in the area.
Evening Market Shopping
Just below Plaça del Castell is a seasonal night market called Les Nits del Castell, where you can buy gifts and souvenirs.
Vendors and artists sell products such as jewellery, art, and handmade soaps.
Cocktails at Mojito Bar Playa Pequeña
If you love cocktails as much as I do, don’t walk by Mojito Bar Playa Pequeña without sampling one or two on the menu!
The staff are friendly, and the bar has indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching!
It is also a little suntrap if you want to top up the tan while sipping an espresso martini!
Dinner at Tapas Alley
If you’ve heard anything about the culinary scene in Benidorm, you will probably be familiar with Tapas Alley.
The lively area is jam-packed with tapas bars where locals and tourists gorge on tasty plates of Spanish omelette, patatas bravas, croquettes, and calamari.
The main street is C. de Santo Domingo, but many restaurants are tucked into nooks and crannies off it, too.
If you find a space, grab it, as dining here is one of the best things to do in Benidorm, resulting in limited seating.
You’ll see couples crammed up at the bar, snacking while drinking, and groups of friends picking at shared food over big tables.
Watch a Drag Show
Close to Tapas Alley is the gay area of town, where you will find a number of LGBTQ+ pubs serving and slaying.
For some light-hearted entertainment, check out the drag show schedules at Kafee Klee and Palladium Cabaret Bar or West End Showbar in the New Town.
Alternatively, bar hop between Gspot Benidorm, Jimmy’s, and Bar Mercury.
Note: It is best to have some cash on you as not all bars take card.
Rooftop Bar with Views of the Med
Take the elevator up to Planta 20, Hotel Madeira Centro‘s rooftop bar for 180° views over Benidorm.
The left-hand side of the terrace has seats overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with Benidorm Island poking out, while the right takes in Puig Campana, the famous Costa Blanca mountain.
While the staff can be a little stiff, a visit is well worth it for the drinks and view.
Stay in a Luxury Hotel
I’ve bookmarked Villa Venecia Hotel Boutique Gourmet (Plaça de Sant Jaume, 1) for future trips with my partner, as it looks perfect for a couple’s trip to Benidorm.
Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathtub!
Hotel amenities include a gourmet restaurant, terrace, pool, and hot tub.
Live Music at Sunset
No way is this Beni, my brother who has done many Benidorm stag parties, texts me as I post pictures from this rooftop bar.
Take the lift up to Selvático, the Primavera Park Hotel’s roof terrace at dusk to watch the day melt away over the towering buildings and water while a DJ plays an electronic playlist.
Bliss.
Selvático also serves a brunch menu if you prefer to kick start the day with a mimosa.
Alternatively, reserve a room to make use of the infinity pool.
Tourist Attractions in Benidorm’s New Town
Levante Beach
Platja de Llevant is the most popular beach in the resort, running from Punta Pinet to Punta Canfali.
The 2 km beach is huge and offers a number of amenities such as sun parasols, loungers, and foot showers.
Many bars, cafes, and restaurants, such as Tiki Beach and Heartbreak Hotel, run along the boardwalk.
You’ll also find Pinocchios, which serves cute rose petal-shaped ice cream cones found in Milan.
The promenade is lit up at night by fairy lights; I felt safe walking along with my partner and friends.
Curry Night
Many of the town’s curry houses are located along C. Lepanto, so there is plenty of scope if you need to soak up the booze or feed the hangover!
Lepanto is just a couple of blocks from the beach and popular bars.
Karaoke
Did you even go to Beni if you didn’t belt out a tune at the Black Chicken?
The compact karaoke bar with compère welcomes singers who range in quality from terrible (me) to terrific (everyone else).
There is a small stage, and the crowd is great at encouraging and helping crap singers hit the high notes.
Cover Band Banter
Benidorm activities for adults must include at least one night, or every night, singing and dancing along to Lady Gaga, Freddy Mercury, or even Elvis!
It is mandatory.
The best performances are seen on the stages of Morgan Tavern and The Western Saloon, and acts follow a weekly schedule, so you are pretty much guaranteed to see all of them by the time your trip is over.
Check out the bar’s social media to see who is playing when and plan your nights out accordingly.
Illusionist Performance
OK, let’s talk Sticky Vicky!
The illusionist Sticky Vicky is synonymous with the “Blackpool in the sun” stigma associated with Benidorm’s New Town.
For nearly five decades, Spanish ballet dancer Victoria María Aragüés Gadea entertained tourists with her risqué show.
Today, visitors can witness the iconic magic show performed by Gadea’s daughter, María Gadea Aragüés, think burlesque meets David Blaine.
Things to Do Near Benidorm
Day Trip to Altea
My sister-in-law, who visits Benidorm yearly with her family, said we had to take a taxi trip to beautiful Altea.
The town on the White Coast is less than seven miles from Benidorm but a world away from the likes of The Square in Beni’s New Town!
Ask the taxi driver to drop you off in Casco Antiguo (Old Town) close to The Virgin of the Consol at Plaza Iglesia to avoid walking uphill.
Then wander down the cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings to the beach and along to the marina, where you’ll find a relaxed bar.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Or, see Altea from the sea during this catamaran cruise that leaves at sunset.
The boat tour is set to music, and guests can enjoy a glass of fizz as they sail.
4X4 Ride to Guadalest and Algar Falls
For a more rugged outdoor experience, hop aboard this off-road jeep day trip to see Guadalest and the Algar Falls.
The seven-hour trip leaves Benidrom in the morning, stopping at the town of Guadalest before taking a dip in the waters of Algar Waterfalls, a fun way to see more of Costa Blanca while someone else drives.
Coastal Road Trip
If you don’t mind being behind the wheel, it is easy to hire a car and take it to the coastal towns in the north.
For an ancient Moorish castle, a thriving culinary scene and a ferry to the Balearic islands, consider Dénia,
Xàbia (Jávea) is a cute resort town with bars that line the turquoise waters and blue flag beach.
Or head south for the university city, Murcia, or the port city, Alicante.
Final Words
While known for its booze and beaches, I hope that this guide proved that there are many things to see in Benidorm outside of its nightlife, which is not being knocked down; I love that too!
Did I leave my liver in Beni? Yes.
Would I do it again? Definitely.
Any questions? Just leave us a comment below.
