Written by Leah Pattem
Look beyond the stereotypes and discover the city’s authentic Spanish side – with secret coves, cobbled old town and a hilltop village.
1. Sail to Benidorm Island
Benidorm Island / Image: Wilson Tovar/Unsplash
Benidorm Island is only a 20-minute boat ride across the bay and a chance to get out on the Med. Opt for a glass-bottom boat for a glimpse of shimmering silver fish beneath the surface and wear sturdy shoes for the short climb to island’s peak. From there, you’ll get sweeping views across the entire coastline.
2. An ancient hilltop village is nearby
El Castell de Guadalest / Image: Steffen Lemmerzahl/Unsplash
Head to the picturesque stone village of El Castell de Guadalest, home to no fewer than eight eclectic museums and a small castle from which you have sweeping views over the Guadalest reservoir – one of Benidorm’s main sources of fresh water.
3. The rooftops are perfect for sundowners
Rooftop relaxation / Image: courtesy of La Terrasse/Port Hotels
Benidorm’s rooftop bar scene is expanding – and the rooftop bar at La Terrasse hits the mark. The scenic rooftop bar pairs sweeping sunsets with wine, cocktails and chilled beats, and feels a world away from the city’s other sky bars.
4. There is a quiet wellness scene
Get ready to perfect that downward dog / Image: Getty Images
Playa Poniente is the quieter, more local stretch of beach just west of Benidorm’s old town. A local instructor leads free group yoga sessions on the sand several times a day – an ideal way to ease into the morning, stretch out and then slip into the sea for a refreshing dip.
5. Long lunches of local cuisine
Restaurante La Fava offers a serene, whitewashed setting where chef Fran Burgos crafts elegant dishes rooted in Alicante’s coastal traditions – from grilled aubergine with honeycomb to parmesan soup and beautifully prepared seasonal fish.
6. It’s a haven for photographers
Many Spanish artists have drawn inspiration from Benidorm over the years and their work can be seen at the free Museo Boca del Calvari in the old town. Look out for work by María Moldes, a social photographer known for her wonderful and nostalgic portraits of sunbathers.
7. A taste of home
Battered bliss / Image: Winston Tjia/Unsplash
For a taste of Benidorm’s cross-cultural side, Ray’s 1 – a longstanding chippy run by a mother-and-daughter duo – has even won a Spanish following after it was featured in Spain’s biggest newspaper a few years ago. Their fish and chips are arguably better than those you find in the UK.
8. Benidorm’s secret beach coves
Almadraba Cove / Image: Getty Images
Escape the main stretches of sand and head for the nearby coves of Cala Almadraba or Cala del Tío Ximo. Tucked beyond the headland, these spots are edged with pine trees and lapped by shallow blue waters. Even at the height of summer, they remain quietly off the radar.
9. No-frills tapas bars
A fine spread / Image: Getty Images
Just off Avenida de Ruzafa, you’ll find a vibrant square serving up authentic Spanish tapas. Squeeze into Tapería La Mina, where a bottle of wine and six tapas can cost as little as €11. Nearby, Restaurante Aitona and El Rincón de La Croqueta offer equally satisfying, unpretentious fare.
10. Create-your-own souvenirs
Casa Cremà pottery workshop / Image: Leah Pattem
Make your trip to Benidorm even more memorable by tapping into the local art scene. At Casa Cremà – a pottery workshop run by Marina Sanchis for locals and visitors alike – you can mould, sculpt and paint everything from plates and mugs to jewellery and fridge magnets.
Book flights to Benidorm Book Benidorm holidays