Benidorm, popular destination on the Costa Blanca

Benidorm is located on the east coast of Spain (Costa Blanca), on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and is protected on three sides from most inclement weather, by the mountains of Sierra Helada to the east, Aitana to the north and Tussal de the cove. to the west, with the fourth side of Benidorm dominated by two deeply curved bays that keep the sea calm and ensure that bathers and sunbathers remain in a safe and warm environment for most of the year.

Situated just off the N-332 about 40 minutes from Alicante airport, Benidorm is ranked as Spain’s top holiday destination, mainly due to its year-round temperatures, which average between 12 degrees in winter and 28 degrees in summer. , and its three natural golden blue flags. Beaches

There is a plethora of activities to be found here, for those who require the thrill of a one minute vacation, with water sports including jet skis, kayaks, jet skiing (try jet skiing at Rincon de L’oix, at the north end of Levante beach), skydiving, scuba diving (three real professional/amateur clubs) and snorkelling. You can also rent boats or organize fishing and diving trips to Peacock Island, where you can swim with extravagant marine life.

For lovers of fresh water, there is Aqualandia with its waterfalls, zigzags, rapids, cascades, lakes, kamikaze games, black hole wave pool, or for those who don’t want the “tricks”, there is an Olympic pool at Polideportivo de Foietes and Lope de Vega swimming school.

For those who do not have webbed feet, there is the Foietes sports centre, with a wide range of athletics, several bowling alleys, petanque, billiards, go-karts, horse riding, tennis, golf, paintball, trekking, quads and adventure expeditions. .

If this is not your idea of ​​a holiday, why not just relax and soak up the sun on one of the three beaches that Benidorm has to offer? To the north is Levante beach (sunrise), nestled under the Old Town is Mal Pas cove and to the south is Poniente beach (sunset), so you can sunbathe from sunrise to sunset on these golden beaches. .

Levante Beach. This is generally the most populated beach area, where it is ideal for beginners to snorkeling, since at the bottom there are smooth rocks, home to many fish, without the bather leaving its depth.

At this beach, it’s just a short walk from the water’s edge to a nearby bar, cafe or restaurant, where, if you need a workout, order a pint instead of half and watch your arm muscles work out.

Sick No cove. This is a small bay adjacent to the marina, where calm water laps against golden sands, with a natural windbreak from the cliffs of the old town behind you, an ideal spot for sun worshipers. This is also an ideal place for diving beginners, as the water is calm and shallow.

west beach. This is arguably the best beach in Benidorm, and it’s also the longest and least crowded of the beaches, but bear in mind you have a bit more time to walk around for a drink or a bite to eat, so maybe take a picnic with you.

Benidorm does not close in winter, like other holiday destinations in Spain, and continues to attract visitors throughout the year, due to its average temperatures and its entertainment offer. With between 800 and 1300 bars (depending on which article you read), it’s easy to see why so many stag/hen parties are hosted here.

There is also a wide and varied entertainment offer, with places like Benidorm Palace, which has its great show nights with a full show, 3-course meal, drinks and dancing for 40 euros.

In Villajoyosa there is the Mediterranean Casino with its Buffet Dinner (3 courses), wine and show for 24 euros, plus fluttering on the tables or on the bandits if you wish.

Molino Benidorm, mainly transvestite and drinks show, plus a multitude of different bars offering a variety of entertainment shows consisting of singers, comedians, karaoke, etc., plus a large variety of Disco, R& B, House like Cafe Benidorm, Hippodrome, Loch Ness and Champions to name just a few.

For partygoers, Benidorm is probably the “Mecca of Spain”, with its main Spanish rival possibly being Ibiza and described by some as a Spanish Blackpool but with a different culture, more sun and better beaches.

This is not all that Benidorm has to offer, for with its varied entertainment throughout the year for singles, couples or families, young and old alike, this truly is a holiday experience not to be missed.

Family entertainment. Benidorm has a rich and varied list of activities for families with children of all ages, among the best are: Terra Mítica, Terra Natura, Mundomar, Aqualandia and Desafio Medieval (medieval show, with jousting knights, etc., plus dinner) everything can be found on the internet for more detailed information.

Rental car. This is a very good idea, to allow you to explore the beautiful towns and cities outside of Benidorm, and with all the major car rental companies along Avenida del Mediterráneo, just off Levante beach, such as Hertz, Avis, Europa and Centauro, so shop around for the best deal.

Excursions Most hotels organize some kind of tour package that you can take, but there are also five free sightseeing trips on offer that will take you to the markets of Altea, through 7 Spanish towns, Guadelest, the Botanical Gardens or the wine valley de Jalón (where you can taste the merchandise).

For the free tours, contact the Round Town News Tourist Information Office located in Rincón de Benidorm, opposite the Meliá hotel, to get your tickets. The Round Town office also helps with all your vacation inquiries, including some Spanish phrases, for those of you who want to get into the true spirit of your vacation.

Hotels. There are apparently 145 hotels, with a total of 38,000 beds on offer, plus numerous apartments (this is the third highest in Europe, behind London and Paris). For those who are not afraid of heights, stay at the Hotel Gran Bali **** which is the tallest building in Spain with 51 floors.

History. Benidorm was officially born in 1325, when the lord of the Barony of Polop granted it a town charter to establish its own identity within Spain. The locals are fiercely proud of their heritage, mainly of a maritime nature, where most of the Mediterranean tuna fishing industry has been concentrated for more than 200 years. Since the 19th century, Benidorm has provided most of Spain’s sea captains and crew members.

Take a walk through the old town and see St. James Church, which was built in the 18th century, and many other interesting buildings along the narrow cobbled streets and squares. You can also take all this in by taking a “Tapas and Wine” tour, along two designated routes through the old town, which is much more civilized than the usual pub crawl.

Parties

Three Kings – Jan 5 Carnival – Feb 16-20 Fallas – March 14-19 Holy Week – April 1-8 Bonfires of Saint John – June 19-24 Virgen del Carmen – July 16-22 Parque Aiguera (musicians and shows) – August 1-31 Fiestas Barrio L, Malsa – Sept 11-28-30 Moors and Christians – Oct 4-7 Spectacular free show plus fireworks – New Year’s Eve

As well as many other smaller festivals, too many to list, get the full itinerary from the tourist office or Round Town News.

Restaurants. Benidorm has everything your palate desires, from Italian, French, Indian, German, English and of course Spanish cuisine. There are too many to list without disturbing the rest, so take a food cruise and get back on the diet when you get home.

Shopping. This is definitely the place where you can shop till you drop, from cheap clothing stores to more expensive ones, try the Plaza del Mar shopping center in Finestrat. It is best to buy leather coats and jackets and of course buy cheaper spirits and cigarettes for home.

In conclusion, Benidorm is a diverse city, where you can spend a fun-filled holiday or a quiet and relaxed cultural holiday, with something for everyone, but to do Benidorm justice, you just have to come and see for yourself.