1. BENIDORM OLD TOWN (CASCO ANTIGUO) AND SAN JAIME CHURCH

Benidorm’s charming old town offers a sharp contrast to the skyscraper-dominated new town. Strolling through the cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and cozy tapas bars, you can take a moment to travel back in time to when Benidorm was still a small fishing village. The blue-domed San Jaime and Santa Ana Church, standing on top of a hill, was built in the 18th century (between 1740 and 1780) in honor of Benidorm’s patron saint, the Virgin of Miracles. The main square in the heart of the old town and the church offer unparalleled views of the sea and the surrounding coastline, while the peaceful charm of the historic quarter captivates every visitor.

2. BALCÓN DEL MEDITERRÁNEO (MEDITERRANEAN BALCONY) – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWPOINT IN THE CITY

Located at the top of the rocky promontory in Benidorm’s old town, the white-railed viewing terrace, the Balcón del Mediterráneo, is a real gem,overlooking the Levante coast on one side and the Poniente coast on the other. This rocky outcrop was once home to a small coastal fort that protected the town from pirate attacks. Today, only a few cannonballs remain as a reminder of times gone by, but the romantic atmosphere and panoramic views of the place are unmatched.

The contrast between the snow-white railings, the checkerboard paving stones and the blue sea makes the Mediterranean Balcony an iconic photo spot in Benidorm. From here, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city’s two main beaches, the seemingly endless open sea, and, on a clear day, even the distant Benidorm Island. It is worth visiting in the early morning or at sunset, when the light makes the view even more magical.

3. PLAYA DE LEVANTE – THE BUSY CITY BEACH

Playa de Levante stretches along the eastern coast of Benidorm and is the city’s most vibrant and famous beach.

This golden sandy beach, stretching over 2 km, is one of the best maintained beaches in Spain, as indicated by its Blue Flag certification. Palm trees and a seafront promenade run along the beach, with hotels and bars lining the back. During the day, it is a paradise for beachgoers: hundreds of sun loungers, jet skis and parasailing opportunities, as well as refreshing water await visitors. As evening falls, the Levante coast transforms into a vibrant nightlife district, with bars, clubs, and outdoor terraces lining the Avenida de Madrid. Life never stops here: parties lasting until dawn, live music, and a cheerful atmosphere characterize the Levante beach area.

4. PLAYA DE PONIENTE – PEACE AND SUNSET

If you want to relax after the hustle and bustle of Levante, it is worth walking over to the neighboring Playa de Poniente beach.

The wide, sandy beach, almost 3 km long, offers a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals, families, and older travelers. The modern promenade with its undulating lines, designed by famous architects, is an excellent place for an evening stroll or jog. During the day, you can enjoy a more peaceful swim and a slower pace, watching the waves from the cafes along the coast. In the evenings, Poniente Beach offers the most beautiful sunsets in Benidorm: as the sun dips into the sea, it bathes the sky and the Intempo skyscraper, one of the tallest residential buildings in Europe, in golden light. At this time of day, the beach is the ideal setting for intimate picnics and romantic strolls.

5. SERRA GELADA NATURAL PARK AND THE CROSSES OF BENIDORM

Benidorm is not just about urban attractions – on its northern edge lies the Serra Gelada (Sierra Helada) Natural Park, which awaits visitors with its breathtaking natural environment.

Hiking trails along steep limestone cliffs rising abruptly from the sea offer fantastic panoramic views of the rocky cliffs and azure sea, accompanied by the scent of Mediterranean vegetation. The Benidorm Cross (La Cruz), towering above the city on the hillside, is one of the most popular viewpoints: it was originally erected in 1961 by a religious mission to symbolically bless and “redeem” the city from its sins. Since then, the huge cross has become more of a tourist icon, offering unparalleled views of the entire city, the two main beaches and the distant mountains – especially at night, when the lights of Benidorm sparkle below. A steep but easily accessible road leads up here (accessible by car and on foot), with benches and rest areas along the way. Further trails starting from the top of the hill lead to the Albir lighthouse or the ruins of the old watchtower called Torre de les Caletes, even deeper into nature.

6. BENIDORM ISLAND (ISLA DE BENIDORM)

Just 3.5 km off the coast of Benidorm lies a tiny, triangular island, Benidorm Island, which attracts visitors with its mysterious charm.

The island is easily accessible: glass-bottom boats and small excursion boats depart from the port every hour, taking you to this uninhabited natural paradise in 15-20 minutes. The island was often referred to in the past as “Peacock Island” because it was once populated by wild peacocks – today it is primarily a bird sanctuary where seagulls and protected seabirds nest. At the port, you will find a small restaurant and a footpath leading up to the island’s plateau. From the top, you can enjoy a wonderful 360° view: on one side, the skyline of Benidorm with its skyscrapers in the distance, and on the other, the blue of the open sea. However, the island’s real treasure lies beneath the water – the surrounding sea has been declared a marine reserve due to its exceptionally rich underwater wildlife. The crystal-clear water is home to colorful schools of fish, octopuses, and starfish, making the coastline around the island a paradise for divers and snorkelers. If you feel like diving, several diving schools organize tours here. An interesting historical fact is that pirates are said to have used the island as a hideout for their coastal raids in the Middle Ages – no wonder, as it is barely visible from the mainland.

7. TERRA MÍTICA THEME PARK – A JOURNEY INTO ANCIENT TIMES

On the outskirts of Benidorm, nestled in the mountains, lies the Terra Mítica theme park, which offers a journey back in time to ancient civilizations.

The huge theme park is divided into five main areas, evoking ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Iberian Peninsula and the legendary world of the Mediterranean islands. At the entrance to the park, visitors are greeted by statues of ancient gods and a replica of an Egyptian pyramid. Further inside, we find ourselves among the sets of a Greek amphitheater, a Roman gladiatorial arena, and a Phoenician port. Of course, there are also spectacular roller coasters and rides: the bravest visitors can try one of Europe’s largest roller coasters, the wooden Magnus Colossus, while families can enjoy the spinning Minotaur maze or the spectacular water attractions. Terra Mítica is one of Spain’s largest and most popular amusement parks, so expect crowds during peak season – but in return, it offers a full day of fun for all ages. The park often closes with evening shows and fireworks, so it’s worth staying from opening to closing.

8. AQUALANDIA WATER PARK – A SLIDE PARADISE FOR ALL AGES

Spain’s first water park, Aqualandia, opened its doors in Benidorm in 1985 and has been one of the main attractions for summer fun ever since. Located at the foot of the Sierra Helada park, surrounded by lush vegetation, this huge area offers 15 different pools and slides for families and adrenaline junkies alike – it’s no coincidence that it’s considered one of the largest water parks in Europe. Little ones can splash around in the shallow children’s pools and pirate ship playgrounds, while the more daring adults can try out the famous giant slides, such as VertiGo, which, at 33 meters high, is one of the tallest capsule slides in the world. The park also has a lazy river (Crazy River), diving pools and a wave pool, so everyone can find a water adventure to suit their taste. To relax, you can lie under a parasol on the green lawn or sip refreshing drinks at the bar. Mundomar Park is located right next to Aqualandia – with a combined ticket, you can visit both places over a long weekend.

9. MUNDOMAR SEA AND ANIMAL PARK

Located next to Aqualandia, Mundomar is a tropical-themed animal park where you can admire marine and exotic creatures up close. Among the lush vegetation of the park, you will find dolphins, sea lions, penguins, exotic birds (parrots, toucans) and small mammals (e.g., meerkats). Mundomar is famous for its spectacular animal shows: dolphin and seal shows are held several times a day at the large pool, where trainers teach the animals spectacular jumps and tricks – seeing the incredible acrobatics of the dolphins is an unforgettable experience. The parrot show is also popular, full of humorous moments and interaction with the audience. The park also offers extra experiences: for example, swimming with dolphins or feeding seals for an additional fee, which is a magical memory, especially for children. Mundomar not only entertains but also educates – through the information boards and the explanations of the keepers, we can learn a lot about endangered species and the importance of nature conservation. It can be comfortably explored in a morning or afternoon, making it an ideal family activity alongside sunbathing on the beach.

10. BENIDORM PALACE – SPECTACULAR NIGHT SHOW

The highlight of Benidorm’s nightlife is the legendary Benidorm Palace, a world-class cabaret and revue theater that promises an unforgettable evening.

Opened in 1977, the revue palace offers both dinner shows and drinks shows – every evening, the huge 2,000-seat auditorium is filled with an audience eager to see the spectacular performance. On stage, dancers, singers, acrobats, and artists dressed in glittering costumes dazzle the audience with an unparalleled, Las Vegas-style revue show. The theme of the shows changes every year: sometimes we see a Caribbean show spiced with Latin rhythms, other times Spanish flamenco, and sometimes even magicians or modern circus elements play a role. The elegant atmosphere of the Benidorm Palace (with red carpets, chandeliers, and candlelit tables) captivates you as soon as you walk through the door – everything here is designed for a memorable evening. Many celebrities have performed here over the decades, giving the place its own legend.

Tip: It is worth booking a table in advance, especially during the high season, as the show is very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Benidorm’s versatility impresses everyone – whether travelers are attracted by historical monuments, natural beauty or unforgettable entertainment, this city offers it all in abundance. The ten attractions listed above are just the tip of the iceberg, but they are an excellent starting point for experiencing the true atmosphere of “Beni.” We wish you a wonderful trip and an experience-filled discovery!