2026 Benidorm Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#timetotravel #benidorm Attractions - Benidorm has been a tourist destination within Spain since 1925, when its port was extended and the first hotels were built, though it would not be until the 1950s that it became renowned as a summer destination for people coming from inland Spain, especially Madrid. Today it is known for its hotel industry, beaches, and skyscrapers and receives as many tourists from abroad. According to the 2020 census, Benidorm has a permanent population of 70,450 inhabitants, making it the fifth-most populous town in the Alicante province and the ninth in Valencian Community.

Traveling To Benidorm Spain Holidays in Benidorm are especially popular during the summer months. Not only is Benidorm, Spain a popular vacation destination, many from Europe have and continue to purchase vacation homes in the area. Though its climate is beautiful during all seasons, the most popular travel time is during the summer months.  There are many accommodation choices available for your vacation. It has over 35,000 hotel rooms ranging from the large, luxury hotels to the smaller more basic hotels. You could also stay in one of the 200,000 plus apartments in the city, many of which are available as vacation rentals. As you see, finding somewhere to stay is not a hard task but keep in mind that you must make your reservation early if you are traveling during the summer.  Transportation to Benidorm is very convenient with its close proximity to one of Spain’s larger airports in Alicante. Benidorm is approximately twenty-eight miles (45 kilometers) from Alicante, leading most visitors to fly into this airport. The Alicante airport offers a wide variety of flights from large carriers and discount airlines providing good priced fares from anywhere in North America or Europe.  #europeanarchitecture#naturalwonders#beautifulhotel#roadtrip#summervacation#beachvacation#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

nice walk along the front

Food is great staff are great and the location is right next to the main strip

19c January 13th Beaut place so go and unwind

Tranquil beach

Our experience with the "Care for Elephants" program through ENP was absolutely amazing. Tea, our guide, was fantastic—super funny, incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about and respectful of the animals. The small group size added so much to the personal and intimate feel of the day. We started by learning about the project and the elephants, meeting the project’s dogs, and preparing food for two elephants before feeding them. Afterward, we walked with the elephants through the woods and along the river, simply following them as they went about their usual day. There was a bit of rain, but we had tree cover, and ponchos and boots were available if needed—nothing to worry about. While walking, Khun Ben, the photographer, even helped us pick fresh lychees from the trees to enjoy as a snack for both us and the elephants. Lunch was a tasty vegetarian buffet. Afterward, we visited the main Elephant Park, where we could observe the other rescued elephants and dogs from a respectful distance, watching the elephants enjoy life and seeing how well their handlers cared for them. At the end of the day, we returned to our hotel in the van. The entire experience lasted from about 8 am to 5 or 6 pm, making for a wonderfully full day. This was the best elephant experience we’ve ever had—completely ethical with no concerns whatsoever.

📅 Itinerary Day1：Pubs and clubs Day2: zoo Day3: cable cars 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations #travel2026 📌 Tips

January 12th and it’d 19c and warm as 25c. Great place to come and enjoy life away from the uk rain

What a great place

📍：Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Alicante This place is known as "Miami for European seniors," but once you're there, you'll realize—it's a place where the seawater ≠ realistic, the skyline ≠ authentic, and the scenery ≠ indescribable. A jelly-like sea + city skyscrapers + a superb beach coexist. 【Must-Visit / Must-See 💡】 💙 Playa de Levante (Levante Beach) Benidorm's most vibrant beach, a long stretch of golden sand + crystal-clear water that looks like it's been treated with glass. Under the sunlight, the sea surface transforms into diamond fragments ✨. 💚 Cliff Viewpoint Mirador (next to the Old Town) The Mediterranean Sea overlooked from here is proof of Benidorm's "jelly-like sea." The water is transparent green with blue tinges, appearing almost AI-like to the naked eye. 🧡 Skyline One of Benidorm's distinctive features: dozens of skyscrapers rising directly from the beach. A perfect blend of island and city vibes, this beach is absolutely stunning, rivaling any magazine photoshoot. 🤍 Playa de Poniente (Poniente Beach) More relaxed than Levante, less crowded, cleaner, and perfect for a lazy day sunbathing. Enjoying a coffee here while watching the sunset is absolutely breathtaking. 【Experience ☀️】 Walking along the beach, you'll suddenly be amazed by the sea's colors: a jelly-like green, a filter-like blue, and shimmering lights that make the sea surface look like a night sky. Sitting on the beach doing nothing, watching the elderly sunbathe and children play in the sand, you'll suddenly understand why this place has always been considered one of "Europe's happiest holiday cities." Standing on the cliff edge and looking down, the underwater reefs are so clearly defined, like a diver's perspective; every snapshot looks like a travel magazine cover. 【✅Recommended⭐⭐⭐⭐】 If you like: crystal-clear waters / city views / a relaxing vacation / pure sunbathing 🥥 then Benidorm is your destined destination. It's incredibly refreshing to come here in winter! The 25°C temperature combined with the glowing seawater creates an unrealistic European winter beach experience.

Back to Spain again! The weather in Madrid is so cold this year. Last year at the same time, a light jacket was enough, but this year a thick coat is needed to withstand the cold. So I quickly escaped Madrid for the weekend and chose a less popular city—Alicante! 🏰 Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Photos 1-6) can be reached by taking the elevator from the south side, Ascensor del Castillo de Santa Bárbara, for 2.7 euros. Those with good stamina can also walk up from the north side. From the castle, you can overlook the entire city architecture and the Mediterranean scenery—absolutely stunning! 🏝 The view from Playa del Postiguet beach all the way to the pier next to the seaside promenade (Photos 7-11) was just at sunset, and the scenery was breathtaking! The Valencian Community really makes it easy to catch the blue-pink sunset glow; I encounter it every time I visit. 🌴 Paseo de la Explanada de España seaside promenade (Photo 12) 🍄 El Carrer dels Bolets Mushroom Street (Photo 13) Alicante bus cards can be purchased here: Tam: Av. de Jaime II, 03002 Alicante Alicante is not a big city, and you can basically see most of it in one day, so I took half a day to visit another nearby seaside city, Benidorm. From the city center Luceros station, you can take Line L1 directly to Benidorm, with buses every half hour, round trip 4.8 euros. On the way, sit on the right side to enjoy the beautiful coastline. The trip takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. When approaching the station, a long row of high-rise buildings appears, very different from all the cities passed along the way. 🏖 Platja de Llevant (Photos 14/15) 🌊 Balcó de la Mediterrània Mediterranean Balcony (Photos 16-18) reminded me of the Balcón de Europa in Nerja. Sunshine, blue sky, sea, castle, slow pace—Alicante is worth it~

#falladventures #travel #couplestrip #staycation #naturalwonders #naturalwonders #thingstodo

Caught an amazing sunset of the coast of Spain to top off a beutiful holiday one of the best moments I’ve ever seen would definitely recommend looking out for when on holiday goes perfect with a romantic date night or even with friends and family #couplestrip #beachlife #naturalwonders #thingstodo #travel #staycation #seascapes #resorts #afternoonteatime

Dreaming of Asia without leaving Spain? You’ll adore Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel in Benidorm—where lush gardens, tranquil pools, and refined Asian touches fuse for a resort experience unlike any other. 🌴 Imagine waking up in a spacious room, bathed in daylight, next to a plush sofa and glowing table lamp (so inviting after a day in the sun!). 🌞 Set moments from Terra Mítica (Rotonda del Fuego), the property’s amazing pools are a true highlight. Enjoy adult-only spaces and heated pools with overhead heaters, ensuring comfort year-round. Each is beautifully maintained—perfect for an insta-worthy shot by the water surrounded by tropical plants. Rooms? They’re impressively large, spotless, and feature thoughtful perks like toiletries and nightly turndown service. Deluxe suites offer extra luxury, but even standard rooms are filled with culture-inspired charm. Tip: Book during the quieter months for a relaxed, nearly private oasis, with sunbeds to spare! Dining is eclectic—jump into the Koh Samui Asian restaurant for authentic flavors and warm service, or try the festive buffets filled with variety and fresh juices. The detox bar and made-to-order omelets are must-tries at breakfast! Families will love the kids’ club and engaging daily activities, though check ahead on specific details. For couples or solo travelers, the peaceful spa and adult-only zones promise true relaxation. Don’t forget to snap a few close-ups in your room—the interiors capture that seamless blend of Asia and Mediterranean. Book your stay on trip.com for exclusive rates. Always reserve dining early, and double-check your bookings due to occasional reservation hiccups. For a quick itinerary: morning poolside, afternoon spa, evenings in themed restaurants, and lazy strolls in the gardens. #Benidorm #LuxuryResort #FamilyTravel #AsianStyle #SpaHotel

If you’re after a quick affordable escape, Benidorm is a solid pick. Five nights for around £200 per person, full board included – can’t really go wrong with that. Weather in May can be a bit unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm – warm enough to explore without melting, and fewer crowds around. I stayed away from the party centre (not really my scene) and it turned out perfect: peaceful walks along the beach, sea breeze, and that unmistakable smell of summer starting to roll in 🌊☀️ Having full board meant total freedom – even if you eat out, it’s nice knowing your meals are sorted if you’re feeling lazy or keeping an eye on the budget. Benidorm might have its party reputation, but outside the strip it’s surprisingly calm, great for coastal walks, sea views and a bit of sunshine therapy before summer really kicks off. 🇪🇸✨#europeonbudget

Absolute party Central boozers paradise 😎❣️ We had fun great time had with my girls! #travel #beachlife #traveller

💞Reasons to Recommend: If you wanna drink like drink drink this is the place to be 🤣🥂#travel #traveller

#travel #beachlife 🏖️Ambiance/Facilities: The beaches are beautiful and clean

Absolutely fabulous tapas alley in the old town and we got this Cavan and tapas deal for only €15

How to get around: Must-see attractions: Hotel guide: Food guide: Shopping guide:Address: Environment and facilities: Highlights: Price per person: Rating:#travel Benidorm

Best hotel in Benidorm

#holiday #familytrip #localguides #deliciousfood

Stop: Terra Mítica, Benidorm Terra Mítica is a theme park where architecture becomes storytelling, recreating the grandeur of ancient civilizations on the Mediterranean coast. Opened in 2000, the park is divided into themed zones that evoke Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and the Islands, each designed with monumental sets, temples, and plazas that immerse visitors in history while blending fantasy and spectacle. Walking through Terra Mítica feels like stepping across eras: colossal obelisks rise beside Roman amphitheaters, Greek columns frame open courtyards, and Iberian fortresses stand proudly against the skyline. The architecture is deliberately theatrical, crafted not just to replicate history but to magnify it, creating a stage where rides, performances, and landscapes merge into a total experience. What makes Terra Mítica extraordinary is its celebration of cultural imagination. It transforms fragments of history into spaces of wonder, where design amplifies myth and legend rather than merely reconstructing the past. For travelers, this stop is an encounter with architecture as entertainment—an immersive journey through civilizations, reinterpreted with creativity and flair. #mytraveldiary