Guide to Benidorm: how to get there, what attractions to see, relaxation and shopping. City of Benidorm, Spain: tourist reviews, photos, on the map Population and famous natives of Benidorm

Benidorm is one of the best Spanish resorts, located in Valencia in the Eastern Pyrenees on the Mediterranean coast. As a tourist center, Benidorm began to develop in the 60s of the last century.

Benidorm has many magnificent sandy beaches with Blue Flags and excellent beach infrastructure, where you can enjoy air and sunbathing throughout your Spanish holiday.

This is not only a wonderful place for a beach holiday, but the whole of Spain has given the world wonderful architectural and historical monuments, in particular, the unique sights of Benidorm.

If you happen to visit this wonderful Spanish resort, be sure to visit the local cafes and restaurants and taste the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, you will surely be satisfied.

Benidorm attractions map

What to see first in Benidorm? Tourists, having arrived at the resort, first of all head to its magnificent embankment, which was built at the end of the 2000s according to the design of a Catalan architect.

According to official information, the city budget spent about one and a half tens of millions of euros on the construction of the embankment. Moreover, all building materials were environmentally friendly, without dyes or chemical additives.

The embankment has a special coating that does not emit fumes during hot times of the day and changes color. Thanks to its design, the width of the beach located next to the embankment increased by two dozen meters.

In this zoo you can not only observe the life of animals, but also look at various plants, i.e. Not only fauna, but also flora are widely represented here, and they live and grow in very comfortable conditions.

There are practically no visible barriers used here, except for pens for predators, so zoo visitors have the opportunity to observe the life of animals in natural, almost wild conditions.

There are places where children and adults can personally touch the most friendly and harmless inhabitants of the zoo, ride a pony, donkey, elephant or camel, feed them, watch a show with their participation, etc.

In Benidorm, between the beaches of Poniente and Levante, there is a small square called Plaza del Costillo. During the Middle Ages, a powerful fortress stood in its place, protecting the coast from pirate raids from the sea.

Later, this fortress fell into decay, its fortification qualities were no longer in demand. And in the 30s of the last century it was bombed during the Spanish Civil War. All that remains of the fortress is the observation deck.

But this site is also one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Benidorm; tourists often visit it to enjoy the beauty surrounding the resort. We recommend that you definitely explore Benidorm and the surrounding area from this point.

This colorful resort town is located in the vicinity of Benidorm. More recently it was a quiet fishing village, but today it is favored by tourists and the resort business. A great place for a family holiday with children in peace and quiet.

Walking around Villajoyosa will give you real pleasure. The city has a unique appearance that is difficult to confuse with other resorts. All its houses are different colors and adjoin each other, like swallows’ nests.

The first settlement here arose at the beginning of the 14th century, its name was the City of Happiness. The front part of the houses in the city (facades), painted in different colors, faces the sea, and the back part inside Villajoyosa looks quite ordinary.

This natural park can be seen in the vicinity of Benidorm. Here, after the Spanish August heat, you can feel the cool waters of a mountain river rapidly flowing along the slopes and gorges down to the sea.

Like in an oasis

First of all, Benidorm, which is, without a doubt, perhaps the most cosmopolitan city in Spain, where almost all the major nations of Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America are represented, attracts not only immigrants, but also residents of other regions of Spain with its unique microclimate - the most mild along the entire Mediterranean coast of the country.

On land, the city is almost completely surrounded by high mountains, protecting it from sudden temperature changes and cold winds. In winter, the air temperature rarely drops below 14–15 ºC - and although there is no year to year, in December and January you are more likely to see Spanish adults and children splashing in the sea and representatives of the older generation sunbathing under the gentle sun than wrapping themselves in blankets against the weather. It happens that night temperatures drop below zero here a couple of times during the winter, but such a catastrophe (-2–3 ºC) can be easily survived if you have air conditioners or heaters.

In January 2017, when snow fell for the first time in 32 years in Denia and for the first time in 103 years in Torrevieja, nothing in Benidorm spoke of the cataclysm that happened here two centuries ago; Due to the lack of official meteorological research, even the old-timers will not remember the exact date. But, traveling in January-February on a regular bus from Madrid to Benidorm through Albacete, you can, as if by magic, get out of a snowstorm into the kingdom of palm trees and flowers, where nothing reminds you of winter.

The city center, as is usually customary, is reserved for visiting tourists who combine visiting bars with shopping, since the shops of the most famous brands are located very close to numerous eateries made in traditional style - not only Valencian, but also Asturian, Biscay, etc. .d. Of course, life here does not stop at 10 pm, but continues to bustle even after midnight.

Although, for the riot of colors and emotions, nothing compares to the so-called “English zone”, or zona guiri (“stranger zone”), as the Spaniards themselves call it. Here one pub follows another, pounds sterling are exchanged for euros without any formalities, a classic Mediterranean menu is much more difficult to find than a British one, and 9 out of 10 people you meet will be subjects of Queen Elizabeth II.

The main crime is concentrated in the Levante beach area, which is called Rincón de Loix. This is explained by the fact that the overwhelming majority of the instigators of the unrest are “wandering” foreign tourists – mostly Englishmen from the working-class outskirts, who come here to “have a blast” in full. In turn, British intellectuals sometimes become victims of Romanian “thimble makers”, who use potato halves empty inside instead of cups. The main offenses are related to drug trafficking, sale of counterfeit products, fraud and street prostitution.

Benidorm is unexpected. Back in the middle of the 20th century there was no resort - an ordinary fishermen’s town with 2.5 thousand inhabitants and a small port. Nowadays, it is a city of two huge beaches, a city of bright lights, skyscrapers and restaurants, hotels and theme parks. In modern Benidorm you can find entertainment for every taste - from lazy days on the beach and sleepless nights in disco clubs to unbridled shopping, spearfishing and ethnographic forays into neighboring ancient villages and towns. Benidorm is famous for its variety of festivals, delicious food and excellent transport accessibility. It's time to get to know Spanish New York and Las Vegas, located on the shores of the cozy and desirable Mediterranean Sea.

How to get to Benidorm

Benidorm does not have its own airport, but this is not a problem - just an hour's drive away is Alicante Airport, which accepts direct flights from Moscow. Aeroflot and Es Seven airliners regularly fly here, 5 hours in the sky and - hello, Costa Blanca!

There are several ways to get to the resort from the airport. The first is to book a seat on the BeniConnect agency shuttle (office website). A one-way trip will cost 8 EUR for a trip in an economy class bus and 15 EUR for an express bus. Departures are tied to the airport schedule, so the shuttle will not leave without passengers from the delayed flight. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Every hour from 8:00 to 23:00 ALSA buses depart from the airport to Benidorm (office site in English). The price is about 10 EUR, the journey takes 40-50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or purchased directly on site.

A more unusual and interesting way would require first leaving for Alicante to the Luceros, Mercado or Marq-Castillo stops. Shuttle buses leave from the airport every 20 minutes. The journey takes 15-20 minutes, tickets cost 4 EUR. At the stops indicated above, you need to wait for the intercity tram Tram (office site in English), hurrying to the resort along the sea and beaches. There is route L1 to Benidorm, the journey takes about 70 minutes, travel costs 5 EUR. In Benidorm the tram makes 4 stops; it is better to look at the route map in advance and decide on the drop-off point.

It can be quite chilly on the tram. It's a good idea to have a sweatshirt or light jacket on hand.

A taxi ride from the airport to the hotel in Benidorm will cost 75-90 EUR for a car that can accommodate up to 4 passengers.

Search for flights to Alicante (the nearest airport to Benidorm)

Transport

The basis of public transport in Benidorm is a network of 20 bus routes. Transportation is carried out by the company LLorente Bus. The company's page presents all routes in detail, includes schedules and tariffs. The cost of a single trip is 1.50 EUR, a ticket for a night bus is 1.65 EUR. For frequent trips, refillable Tarjeta Bus passes will help you save money; they can be used by several passengers at once. Tourists are offered personal unlimited passes Tarjeta24H, Tarjeta72H and Tarjeta7D for 1, 3 and 7 days for 11, 20 and 38 EUR, respectively. They operate not only on regular buses, but also on tourist buses, as well as on routes to Guadalest and the Algar waterfalls.

Buses in Benidorm like to pass by stops - when you see the desired route, wave to the driver, otherwise you will have to wait for the next one.

Every hour, special double-decker City Tour buses number 30 and 31 run from the Rincon de Lois area to Cala de Finestrat and Altea. This is exclusively a tourist attraction; for the right to look at the city landscapes from the open second tier you will have to pay 6 EUR , children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge.

Taxis in Benidorm are not hailed on the road; they wait for passengers at special parking lots, marked with high signs with the inscription Taxi and tariffs. Landing - 3.15-3.85 EUR, each km of the way - another 0.53-0.63 EUR. Among the local exotics, one can highlight the rental of electric scooters, scooters and strollers - from 10-12 EUR per day, as well as a “benibike” - a bar on wheels, where passengers drink beer and pedal a cross between a bicycle and a bar counter. A 1.5 hour walk and 3 glasses of beer to boot will cost 15 EUR per person; the Benibike can accommodate up to 18 people.

Maps of Benidorm

Rent a Car

For a lazy holiday on city beaches and occasional trips between bars and the hotel, taxis and buses are sufficient. But the Costa Blanca, the province of Alicante and the Valencia region are so full of original villages, ancient cities and gorgeous beaches that a curious traveler simply cannot live without a car. The car will also be useful for families with children - it makes it easier to get to theme parks.

Paid parking in Benidorm can be recognized by the blue stripes along the side of the road and payment machines next door; leaving a car for 2 hours will cost approximately 1.50 EUR. At night and during lunch break - free.

In Benidorm there are about a dozen rental offices, mostly representatives of large international companies - Europcar, Goldcar, Avis, Centauro, Budget, there are also local players, for example, Russian-speaking Coblanca. Renting an economy class and mini car on the most budgetary terms - with a deposit and a franchise - starts from 30 EUR per day, more spacious cars - from 45-55 EUR. In summer, rental prices rise by 30-50%.

Communications and Wi-Fi

Russian operators have quite decent offers for roaming in Spain, so it’s worth checking with your current tariff plan and weighing everything before purchasing another foreign SIM card. If you have to talk to home often, then almost all local operators will have special offers for tourists in the spirit of “100 minutes per month to all mobile phones in Europe and Russia for 9.90 EUR and a gigabyte of mobile Internet as a bonus.”

There are also quite sane individual mobile Internet packages, but in Benidorm this service is perhaps no longer particularly relevant - for the last couple of years, public Wi-Fi hotspots have been operating on the resort’s beaches. The municipal program allows you to access the network absolutely free, you just need to get a username and password the first time you connect. Free Internet is offered by most bars, restaurants and hotels, you can check your email at tourist information centers, and there are Wi-Fi points in large shopping centers and the main city market.

Beaches of Benidorm

The beaches of Benidorm are considered one of the best on the entire Mediterranean coast, and the water temperature allows swimming almost all year round. The most popular beach is Levante. This is a 2 km strip of fine golden sand, stretching east from the Old Town. Located in the center of the resort - on one side the sea, on the other - a busy embankment and high-rise hotels. Levante offers guests 4,600 hammocks and 1,400 umbrellas, daily rental will cost 4 EUR per position. In summer you can go cable water skiing here.

All beaches are free, you can easily lie down on your towel and stick your own umbrella in the sand nearby.

“Poniente” is the longest beach, it’s quieter, there are fewer foreigners, more Spaniards. Good for a relaxing family holiday. It stretches 3 km west of Levante and has 1,700 paid sunbeds. Both main beaches are equipped with paths, children's and sports grounds, water activities and even libraries with reading shelters. The beaches are under the supervision of doctors and rescuers, there are a huge number of bars and restaurants within walking distance, and in the summer floating diving platforms are installed in the sea. The main disadvantage is that there are no showers; they are replaced by modules for washing feet. Another drawback is that there are few toilets.

The small beach of Malpas has been proud of its Blue Flag for 30 years. He hid in a quiet cove between Levante and Poniente. You can get to it through the port or from the fortress. There are sun loungers, foot washing stations, and lifeguards on a 120 m strip of sand. The entrance is gentle, the sea is calm, it’s good to relax with children, but during the season it can be filled to capacity.

A pleasure boat with a transparent bottom runs from Malpas to the island of Benidorm.

In the east, in the Rincon de Lois area, you can relax from the hustle and bustle in Tio Chimo Bay and its neighboring Almadrava Bay. The local beaches are very small, surrounded by steep cliffs at the foot of the Sierra Helada mountain, they combine sandy and rocky shores and a rocky bottom, and are good for snorkeling. There are about a hundred paid sunbeds on both beaches. In addition, 2 km from the coast is the island of Benidorm, where you can enjoy wildlife, sunbathe on bare rocks and swim in a quiet bay. For convenience, stairs to descend into the sea are installed near the coast of the island.

Diving

The waters of Benidorm are often recognized as the leading diving destination in Spain; it has everything for this - clean water with excellent visibility, rich marine life, sites for both beginners and pros, good dive centers and schools that teach not only diving, but also diving. but also spearfishing.

The most popular dive center, Diving Stones, has been awarded 5 PADI stars and offers a full range of training and a variety of excursions with and without diving. The Scuba Diver course costs 210 EUR, Open Water Diver - 380 EUR, one dive - from 35-50 EUR. If you have no experience, don’t have time to study or don’t want to, you can walk along the bottom of the sea in the Sea Trek system - 75-80 EUR per person for half an hour, does not require preparation and is suitable for the whole family. Also offered are snorkeling trips to the island of Benidorm for 25 EUR and advanced snorkeling - huka diving with a price tag of 35-50 EUR per session with diving from a boat or shore to a depth of 6 m.

The main diving site near the resort is the island of Benidorm; about 10 interesting sites are concentrated around it, some with diving depths of up to 33 m. Almadrava and Tio Chimo bays are also popular.

Benidorm Hotels

Benidorm can rightfully be called a tourist paradise. All conditions have been created here for a comfortable stay for tourists of all categories. Local hotels (2-5*) are ready to provide travelers with a total of 32 thousand beds. Most hotels specialize in accommodating families with children and provide professional nanny services, game rooms, etc. In addition, many hotels offer free accommodation for a child under 12 years of age as the third child in the room. Here you can also rent separate apartments or stay at a campsite.

Often, even six months before the planned trip, Benidorm hotels are 70-80% full. Early booking will expand the choice of offers and help you find interesting options with pleasant discounts.

The most budget rooms in boarding houses, inexpensive apartments and 1-2* hotels cost around 40-60 EUR per night during the season. Offers from 3* hotels with swimming pools and breakfast start in the range from 55 EUR to 85 EUR. For this money you can choose a good option on the first line. 100-130 EUR is the minimum price for the comfort of a 4* hotel. For a stay in exclusive rooms and bungalows of 5* boutique hotels you will be asked to pay from 200 EUR to 900 EUR.

Shopping

Benidorm is a real shopping center by the sea! Tourists here will find not only the usual souvenir shops, but also full-fledged shopping. In summer, shops are open until late, which allows you to enjoy the sea and sun during the day and go shopping for new clothes in the evening.

The most tempting discounts and sales occur in July-August and December-January.

Perhaps the main retail outlet is the La Marina shopping center in the Finestrat area - a bunch of brands, a cinema, playgrounds, a food court, you can get Tax free. An outlet of the popular hypermarket “El Cort Inglés” was also opened here - everything from souvenirs to clothes and household appliances with significant discounts. There is a Carrefour hypermarket across the road, and it is also worth wandering around the shops of the Old Town.

In the La Cala area you can buy native buckwheat in the Russian grocery store “Baltika”.

Local markets are a must-visit. On Wednesdays and Sundays, in the Rincon de Loix area, shoppers will find the El Pueblo market, the landmark of which is the Servigroup Pueblo Hotel. Here they sell souvenirs, antiques, paintings, clothing, leather goods, fresh fruits and vegetables. The city's main market or "Spanish Market" recently moved to Plaza de Toros. Popular with locals, open on Wednesdays, we go here for cheap and tasty fresh food. “El Cisne” is of interest to lovers of antiques and vintage; the classic flea market is open on Saturday and Sunday near the Benisol campsite; local jazz bands often play there. All markets are open from morning until lunch. Bargaining is not only appropriate, but also encouraged - here it is a kind of sport.

What to bring

Probably the most important souvenirs from Spain are edible. The first item on the shopping list is jamon, a real signature of Spain. Inexpensive ones cost on average 14-24 EUR per kg, more “cool” varieties are estimated at amounts from 100 EUR, for the “elite” dry-cured ham they ask for up to 5000 EUR for a pork leg. Local sausages are no less interesting - spicy red chorizo, mouth-watering “fuet” and fragrant “salchichon” will please even those who are indifferent to such snacks. A kilo of sausage will cost 5-12 EUR.

You need to purchase delicacies not in tourist shops, but in regular chain supermarkets - Carrefour, Lidl, Mercadona. It also makes sense to visit the food market.

A bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil would be a wonderful hostess gift. Prices are also a gift. For 1.5 liters of decent oil they ask for about 4 EUR. Local wine goes well with appetizers. It’s better to try in advance and take home the varieties you like. A bottle costs from 2 to 30 EUR. For children and those with a sweet tooth, we definitely bring “turron” - a national dessert made from honey, sugar, nuts and egg whites with all kinds of additives - from dried fruits to marzipan.

Cuisine and restaurants of Benidorm

The choice of bars, cafes and restaurants in Benidorm is huge; you can have a snack and drink on every corner, joining almost any cuisine in the world, including local traditional fishing with subtle Arabic notes.

The natives' breakfast is simple - for 2-3 EUR the client receives a cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice and lightly toasted tosdato bread with a bowl of pureed tomatoes with olive oil. You can get by with crusty bread and butter, it’s also delicious. Served in any bar. During the day, establishments offer daily menus with a price tag of 8-10 EUR for a full set of dishes. Chinese restaurants will help you save money - their lunches cost 4-6 EUR for a drink, soup, rice and main meat.

Small tapas deserve special attention. They are usually served free with drinks, but there are also “tapas bars” where they offer a hearty snack of a variety of sandwiches, omelettes or kebabs, at the same time getting to know this colorful side of Spanish cuisine. A set of 5 tapas will cost 7-8 EUR. Or you can simply move from bar to bar, drinking a glass of beer or wine for 1.50-2 EUR and getting free branded “tapas” everywhere.

You can't visit Valencia without trying paella. The best way is to attend the annual festival of this famous dish, which is held in Benidorm in October. Also, at various times, local thick soups, “pintxo” sandwiches and the same “tapas” are celebrated with multi-day holidays.

The best photos of Benidorm

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Guides in Benidorm

Entertainment and attractions

Conventionally, the city is divided into old and new. Having taken a walk through the historical part of Benidorm, tourists find themselves in Spain of the 17th-19th centuries with its narrow streets the width of one knight’s spear. Here, within the city and nearby, are the Church of St. Jaime, the ancient Iberian settlement of Tossal de Cala, the “Balcony of the Mediterranean” - an observation deck on the rock separating the beaches of Levante and Poniente, as well as the ruins of an observation tower Torre Morales Escaletes from the 16th century. The new part of Benidorm is a typical modern city with multi-storey buildings, business centers, supermarkets, souvenir shops, many fashionable shops and restaurants. The central artery of the city is its embankment, which stretches for 6 km. Here are the most fashionable hotels, expensive restaurants, discos and other establishments that are always open to tourists.

Benidorm is home to the tallest building in Spain - Gran Bali, whose height is 210 m. Compared to it, the 20-30-storey buildings standing next to it seem squat. At the very top of the hotel there is an observation deck with stunning views, entrance is 1 EUR for hotel guests and 5 EUR for everyone else.

In the center of the resort, on Plaza de Toros, there is a Spanish bullfighting arena. Now it often becomes a venue for concerts, performances and festivals. By the way, the latter are a real attraction of Benidorm; they are held here a lot, regularly and for every taste and theme - from rock classics and just classics to performances by stars of the modern electronic scene and food festivals. Another popular concert venue is the Benidorm Palace - an excellent music hall where you can watch classical ballet, flamenco theater, circus shows, as well as touring programs of troupes from all over Europe.

The nightlife of the resort is hardly inferior to the popular Ibiza. Most of the clubs, for obvious reasons, are located outside the city - on Avenida Comunidad Valenciana, the landmark is the Tram Disco intercity tram stop. You can also choose a disco to suit your taste on Levante Beach.

5 things to do in Benidorm

1. Marvel at the local skyscrapers.
2. Go fishing on the island of La Isla de Benidorm.
3. Take in a full chest of fresh air at the Mediterranean Balcony.
4. Hanging out for the whole day at Aqualandia.
5. And, of course, enjoy idleness on excellent beaches.

Benidorm for children

Children in Benidorm will have real freedom, there will be enough adventure and fun for the whole vacation! In the amazing theme park "Terra Mitica" (office site in English), you can not only go on breathtaking rides, but also prepare for the new school year by plunging into the world of myths and stories of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, learn about Iberia - the ancestor of the southern states of Central and Western Europe, as well as attend one of the many theater shows.

“Terra Natura” (office site in English) will appeal to zoo lovers. This hefty safari park is home to about 1.5 thousand species of animals. For convenience, the park was divided into 4 zones, telling about the life of animals on different continents. The Mundomar Park offers a chance to observe marine life (office site Feb

Benidorm, a resort in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula located near Alicante, is known as the tourist mecca of Spain. It is visited by more than 8 million tourists annually.

This small city has more than 150 hotels that can offer accommodation to several hundred thousand people at the same time. Benidorm is also called the Manhattan of Europe, as it is full of skyscrapers built in the 21st century.

Of course, the most popular attractions in Benidorm are its beaches and entertainment facilities, but this does not mean that there are not other interesting places.

Situated on Canfali Hill, the white-stone, blue-domed Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana appears to hang over the sea, offering a delightful panorama of the sea. It was built on the site of a destroyed fort, which is reminiscent of cannons and an anchor installed on a miniature square in front of the temple.

Location: Plaza Sant Jaume - 1.

Do you want to try the best chocolate in Spain? This can be done in the suburbs of Benidorm, the ancient town of Villajoyosa. The local chocolate factory, operating since 1882, produces products appreciated by all sweet tooths. A museum has been opened at the factory, the exhibits of which will introduce the history of chocolate, the technologies of its production, and the development of the enterprise.

The museum has a café and a shop where you can enjoy the factory's products. Villajoyosa is also famous for its numerous ancient monuments, so a tour of the town will be of interest to history buffs.

Location: Avenida Pianista Gonzalo Soriano - 13.

Architects Xavier Marti Gali and Carlos Ferrater worked on the most unusual embankment in Benidorm. Its lines, smooth and rounded, resemble sea waves. The embankment has 2 levels, the connection between which is carried out using stairs built into its different parts. Poniente is especially good in the evening and at night when the lights turn on.

Location: Paseo Marítimo.

Avenida del Mediterraneo is the largest and most populous street in Benidorm. It is here that the tallest skyscrapers, the most sought-after hotels, the most luxurious shops, and the most luxurious restaurants in the city are built. Many of these attractions are famous all over the world.

From the best beach in Benidorm you can see a small island that drifts a few kilometers from the coast. It was once a gathering place for pirates, a refuge during a cholera epidemic, and today it is a land of fishermen and diving enthusiasts. Getting to the island is not difficult: boats depart from the pier near Poniente beach to the island literally every half hour.

Occupying area 45,000 square meters, the Land of Myths amusement park is divided into 5 thematic zones: Rome, Greece, Egypt, Mediterranean, Iberia. The original decorations decorating the park introduce you to the world of ancient civilizations and introduce them to their mythical characters.

There are water rides, carousels, 1.5-kilometer roller coasters, and giant Ferris wheels, from the top of which you can see the whole of Benidorm and the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. Terra Mitica is famous for its shows and performances in which everyone can take part.

Location: Partida del Morale.

Opened in 1985, Mundomar Park is part of the Sierra Helada complex. Here in the square 60,000 square meters, home to more than 80 species of animals.

The main feature of the park is the opportunity to feed its pets yourself, see and take part in numerous performances, the main actors in which are local inhabitants. Particularly popular here is the show with dolphins and fur seals, which takes place to the accompaniment of incendiary music. It is also allowed to take pictures with animals in Mundomar. Here the leaders in popularity are lemurs, with which only children are allowed to take selfies.

The medieval castle of Alfaz is located near Benidorm. Here, every evening, theatrical performances take place with the participation of knights, Moors, Christians, princesses, at the end of which guests are offered a delicious dinner. The waiters at this dinner are jesters, beautiful townswomen, and squires. If you want to try the traditional dishes of this area and enjoy real sangria, you should accept an invitation to dinner.

Location: Camino Viejo de Altea.

The largest water park on the Costa Blanca was opened in 1985. It occupies an area 150,000 square meters. On the territory of Aqualandia there are not only many different water attractions, but also shops, restaurants, spa centers, as well as a delightful park with rich vegetation.

Another feature of the water park is the water used, which is thoroughly purified, which is important for the health of visitors. If we talk about attractions, there are 16 of them. The most popular are:

• VertiGo slide, the descent speed of which exceeds 100 kilometers per hour.
• Slow-flow Amazonas slide, recommended for children.
• Iguazu is a huge Jacuzzi with hydromassage.

Location: Sierra Helada.

Lemon Express is the name of a tourist train that has departed from Benidorm since 1920. Traveling along its route, which passes through such beautiful villages as Calpe, Altea, Benissa, Teulad, Gata de Gorgos, takes about one and a half hours. At the end of the tour, the organizers offer to take part in a party where music from the 20s of the last century is played and champagne flows like a river.

City of Benidorm is a beautiful and popular Mediterranean resort among tourists in Spain, located on the warm coast of the Costa Blanca, which translated from Spanish means “White Coast”. Benidorm is located in a cozy natural bay, one hundred and twenty kilometers from the city of Valencia and forty kilometers from Alicante airport.

Just half a century ago, Benidorm was a modest fishing village, which in a short time turned into “Spanish Manhattan” - the country’s largest resort of world significance, with beautiful high-rise buildings, numerous comfortable hotels, chic restaurants, and affordable cafes. The city of Benidorm occupies only forty square kilometers in area, and the local population is home to no more than seventy thousand people, but everything changes during the high beach season, when numerous tourists from different parts of the world come here, revitalizing the resort, famous for its modern appearance and fast pace life.

Benidorm, a city on the Mediterranean coast, attracts vacationers with its mild climate and wonderful many kilometers of white sand beaches. Benidorm, unlike neighboring resorts, is sheltered from winds and precipitation by a nearby mountain range. That is why it is almost constantly sunny here and very rarely rains, and the air temperature is always several degrees higher than in neighboring resorts on the Costa Blanca. The average summer temperature is twenty-five degrees, winter - sixteen degrees Celsius. The water temperature at any time of the year practically corresponds to the air temperature. The beach holiday season in the resort of Benidorm begins at the end of April and ends at the end of October, but you can sunbathe on the beaches of Benidorm all year round.

As you can imagine, this Spanish Mediterranean resort is an ideal place to relax, providing a lot of opportunities for travelers who come here to see the interesting sights of Benidorm, sunbathe on its magnificent beaches, and take photos of beautiful nature.

For tourists to relax in Benidorm, many hotels, residential complexes, apartments have been built, for every taste and budget, their comfort starts from “two stars”. Many hotels were created specifically for family vacations. There are staff specializing in child care: nannies, governesses, and the hotel has kindergartens and playrooms. For tourists who prefer an expensive holiday in luxury hotels, we can recommend the luxurious five-star hotels “Barcelо Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa”, as well as “Hotel Boutique Villa Venecia”, the price for a room there is around three hundred euros per day. But at this resort you can relax and live more modestly by renting an inexpensive hotel or apartment, which will cost around forty euros per day.

The most famous hotel in the resort city of Benidorm is the forty-five-story skyscraper hotel Gran Hotel Bali - the tallest hotel in Spain. In Gran Bali, at a height of one hundred and sixty meters, there is a large balcony, fenced with glass and handrails - this is an observation deck stretching along the perimeter of the building. Any tourist vacationing in Benidorm must come here to admire the views of the sea and the city from above. You don’t have to live in this hotel to get to its observation deck; you just need to leave a nominal fee at the reception at the entrance and take the high-speed elevator. It is worth warning that the elevator only goes to the forty-third floor, and tourists walk the remaining couple of flights on foot. It is especially interesting here late in the evening and at night, when the city of Benidorm shines with millions of lights.

Sights of the resort of Benidorm. Benidorm has interesting sights. Conventionally, the city is divided into two parts: Modern and Old.

Walking through the old historical part of Benidorm, you can understand what Spain was like in the period from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. This is an area with narrow, intricate streets and pedestrian paths covered with paving stones, neat old houses. There are many interesting historical sights of old Benidorm hidden here. Walking along the intricate streets here, you can reach the beautiful Plaza del Castillo, where the main entrance to the best beach in Benidorm is located - Playa de Levante, which has a Blue Flag award for the cleanliness of the water and coastline. In the Old Town stands the ancient snow-white Church of San Jaime, which attracts the attention of tourists with its bright blue domes. It was built in the style of traditional Costa Blanca architecture.

Or “Tossal de la Cala” - the ruins of an ancient Iberian settlement, located on the top of a hill, dating back to ancient times - the third-second centuries BC. These ruins were discovered in the fifties of the twentieth century; excavations were carried out here during which many objects made of ceramics and metal were found. Research on the mountain continues to this day. Climbing the mountain, along the way tourists encounter the modest Ermita Virgen del Mar Chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Nearby there is an observation deck that offers travelers breathtaking views of the Poniente beach located below, the city of Benidorm itself and the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.

Or "Balcon de Meditterraneo" - the most favorite place for tourists holidaying in Benidorm. They come here to take amazing photos of the city and the sea from a unique natural observation deck, which is a kind of border between the two beaches of Levante and Poniente.

Cross "La Creu" on the Sierra Hellas mountain- this is a huge cross that was erected in 1962, so the mission of evangelization was completed in the city of Benidorm. Today this city landmark is one of the most beloved and popular places where tourists, pilgrims, couples and photographers come. You really get great photos here with a panoramic view of Benidorm. The cross is especially impressive in the evening and at night, illuminated by powerful spotlights: it seems that it hangs in the sky, protecting the glorious Spanish resort, its residents and guests from troubles and misfortunes.

Art gallery "Casa Museo"- is located in a nineteenth-century building with an amazingly beautiful medieval facade. This museum is surrounded by a beautiful palm garden. Inside, tourists will be able to see magnificent paintings, sculptures, various household items and utensils.

Or “Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana” - a Catholic church built between 1740 and 1780. It is located in the Old Town, on the Canfali hill, blending harmoniously into the natural landscape. The church was built in honor of the heavenly guardian of the city of Benidorm - the Virgin Mary. The snow-white temple is decorated with a traditional Latin cross, and there are chapels on both sides. Unusual and remarkable are the domes of the church, decorated with azure tiles, which effectively combine with the white walls of the building. The interior of the temple is also interesting, enchanting with luxury and splendor. It was able to preserve its historical appearance, unique frescoes and icons.

Or “Castillo Conde de Alfaz” - this medieval landmark is located three kilometers from Benidorm, in the neighboring resort town of Alfaz del Pi. The castle belonged to Count Alfasa in the Middle Ages, and now an authentic performance for tourists is held there - the “Medieval Knight Tournament” - “Desafío Medieval”. Being in the castle, you feel like a time traveler, caught in the Middle Ages. At the show, tourists will be able to immerse themselves in the amazing atmosphere of the fourteenth century and watch how in those ancient times knights fought for the honor of the Beautiful Lady. The actors give a very colorful and heartfelt theatrical performance that leaves no one indifferent. Medieval knights with spears, swords, and maces will fight before your eyes. And then they give dinner in the castle in medieval style. The menu includes vegetable soup, fried chicken, pork ribs, bread, and, of course, drinks - beer, wine. The main feature of this dinner is the lack of cutlery: you will have to eat with your hands, because you are in the Middle Ages! Guests are served by waiters dressed in costumes of medieval townspeople or jesters. Then, you can walk around the castle and admire its interiors, which only enhance the depth of immersion in this distant era. The length of the show is two hours. Many parents take their children with them, for whom such a performance is an exciting adventure on vacation. At the end of the performance, everyone will be able to go to the disco, which is called the “Torture Chamber”. The performance starts at nine o'clock in the evening. The ticket price for an adult is fifteen euros, for a child – ten euros.

Theme park "Terra Mitica"- a huge amusement park occupying a huge territory. The park is divided into five thematic sectors, called: 1. “Iberia”; 2. "Egypt"; 3. "Greece"; 4. "Rome"; 5. “Islands” - and each of them is the location of the most dizzying attractions. About eighty bright and colorful shows are held every day in the vast park area. This park will appeal not only to children, but also to their parents.

Safari Park "Terra Natura"- a large themed Benidorm, covering an area of ​​thirty-two hectares. The park is home to more than one and a half thousand different animals, of which there are about two hundred species. These animals live in natural conditions. Of course, there are barriers that separate the animals from the safari park visitors, but they are so thin that you really feel like you are among the wild. The park is divided into zones: 1. Asia; 2. Europe; 3. America. Each zone is inhabited by those animals that are characteristic of a particular area of ​​the planet. At this park there is an excellent water park “Mare Nostrum”, with a large number of pools and the most incredible slides.

Mundomar Park- a favorite attraction of young tourists who come to relax in Benidorm. Exotic birds and sea animals are collected here. Every day there is a performance of funny sea lions and seals, smart dolphins, and also funny parrots. In Mundomar Park you can feed the animals and take a photo with anyone you like.

Water park "Aqualandia"- the pride of the resort town of Benidorm. This is the largest water park on the Costa Blanca, one of the ten largest water parks in the world. This very first water park in Spain was opened in 1985. Every year the popularity of Benidorm's entertainment attraction only grows. Aqualandia covers an area of ​​one hundred and fifty thousand square meters, including not only a variety of attractions, but also a magnificent green park area. The water park has good restaurants, many shops, and service centers. Aqualandia is located on a hill, so it offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Benidorm and its amazing surroundings.

Plaza de Toros or "Plaza de Toros" - the place of Benidorm where history meets modernity. As for the historical side of the matter, there is an arena for holding traditional events. The modern part is responsible for the constant festive events, festivals and concerts that are held here and attract both Spaniards themselves and foreign tourists.

Music Hall "Benidorm Palace"- a stunning concert hall located in the majestic Benidorm Palace, where the best entertainment shows are held, featuring outstanding Spanish artists. Every evening, tourists are treated to incendiary music, performances by dancers performing traditional Spanish flamenco dance, and performances by illusionists, classical ballet dancers, and circus performers. During these events, guests can taste the magnificent and exquisite masterpieces of Spanish gastronomy.

Promenade "Paseo Maritimo"- a unique place in Benidorm, designed by Carlos Ferrater and Xavier Martí Gali, in 2009. The embankment is an original two-level structure with a “wave” profile, ideally repeating the smooth lines of the sandy seashore of Benidorm. You can move from one level to another using stairs. This modern city landmark looks unusual in the evening when illuminated, giving the structure a fantastic and even surreal appearance.

Beaches of Benidorm. It is worth talking about the stunning beaches of the city of Benidorm - wide, clean with white and soft sand. Beach lovers will probably say that the resort of Benidorm is one of the best places in the Mediterranean, and its beaches are worthy of all praise. The beaches of this Spanish resort are regularly awarded the Blue Flag, which confirms the cleanliness and quality of the environment, as well as the level of service and maintenance.

Or “Playa de Levante” - one of the most popular beaches among tourists in Benidorm, two kilometers long. It has excellent infrastructure, equipped with all the necessary things for a comfortable stay and a fun time: there are sun loungers, umbrellas, diving boards, water slides, changing cabins, toilets and showers, cafes and bars. This beach and the surrounding area is the busiest part of Benidorm, and is unofficially called “English Beach”. The fact is that the lion's share of all the shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and hotels located here is owned by the British. Local and visiting young people, especially from the UK, love to relax here. It is worth saying that the British have long considered the Spanish resort of Benidorm to be the summer capital of club music, second only to party music. Benidorm's clubs host London's most popular DJs all summer long.

Or "Playa de Poniente" - a little less crowded than Levante, but located in the center of Benidorm. It is popular among families with children. Entrance to the beach is from the Embankment. For little vacationers, Poniente has interesting water play platforms. This beach provides recreational facilities for disabled people and people with limited mobility. But the beach lives not only a quiet life during the day; at night it is transformed and noisy and incendiary parties take place here.

Or “Playa de Mal Pas” - located in a secluded bay surrounded by rocks in the central part of the city near the port. This is the quietest place on the city coast, which can be reached by going down the stairs leading from the cathedral. The beach is covered with yellow sand, unusual for Benidorm, the entrance to the sea is sandy and smooth, which is why this holiday destination is popular among families with children.

Benidorm is a Spanish holiday city, with beautiful nature, a mild climate, well-developed tourist infrastructure, interesting sights and ample opportunities for recreation. This resort has a place and activity for every tourist.

How to get to the resort city of Benidorm?

Tourists from Russia most often fly to Altet airport in the city of Alicante, and then take a regular bus to the bus station in Benidorm. It takes fifty minutes in time and costs eight euros and twenty cents. If you prefer taxi services, the journey will take forty minutes in time, and the price will be seventy euros.

There is another option to get to Benidorm, taking into account the fact that the Moscow-Alicante plane is not daily. You can fly to Madrid and take a five-hour bus ride to Alicante for fifty euros.