Discover the Different Sides of Benidorm: From Buzzing Beachfront to Charming Altea!
When many people think of Benidorm, they picture golden beaches, lively nights and a skyline of sun-drenched hotels. While that is absolutely part of its appeal, there is far more to this Costa Blanca favourite than first meets the eye. From family-friendly fun and old-town charm to tranquil nearby Altea with its whitewashed streets and bohemian feel, this is a corner of Spain with something for every style of traveller.
I have stayed in Benidorm twice now …. Both times staying at the Sandos Benidorm Suites on all inclusive basis. This hotel is just a 10 minute walk down to the beach and promenade and around a 25 minute walk to Benidorm Old Town with Tapas Alley. I would definitely recommend this hotel with lovely suites (all with pool view), a lovely pool area and great entertainment with good kids areas. The food is particularly good at this hotel with one main buffet restaurant, a snack bar and an Indian restaurant you can visit once during your stay. There is a VIP section where you can pay for the day (or longer) to lay in quieter area near the pool with access to a lounge with premium drinks.
Benidorm is definitely more than just bright lights: Benidorm’s biggest draw is its coastline. Long, soft stretches of sand curve around the bay, framed by the mountains behind and the Mediterranean in front.
Stroll the seafront promenade: From Benidorm’s lively New Town to its characterful Old Town, trade the upbeat bars and beach buzz for palm-fringed walkways, church domes and cobbled streets, as the curve of golden sand and the shimmer of the Mediterranean keep you company all the way. Stop at some of the beachfront bars and shops on the way!
Tapas Alley: Benidorm Old Town, which is one of my favourite areas, sits between the main beaches, a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings with Tapas Alley with restaurants, which spill out onto pavements and cobbled lanes, where you can eat the most traditional Spanish food and paella.
Benidorm is also a gateway to natural beauty with walking trails
following the clifftops between Benidorm and neighbouring bays, offering vast
views of the coastline. Isla de Benidorm is a short boat ride from the harbour
and is a peaceful change of scene with walking paths and opportunities to spot
local marine life. My partner, niece and nephew rode jet skis out to Benidorm
and stopped right next to it to jump in the sea.
For families, Benidorm is an easy win. Away from the beach there is a choice of attractions that turn a simple beach holiday into something more exciting: Terra MÃtica theme park, Aqualandia water park and Mundomar marine and animal park.
Buggy drive to the Algar Waterfalls: We drove 2 buggies, on-road and off-road through the rugged Costa Blanca hills to the Algar Waterfalls.
Algar Waterfalls: When we reached the falls, we climbed to the top of the natural rock terraces and jumped into the (very fresh!) pool below.
ltea …. A Hilltop Old Town of Whitewashed Charm: Just a short drive up the coast lies Altea, a town that could not feel more different in mood. Where Benidorm is bold and buzzy, Altea is gentle, artistic and quietly sophisticated and reminded me of Santorini in Greece or an Italian village with its cobbled streets winding upwards past whitewashed houses, balconies overflowing with flowers and doors decorated with colourful ceramics. It has a distinctly bohemian spirit, with small art studios, jewellery makers and independent boutiques tucked around each turn.
We took a 15 minute taxi ride from Benidorm and climbed the streets up
to the top where stands the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo (widely known as the "Church of the Blue Dome").
From the square outside the views over the bay are amazing! We sat and had a
drink at one of the many bars in the square.
I loved it here and can see why many people combine a stay here for a night or two with their main stay in Benidorm.
Who is Benidorm best for?: Families wanting excellent beaches, big-name attractions and plenty to keep children entertained, groups of friends looking for nightlife, shows and a sociable atmosphere and couples who like a seaside buzz with lots of choice for dining and entertainment.
Who is Altea best for?: Couples seeking a romantic, more refined base with character and charm, repeat visitors to the Costa Blanca who want something a little different to the typical resort feel and creative, independent travellers who enjoy art, photography and gentle exploration.
Benidorm is perfect for a main longer holiday or a short break with around just a 2 hour, 30 minute flight.
I have a massive choice of apartments and smaller hotels and larger all inclusive properties in and around Benidorm .... so hotels to suit every taste, board basis and every budget.
Let me know if you would like more information on Benidorm or the surrounding areas including Altea.
