19 Amazing Things to Do in Benidorm, Spain (2024 Guide)

written by local expert Jane Elmets

Jane always knew she wasn't destined for a desk job... She has travelled all over the world and is passionate about noodles, sloths and her hiking boots! When she isn't busy adventuring around the world, you can find her reviewing travel gear and dishing out travel tips to all the places she's visited.

Looking for things to do in Benidorm, Spain? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our team here at Adventure in You has spent a lot of time traveling and living in Spain. This is why we’re sharing all of our favorite tips.

With beaches, mountains, skyscrapers, and perfect weather year-round, it’s no wonder Benidorm is one of the most perfect places for a Spanish vacation.

Benidorm is in the Valencia region’s famed Costa Blanca area. Sitting next to Alicante, this city is superbly beautiful, with crescent-shaped beaches and a backdrop made of high rises and rocky cliffs.

For those who are unfamiliar, Costa Blanca stretches over 200 kilometers and is made up of a stunning Mediterranean coastline.

As it’s such a popular resort town, there’s no shortage of activities. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors, visit attractions and monuments, or spend your days at some of Spain’s top theme parks.

Here’s a round-up of the best things to do in Benidorm, most of which absolutely cannot be missed on a visit to this bright city!

Benidorm Things to Do Highlights

  • Segway Tour– See the best sights around Benidorm on this fun segway tour around the city.
  • Costa Blanca Downhill Biking Tour- If you’re looking to spend a fun day out exploring the Costa Blanca region, book this local bike tour. You won’t regret it.
  • Catamaran Sailing Tour– Go on this incredible Catamaran tour with swim stops, exploring the seas around Benidorm.
  • Trip to the Algar Waterfalls– See the beauty of the beautiful cascades of Les Fonts de l’Algar (Algar Waterfalls) on this guided tour.

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Best Things to Do in Spain, Benidorm

1. Hit the Beach (Levante Beach)

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Benidorm is to enjoy some sunshine at the beach. Known for its crystal clear waters, secluded coves, and sandy beaches, Benidorm is a paradise for those who love the beach.

You have your fair share of places to kick back, but the most popular beach is definitely Playa de Levante or Levante Beach. It creates the picture of Benidorm with the turquoise water, a giant crescent of sand, and the towering city behind it.

Levante Beach can get super crowded, especially in the summer but it’s pretty easy to secure a spot between the other sunbathers. It is one of Benidorm’s main beaches which is why it is so popular. Here, you can expect lots of people going for a refreshing swim, playing beach volleyball, and more.

If you’re looking for a beach that’s a bit quieter, head to Playa de Poniente, which is six kilometers of sandy paradise. The beach has a ton of boardwalks sitting behind it which is great for an afternoon walk and some beach snacks. 

Another beach worth checking out is Playa de Mal Pas. Because of Benidorm’s warm weather, many expats from Northern Europe flock here during the winter.

aerial view of coastal city with beach and ocean
Aerial views of a gorgeous beach
Views of the beach, ocean and city scape in Benidorm
Benidorm during sunrise

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2. Explore Benidorm’s Old Town

Before skyscrapers came to Benidorm, it was actually a whitewashed fishing town, with immense amounts of old-world charm. You can still enjoy bits and pieces of the Benidorm of the past, but you need to make your way to Casco Antiguo (the Old Town) for that. 

Old Town sits between Playa Levante and Poniente Beach. Filled with tiny lanes, stone arches, and wrought iron balconies, it is the perfect place to get lost for an afternoon. 

There are some traditional monuments that are worth visiting like the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana but the most compelling thing to do in Old Town is to look out over the sea from the Balcon del Mediterraneo

If you find yourself in Old Town on a Wednesday or Sunday, there’s a lovely market where you can find anything from trinkets to snacks to leather shoes!

New town Benidorm on the other hand is full of modern buildings and hotels. This is considered the modern Benidorm and has lots of large commercial areas.

3. Wander Around Plaça del Castell

To get to the previously mentioned Balcon del Mediterraneo, you’ll have to walk through the Plaça del Castell, a bustling area filled with vendors, musicians, and checkerboard tiles. Plaça del Castell is actually where Benidorm Castle once stood, so there’s deep history despite the large collection of bars and restaurants here today. 

If you’re looking for the perfect place to sit on a patio and enjoy a tall glass of sangria, this is the place to do it!

checkerboard pedestrian walk with arch
Old Town

4. Eat Your Way Through Tapas Alley

Speaking of sangria, another amazing place to enjoy Spanish dishes is along Benidorm’s famed Tapas Alley. 

Situated deep in Old Town, there’s a covered alley called Calle Santo Domingo where you can find the most delicious small bites in the city.

Tapas bars line the street, and it’s hard to keep your mouth from watering as you see jamon legs hanging from the ceiling and locals sipping on Spanish wines. Tapas Alley is the perfect way to sample the local gastronomy.

Head here to eat morning, noon, and night, or take your own little tapas crawl by enjoying a drink and bite at each bar down the alley.

5. Indulge at a Winery Tour & Cooking Class

If you’re anything like me, the main reason you’re in Spain is to indulge in plate after plate of tapas and generous helpings of local wine. That’s why this winery and cooking tour is the perfect thing to do in Benidorm as you get a little bit of it all!

First, you’ll take a tour of a winery located in gorgeous Alfas del Pi (don’t worry, transportation is included) to learn about the wine-making process. Then you’ll get to taste many wines from the latest harvest, with a selection of local products to pair. 

But we’re just getting started!

After the winery, you’ll head to a cooking school in Benidorm’s city center to meet with an experienced chef who will walk you through how to make five heavenly tapas. Once you’ve finished cheffing up your masterpiece, it’ll be time to eat your fill, drink a little bit more, and depart with a happy belly and plenty of recipes to make once you’re home! 

As if this tour couldn’t get any better, you even get an apron to remember your time in Benidorm – how sweet is that?

people drinking wine and talking around a restaurant table
Wine tasting in Spain

6. Take in Wild Views from La Cruz de Benidorm

If you want to get out and stretch your legs a little after all the beach lounging, take the 45-minute hike up to La Cruz de Benidorm, a large wooden cross sitting atop a stunning lookout point. 

From the top, you can look out over the entire city, the many beaches, and the expansive sea, making it one of the best lookout points in the entire area. 

Besides the view, the cross itself has an interesting story. It was carried to its raised location in 1961 in an effort to redeem the city from the rampant sins committed by, well, pretty much everyone. 

7. Hike Around Sierra Helada Natural Park

Another great place to hike around Benidorm is Sierra Helada Natural Park

Full of giant cliffs, rocky mountains, and ocean views, this is one of the best places to enjoy nature in Costa Blanca.

Sierra Helada has tons of trails that run through the park that range in distance and difficulty, so there’s definitely something for everyone here. Just be sure to load up on snacks and picnic yummies beforehand!

For us, Sierra Helada is the best place to escape the Benidorm crowds and enjoy some insane views. 

Tip: For the ultimate freedom to explore Costa Blanca, we recommend renting a car. It’s the most convenient way to visit the coast and the little towns along the way!

cliff jutting out into ocean with blue sky behind
A mix of nature and cityscapes

8. Find Treasures at Benidorm Flea Market

Benidorm is home to some fabulous markets but the best place to really go treasure hunting is at the Benidorm Flea Market

Open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, this is the place to go to see locals and expats selling antiques and other goods. The market is pretty much like a yard sale, but minus the yards, so it’s safe to say you can find pretty much anything here. 

It’s busiest on Sundays and really starts to get crowded around 11am. So if you’re seeking the best deals, head over early (like the locals do) and start bargaining when it opens at 8.30am!

Finally, when you’ve shopped till you’ve nearly dropped, take a load off at one of the two bars and enjoy a drink and some entertainment.

Insider Tip: The bars at the flea market have great deals as well! For instance, on Friday, if you buy a paella you get a drink with it, too! 

9. Go Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Benidorm is very popular. Apart from the Canary Islands, the coast of Costa Blanca is a great place to do it due to the warm waters.

If you’ve never been scuba diving before, don’t worry. There are several scuba diving schools that offer discovery dives and beginner lessons.

You can head out on a boat trip and enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling to see the colorful marine life around Benidorm.

Anna (Editor of Adventure In You) scuba diving
Scuba diving in Benidorm

10. Enjoy a Dinner & Cabaret at Benidorm Palace

Spain is home to some great cabaret shows, and the most famous one in Costa Blanca is located in Benidorm. 

Head to Benidorm Palace to catch a fabulous show of singing, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. You can even purchase tickets that include a four-course meal, or just opt for a drink if you’ve eaten before. 

Tickets are quite reasonably priced, especially those that include food. Plus the venue itself is something to behold, making for a night full of fun. This shouldn’t be missed on a holiday in Benidorm!

11. Soar Above the Sea in a Parasail

Parasailing is an incredible way to take in coastal views from high above Benidorm. This thrilling activity breaks up all that sunbathing and beach lounging. 

Conveniently, you can take a parasailing flight from both Levante Beach and Poniente Beach and enjoy soaring around the sky as the beach, city and rocky mountains lie below you. 

You can take the 30-minute flight on your own or in tandem, but no matter what you choose you’re sure to remember the weightless feeling forever! 

Parasailing in Benidorm
Parasailing in Benidorm
Parasailing in Benidorm
Adventure activities in Spain

12. Get Your Blood Pumping with Water Sports

Benidorm is a huge hub for water sports, with tons of options when it comes to getting your thrill on. 

If you’re interested in more than sitting on the beach, consider booking a jet ski tour, wakeboarding session, or flyboarding adventure, all of which are perfect for staying cool on the hottest days while doing something fun. 

Other water sports like water skiing are also extremely popular in Benidorm, Spain. Not only is it a fun day out but you also get to enjoy a few boat trips while you’re at it.

You don’t need any experience and will have a trained professional to show you the ropes – but not to worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time! Plus, when you’re on the beach watching everyone zipping around out there, you won’t be able to resist joining in on the fun. 

13. Climb to the Top of Tossal de la Cala

If you sit on Poniente Beach, it’s pretty much impossible to miss the giant rock formation that’s right at the end of the beach. The jagged rock has homes and apartments built into the side of it, but from the top, it offers stunning views of the entire city. 

Frequented by locals and tourists alike, Tossal de la Cala is one of the best places to catch a sunset in Benidorm. 

A fun fact about Tossal de la Cala is that traces of the earliest human inhabitants were found here, so go exploring and see what mysteries you can uncover!

sunset over coastal city and ocean
Benidorm during sunset

14. Spend the Day at Terra Mítica

If you’re ready for some serious fun in Benidorm, a day at Terra Mitica is a must. 

One of the largest theme parks in all of Spain, this is where you can find rides, fried foods, and all the other bells and whistles that come with a day at the amusement park.

Terra Mitica is actually a super cool place as it’s broken up into different areas that are designed to look like ancient Egypt, early Mediterranean civilizations, old-time Greece, and more! 

There’s something for everyone at this park, whether you fancy wild roller coasters or just lounging in the wave pool. Terra Mítica is very touristy but it is all part of the fun!

15. Splash Around at Aqualandia

If a wave pool and other water activities are really what you’re seeking, you’d better score tickets to Aqualandia, a total water paradise without the sand from the beach. This water theme park is a popular tourist destination and is perfect for those traveling with families.

Filled with tons of swimming pools, water slides, and rides, it’s easy to understand why so many people flock to this water park for a day of fun. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the lines!

16. Take a Day Trip to Benidorm Island

No matter what beach you lounge on in Benidorm, you’ll be able to see an unmistakable rock formation floating out in the distance.

This is actually Benidorm Island, a small chunk of land sitting just off the coast. Legend says that Benidorm Island came to life when a giant ripped off the top piece of a mountain and threw it into the sea, creating what sits there today.

It’s the perfect place for a day trip since it’s so close, and the beauty of this little island is enough to transport you past Benidorm. It is a nature reserve in Spain and is a popular spot for boat trips.

It’s extremely easy to get to the island as there are boats that leave from the harbor several times a day. Choose from a submarine, gondola, glass-bottomed boat, and more. You’ll be on dry land again in no time!

Bring a picnic, bathing suit, and snorkel gear to enjoy a day away from the city!

view of a small island from sandy shore
A beach in Benidorm, Spain

17. Dance Like Crazy at Low Festival

If you find yourself in Benidorm at the end of July, you can’t miss out on the three-day Low Festival

During this time, Benidorm celebrates one of the biggest music festivals. It’s one of the highlights of the year and always has a killer line-up, especially if you’re into alternative and indie music.

Past festivals have welcomed artists like Belle and Sebastian, Foals, The Hives, and Franz Ferdinand. There are also lots of Spanish artists who play, giving you plenty of music to dance to. 

Low Festival is a sensational atmosphere, filled with cool people and parties that last until the wee hours of the morning. It’s an unmissable event for music lovers! Oh, and did I mention that the Low (in Low Festival) stands for Low Costs, so you won’t even have to pay a fortune for tickets!

18. See Benidorm by E-Bike

While Benidorm isn’t an incredibly big city, there’s still tons to see, which is why renting an electric bicycle is one of the best ways to make sure you see it all.

Riding an e-bike is practically the same as a normal bike, but with more speed and less effort. It’s a great option for anyone looking to cruise around town! 

Rentals are pretty reasonably priced here. Just remember to bring your passport or ID, and you’ll be set to go. You could also choose to go on an e-bike guided tour.

If you’re truly looking to see Benidorm in style, you can also take a two-hour segway tour that brings you all over parks, down avenues, and past famous attractions like the Bull Ring and City Hall.

19. Spend the Day Chasing Waterfalls

TLC always told us “Don’t go chasing waterfalls” but this is actually the perfect activity for a day in Benidorm.

Take a quick trip out of town to the beautiful Algar Waterfalls, located just 30 minutes from the city. You’ll have transportation there and back, along with an English-speaking guide to bring you to the best spots.

Enjoy hanging out around this stunning natural area and walking along paths to seek out different hidden waterfalls. You can even go for a dip in the natural pools at the base of the falls. Just be warned: the water can be freezing!

Before heading back to Benidorm, grab a drink at one of the many bars or a quick snack at a local restaurant. Talk about a day well spent!

waterfalls over rocks in spain
Waterfalls in Spain

Final Thoughts on Visiting Benidorm

Doesn’t this city sound like a dream vacation spot? With so many things to do in Benidorm, it really has something to please every kind of traveler. But let’s be real, the lure of perfect weather year-round is enough. 

From sitting on the beach to perching at rocky lookout points over the entire city, you’ll quickly fall in love with this fishing village turned resort town.


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Things to Do in Benidorm | Benidorm has got to be one of the most underrated places in all of Spain. This resort town has so much to offer visitors - check out the best things to do in this awesome seaside city!
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