Benidorm is the most modern and rapidly developing resort city of the Costa Blanca. Here everyone can find plenty to do: enjoy a leisurely vacation on the beach, explore the city’s attractions, spend active holidays with amusement parks, go on trips to the nearest ancient towns and natural parks. In this article, we have put together the most interesting and beautiful sights of Benidorm – places where you can go for a good mood and photo-hunting.
Benidorm: City Attractions
Balcón del Mediterráneo
The balcony of the Mediterranean (Balcón del Mediterráneo) is the main observation deck of the city, which offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coast. The platform decorated with a figured balustrade is located next to the Castelar Square, on a high cliff between the main city beaches – Poniente and Levante. An elegant white staircase leads from the square to the Balcony of the Mediterranean along the slope of the cliff.
Benidorm Palace
Benidorm Palace is the best concert hall on the coast, designed for 1600 spectators and famous for its colorful shows and performances. Pop stars, renowned orchestras, choirs and music groups from all over the world come here every year. Guests of this concert hall can enjoy not only great performances, but also excellent cuisine with dishes from the chef of the restaurant. On days off from concerts, Benidorm Palace hosts congresses, presentations, exhibitions, corporate and family celebrations.
Església de Sant Jaume i Santa Anna
St. James and St. Anne’s Church of Benidorm (Església de Sant Jaume i Santa Anna) is a snow-white building with blue domes, which was built in the XVIII century in the heart of Benidorm’s old town, on the hill of Canfali. Previously, there was a small fortress on this hill, from which it remained nothing now – just a few cannons, and an anchor. As for the church, it is active: Catholic masses are carried out regularly. Església de Sant Jaume i Santa Anna is fairly modest on the outside, but inside, it impresses with its beautiful decoration and ancient icons and frescoes that have survived until today.
Parc de L’Aigüera
There is a beautiful central city park – Parc de L’Aigüera, which is about a kilometer long, and spread out at the foot of the Canfali hill. There are two amphitheatres on the territory of this park, where bright festivals and concerts are held outdoors.
Parque de Elche
The Elche Park (Parque de Elche) is a small shady park with a picturesque fountain, located in the northern part of the Poniente Beach near the historical center of the city and the port. The playground near the fountain is a favorite recreation place for a flock of white pigeons. It is so nice to walk here or sit on benches in the shade of palm trees, watching the performances of street musicians.
Tossal de La Cala
The hill of Tossal de La Cala is a rocky high ground in the southwestern part of Benidorm between the beaches of Poniente and Finestrat. There are two viewing platforms at the top of this hill, which offer a magnificent view of Benidorm and the coast. Near the observation desk, the are the ruins of an ancient Iberian settlement, as well as a small chapel Ermita de la Virgen del Mar.
Mirador Gran Hotel Bali
The observation deck of the Grand Hotel Bali – Mirador Gran Hotel Bali – it is a really stunning platform on the roof of one of the tallest buildings of the city (189 m). Anyone can go up to the roof. An entrance fee is payable, the hotel guests receive discounts. The rise to the 45th floor is carried out on high-speed lifts with glass walls and panoramic views, moving outside the building. However, people who have a fear of heights can also use conventional internal lifts.
Activities and Entertainment in Benidorm
Terra Mitica
Terra Mítica is probably the main attraction of Benidorm. This a theme park of attractions telling about ancient civilizations: Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, and Iberians. Each themed area is designed to create an atmosphere of that epoch. Ancient myths and legends are recreated not only through the scenery, but also in theatrical shows and performances.
Terra Natura
Terra Natura is a modern zoo with spacious enclosures and a wild nature atmosphere. More than 200 species of animals are kept here in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. Also, the zoo implements a program, which preserves rare and endangered species of animals.
Mundomar
Mundomar is a marine animal park with over 80 species of mammals and birds. The main attraction of the park is a regular show featuring exotic species of parrots, dolphins and fur seals. Visitors can participate in feeding the animals, as well as swim with them in the pool.
Aqualandia
Aqualandia is a huge water park with 27 slides, 14 pools and numerous children’s areas. The most popular 30-meter Big-Bang waterslide is considered the highest and steepest in Europe. There are cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops, and several recreation areas on the territory of the park.
Isla de Benidorm
The Benidorm Island – Isla de Benidorm is a small rocky cliff rising from the sea right in front of the Poniente Beach. In ancient times, the cliff served as a base for pirates, and today it is a favorite place for divers and fishermen. Pleasure boats and the sightseeing boat «Aquascope» with an underwater observation deck run to this cliff. The departures take place from the port of Benidorm or from the marina of the Poniente Beach.
Attractions in the Surrounding Area of Benidorm
Las Fuentes del Algar
The Algar Waterfalls – Las Fuentes del Algar: there is a picturesque natural complex of waterfalls and lakes, placed 15 km from Benidorm. The water temperature in the Algar River does not exceed 17ºС even in the hottest season, so these waterfalls and lakes become a popular recreation area and a source of saving coolness in the summer months, especially when the thermometers go off the scale.
Guadalest
Guadalest is an unusually picturesque settlement located 25 km from Benidorm. Its hallmark is an impressive castle-fortress built on top of a sheer cliff. Gorgeous panoramic views of the mountains, mountain valleys and a large reservoir with water of an incredible blue-emerald color are offered from the observation decks of Guadalest. In the village itself there are numerous small museums, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
Parque Natural Serra Gelada
The Serra Gelada Natural Park is a protected area that stretches along the coast between Benidorm and Albir. This park is very popular among nature lovers and hikers: there are several routes of different degree of difficulty throughout the territory. The highest point of the park is 439 m above sea level. The main routes converge at one point placed near the Albir lighthouse – Faro del Albir, where a small exhibition center can be found. Another attraction of the park is the observation deck «Cross of Benidorm» (La Cruz de Benidorm), which offers the best views of the city and the Costa Blanca.
