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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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Other places on the Costa Blanca:

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Quick practical facts for Spain at a glance: