Ahh Benners. A bit like ketchup-flavoured Lays, you either love it or you hate it. But don’t be fooled into thinking that it's just a playground for fun-loving Brits looking for an all-night party.
Trust us, this fabulously fun Spanish city has more than cheap booze up its sleeve! We’re talking some of the hottest beaches in the Costa Blanca, coastal hiking trails serving movie-worthy views and music festivals that slay – the lip-smacking tapas is just the cherry on top!
Starting to sound like your kinda vibe? Here’s 11 awesome activities that will take your Benidorm holiday from mediocre to mega.
1. Spend time in the Old Town
Believe it or not, Benidorm has a traditional side (who knew?). Find it in the Old Town where cute narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, super sweet cafes and boho craft shops will soon have you forgetting the city’s neon-lit strip even existed.
It’s a treasure trove of sights, too. Seek out the blue domes of San Jaime Church, goggle at the fresh food and souvenirs on sale at the Municipal Market, then check out the epic views from the Mediterranean Balcony. Time for your selfie-stick to earn its keep.
2. Hit the beach
With 300 days of sunshine a year and six beaches to choose from (yep, you heard us, six), you can forget the fake tan in Benidorm. Just hit the sand and start soaking up them rays, baby!
Playa de Poniente and Playa de Levante are the beach big hitters. Stretching for over 5km (3 miles) and backed by promenades buzzing with bars, cafes and shops, you’ve got everything from sun-loungers to sangria at your fingertips.
La Cala de Finestrat is a family fave while Cala Almadraba’s turquoise water is the stuff of Insta feeds.
3. Chase thrills at Terra Mítica
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Terra Mítica is one of the largest theme parks in Spain, let alone Benidorm, and it's got all the white-knuckle rides and thrill-filled amusements you could wish for – and then some.
Travel back in time as you wizz about on rollercoasters and clap along to live shows themed around ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome. At 100km/h, Titánide is sure to get your heart pumping!
Not got the stomach for speed? We totally get it. Head there for the fairground rides and splash parks instead.
4. Explore Sierra Helada Natural Park
Post pics of Sierra Helada’s knockout scenery and we guarantee you’ll have people claiming you can’t possibly be in Benidorm. That’s because this stunner of a park hasn’t got a skyscraper in sight.
The protected area covers mountains and coastline and is home to more flora and fauna than you can keep track of. Oh, and the views aren’t too shabby, either.
Its gold mine of hiking trails will have you racing to lace up your shoes – discover hidden coves, scale 300m (984ft) cliffs and snap the perfect postcard shot of Albir lighthouse.
5. Seek out fun on the strip
Well, it would be rude not to visit the city’s most famed street while you’re here, wouldn’t it? Whether you’re up for a full on pub crawl or just fancy a taste of home in the bucket loads of British restaurants, Calle Gerona – known as ‘the strip’ – is the top tourist hotspot in Benidorm.
And it’s not hard to see why. During the day, you can take your pick of restaurants and cafes serving up classic Brit dishes (aka burgers, pizza, steak) and try your luck at the amusement arcades. Come evening, you can dance, sing, or merry the night away at whichever pub, club or bar you choose!
6. Visit Benidorm Island
If you’re anything like us, you love a bit of adventure on holiday. A trip to Benidorm Island is exactly that.
Legend has it that this iconic rock is the top of a mountain, thrown into the sea by a giant. These days, it’s a thriving nature reserve, perfect for picnics, walking and snorkelling – keep your eyes peeled for octopus and eels!
Several boat tours depart from the harbour each day. Take a glass-bottomed boat for some underwater magic as you go.
7. See the city by e-bike
Sure, Benners is easy to walk around. But let’s be honest, zooming about on two wheels with the wind blowing through your hair is ten times more fun!
Hiring an e-bike is a great way to explore the city (and create holiday mems of course), whether it’s scouting out the best souvenir shops along the promenades or adventuring to the smaller beaches.
You’ll find loads of e-bike rental companies around the waterfront. Go solo or book onto a guided tour led by friendly locals.
8. Go wild at Aqualandia
Have you really been on holiday if you didn’t go to a water park? We think not, so you’ll want to get yourself to Aqualandia asap! Not that you’ll need convincing. This sprawling water park is one of the largest in Europe and has over 20 attractions including slides, rapids and a wave pool.
Get set for splash-filled mania on the Cyclon and Zig-zag slides or keep it chill on the Amazon lazy river. If you’re feeling brave, test your nerve on Verti-Go – a 33m-high near-vertical drop slide!
9. Eat at Tapas Alley
When you’ve run out of Lays and are done with the buffet (an unlikely scenario), there’s only one destination you need to head to for dinner: Tapas Alley.
Running along Santo Domingo in the Old Town, this celebrated street is crammed to the high heavens with tapas bars serving the Spanish staple at its best. Feast your way through patatas bravas, croquetas, calamari and meatballs, all washed down with an ice-cold pint. There’s only one rule – don’t stop ‘til you’re full!
10. Take a trip to Algar Waterfalls
Whether you’re looking to get back to nature, fancy a scenic picnic or just want to ditch the crowds, Algar Waterfalls has got your name all over it.
Have your camera at the ready because this series of cascading falls and topaz-blue pools is a scene you’re gonna want to remember! The walking trails will take you past the dramatic drops and you can swim in some of the springs and rock pools.
You’ll find this natural beauty just 30 minutes north of the city. Hire a car for a day trip or join a group tour.
11. Go to Low Festival
Low Festival is the event of the summer in Benidorm, and you’re going to want to be part of it! Three days of rock and indie music blasts out over the city at the end of July each year as bands and DJs from across both Spain and the world come to play at this jam-packed fest.
The best part? Tickets are affordable – win! Pick up a three-day pass from €73.99 or go for just a day.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Benidorm? Tweet us @icelollyholiday and let us know!
- Popular Articles
- The Most Popular Destinations For An All-Inclusive Holiday
- 9 Alternative Beach Breaks For Your Summer Holiday
- Travel Hack: Make The Most Of Your Annual Leave
- Top 10 Cheap City Breaks in Europe
- 5 Reasons To Compare Your Next Holiday With icelolly.com
Related Articles
A Majorcan Adventure: The Sóller Railway
Published on 29th April 2016
Free Things To Do In Ibiza
Published on 6th July 2016
Top All-Inclusive Hotels in Majorca
Published on 9th February 2017