Benidorm

City · Valencian Community, 🇪🇸 Spain

Benidorm is a resort city on the Costa Blanca, in eastern Spain. It has two long sandy beaches, a skyline of high-rise hotels and apartments, and one of the busiest nightlife scenes in the country.

It is popular for sun and beach holidays, theme parks and warm winters. It suits a family trip or a beach holiday of several days.

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When to visit

Late spring and early autumn are the best seasons, with warm weather and fewer crowds. Summers are hot and busy, and the sea is warm from June to October. Winters are mild, and many visitors come for the sun.

Best time to visit: March, April, May, June, July, October, November

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Good

16° (feels like 13°) · extremes 4°–20°
8° at night
6 rainy days
15 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
15°C · too cold to swim
UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in February

Good

16° (feels like 14°) · extremes 4°–21°
8° at night
6 rainy days
14 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
14°C · too cold to swim
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Great

18° (feels like 16°) · extremes 6°–24°
10° at night
7 rainy days
16 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
15°C · too cold to swim
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Great

21° (feels like 19°) · extremes 9°–25°
12° at night
8 rainy days
15 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
16°C · too cold to swim
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in May

Great

24° (feels like 23°) · extremes 11°–29°
15° at night
6 rainy days
18 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
19°C · cool for a dip
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in June

Great

29° · extremes 16°–33°
19° at night
3 rainy days
22 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
23°C · cool for a dip
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in July

Great

31° (feels like 33°) · extremes 19°–35°
22° at night
2 rainy days
26 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
26°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in August

Good

31° (feels like 33°) · extremes 20°–35°
23° at night
4 rainy days
22 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Calm winds
27°C · warm for swimming
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in September

Good

28° (feels like 29°) · extremes 17°–32°
20° at night
8 rainy days
16 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Calm winds
25°C · warm for swimming
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in October

Great

24° · extremes 12°–29°
17° at night
8 rainy days
14 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Calm winds
23°C · cool for a dip
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Great

19° (feels like 17°) · extremes 7°–24°
12° at night
8 rainy days
13 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
19°C · cool for a dip
UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in December

Good

16° (feels like 14°) · extremes 5°–20°
9° at night
7 rainy days
12 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
16°C · too cold to swim
UV index 2 · low

Climate data: NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5-Land and ERA5 · 1996–2025

Top sights

Levante Beach is the main beach, with a wide sandy shore, a long promenade and many bars.
Poniente Beach is a quieter beach on the west side of the old town.
The old town sits on a small headland between the two beaches, with a viewing terrace called the Balcón del Mediterráneo.
Terra Mítica is a large theme park with roller coasters and shows.
Mundomar is a marine park with dolphin and sea lion shows.
Terra Natura is a zoo and animal park.
Aqualandia is a water park that is popular in summer.
Intempo is a tall residential tower that is a symbol of the skyline.
The Island of Benidorm is a rocky islet reached by boat from the harbor.

Featured Lists

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0

Benidorm Essentials

Benidorm’s landscape is defined by the 202-meter Intempo skyscraper and the sweeping Levante Beach. Beyond the modern high-rises, the city preserves its history at the Tossal de la Cala Roman fort and the narrow streets of the Old Town. Major attractions include the Terra Mítica theme park and Aqualandia water park. For views, the Mirador de la Cruz and Punta Canfali provide vantage points over the Mediterranean and the city’s dense urban architecture.

12 places

Vicreate / CC BY-SA 3.0

Theme Parks & Attractions

Benidorm's entertainment landscape features a high concentration of large-scale theme parks and water attractions. Terra Mítica explores ancient Mediterranean civilizations through five themed zones: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and the Islands. Nearby, Aqualandia hosts some of Europe's tallest water slides, including the Verti-Go. For families, Aqua Natura offers 40,000 square meters of aquatic facilities alongside sea lion encounters, while Festilandia provides central, urban-based rides for younger children. Thrill-seekers can find specialized rollercoasters like the wooden Magnus Colosus and the 360-degree spinning Inferno.

7 places

Carlesmari / CC BY 3.0

Best Beaches and Coves

Benidorm's coastline offers a contrast between expansive urban beaches and rugged natural coves. The three-kilometer Poniente Beach provides a wide sandy shore with a modern promenade, while the smaller Mal Pas Beach sits tucked beneath the Old Town's cliffs. To the east, the Sierra Helada Natural Park shelters Tio Ximo and Almadrava, two secluded coves characterized by rocky terrain and clear waters. Nearby, Cala de Finestrat serves as a distinct sandy bay separated from the main resort area by a rocky headland.

5 places

Joanbanjo / CC BY-SA 3.0

Iconic Views & Landmarks

Benidorm’s coastline is marked by strategic heights and historical fortifications. This selection includes the 1st-century BC Roman archaeological site at Tossal de la Cala and the 14th-century fortress foundations at Punta Canfali. It features 16th-century defensive structures like Torre de les Caletes and Torre Morales, built to guard against pirate raids. These sites offer vantage points ranging from the high-altitude cliffs of Sierra Helada at Mirador de la Cruz to the central rocky outcrop separating the city’s two main beaches.

5 places

What to experience

Spend a day on Levante Beach and walk the promenade in the evening.
Take a boat to the Island of Benidorm.
Visit a theme park or a water park with children.

Tours & Activities

Benidorm — Map

Benidorm — Printable Tourist Map Benidorm — Travel Guide (PDF) Open the interactive map

Day trips

Guadalest (about 25 km, 40 minutes by car): a village on a rock, with a castle and a lake.
Altea (about 10 km): a whitewashed hill town with a church with blue domes.
Alicante (about 45 km, 1 hour): a port city with a hilltop castle.
Dénia (about 60 km): a coastal town with a castle and a ferry port for the Balearic Islands.
Sierra Helada (nearby): a natural park with cliffs and walking trails.

Where to explore

Other places on the Costa Blanca:

Coast: Altea, Dénia and Torrevieja.
Cities: Alicante, Elche and Valencia.

Getting there

By air: Alicante airport (ALC) is about 50 km away and has many flights from across Europe. Valencia airport is farther, about 140 km.
By tram: A tram line runs along the coast between Alicante and Benidorm, and takes about an hour and a half.
By bus: Coaches run from Alicante airport and many cities in Spain.

Getting around

On foot: The beach area and the old town are compact and flat, and most things are within a 15 to 20 minute walk.
Public transport: City buses and a tram line connect the main areas.
Cycling: Bike lanes run along the promenade and some main streets.

Driving

Is a car worth it?: Not for the beach area. A car helps for Guadalest and other inland villages.
Parking: Parking in the center is limited, and underground car parks are the best option.
Restrictions: Some streets in the old town are pedestrian only.

Food & drink

Benidorm has food from all over Europe, along with local Valencian cooking. Rice dishes such as paella and arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) are common, and seafood is fresh.

Tapas bars in the old town are a good place to eat in the evening.

Breakfast

Churros Churros con ChocolateFried dough sticks served with a thick, dark hot chocolate for dipping — a classic Spanish breakfast or late-night snack.

Lunch

Paella ValencianaA saffron-scented rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan. The traditional Valencian version uses chicken, rabbit, and green beans — best eaten at midday.

GazpachoA cold, blended soup of raw tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, originally from Andalusia. Served as a drink or a starter, especially in summer.

Dinner

Pulpo a la GallegaBoiled octopus sliced onto a wooden board and dressed with olive oil, coarse salt, and smoked paprika — a signature dish of Galicia.

Snacks & street food

Jamón IbéricoDry-cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, sliced paper-thin and eaten on its own or with bread. The finest grade, jamón ibérico de bellota, is one of Spain's most prized products.

Tortilla EspañolaA thick potato and egg omelette, served warm or at room temperature, found in virtually every bar in Spain. Often eaten as a tapa or a quick meal.

Patatas BravasFried potato chunks served with a spicy tomato sauce or aioli — one of the most common tapas across the country.

PintxosSmall snacks anchored to slices of bread with a toothpick, the Basque Country's answer to tapas. Found in bar counters across San Sebastián and Bilbao, often with elaborate toppings.

CroquetasCrispy breaded cylinders with a creamy béchamel filling, typically made with jamón, bacalà (salt cod), or mushrooms.

Drinks

Rioja Wine Vino de RiojaSpain's best-known wine region produces full-bodied reds from Tempranillo grapes, aged in oak. The crianza, reserva, and gran reserva labels indicate increasing age and complexity.

Safety & health

Benidorm is generally safe. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas and on the beach, so keep valuables close. Summer heat is strong, so wear sun protection and drink water. Take care in the sea when red flags are shown.

History

Benidorm was a small fishing village until the late 1950s. The mayor then allowed high-rise buildings and relaxed rules for beachwear, and the village grew into one of Europe's best-known beach resorts.

Today it has the most high-rise buildings per person in Europe, and it attracts visitors all year.

Country facts

Quick practical facts for Spain at a glance:

Currency: Euro EUR € · Card payments · Widely accepted
Emergency numbers: 112
Electricity: Type C / Type F
230 V · 50 Hz

Languages: Spanish
Tap water: Safe to drink
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +34

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Benidorm