Benidorm, the famous resort town on the Costa Blanca, is not only known for its modern skyscrapers, lively beaches, and nightlife, but its name also hides some special secrets. Have you ever wondered where the name Benidorm comes from and what it actually means? Let’s take a look at the town’s history and uncover the secret!
Arabic or Latin: what is the true origin of the name Benidorm?
The name Benidorm is not a simple case, as it carries centuries of linguistic layers. Researchers consider two main explanations to be likely:
The Arabic (Moorish) origin theory
The prefix “Beni-” is of Arabic origin and means “sons of someone,” and many towns in the region have this prefix, such as Benitachell or Beniarrés. According to this, Benidorm may refer to the descendants of an Arab tribe or family called Darim, meaning “sons of Darim.” This explanation is reminiscent of the city’s medieval Islamic past.
The Arab-Latin mixture theory
Other linguists believe that the syllable “dorm” is not of Arabic origin. According to research by historians María Jesús Rubiera and Mikel de Epalza, the ending “dorm” comes from the Latin word “tormus,” which meant “rock.” Thus, Christian conquerors may have created the name by combining the Arabic prefix Beni- with the Latin-Valencian ‘torm’ (“rock”). In this case, the name of the city means “the place of the rock,” referring to Benidorm’s characteristic rocky landscape.
First historical mention and founding of Benidorm
The name Benidorm first appears in 1325 in an official charter issued by Admiral Bernat de Sarrià. Sarrià officially founded the settlement, which had previously been considered a small Moorish farm. The year 2025 was of special significance for Benidorm, as it marked the 700th anniversary of the city’s existence!
Folk legends: “Benidorm = a place of good sleep”?
There is a widespread misconception about the name of the city: many people think that the name comes from the Spanish expression “buen dormir”, meaning “good sleep”. This romantic idea is not supported by scientific research, as the name actually has no connection with the Spanish verb dormir.
Nevertheless, many tourists still find this interpretation charming—ironically, Benidorm is known for its lively nightlife, where sleep is hardly a priority!
The romantic legend surrounding the city: the story of the giant
The area around Benidorm is also rich in fabulous legends. One of the best known is that a giant, in a fit of rage, bit off a piece of the nearby Puig Campana mountain and threw it into the sea, creating the characteristic small island in front of the city. Although this legend does not explain the name Benidorm, it does lend a mythical character to the image of the region.
What do the locals say?
The residents of Benidorm are proud of their city’s history. The locals generally agree that the prefix “Beni-” refers to the Arab past, but they remain open-minded about the meaning of the “dorm” part. Some consider the origin of the Arab Darim tribe to be more credible, while others prefer a geographical explanation. However, there is complete agreement that the name Benidorm is living proof of the region’s rich and diverse history.
Although it cannot be determined with certainty which theory is correct, all researchers agree that the name Benidorm preserves a cultural and historical heritage. It either refers to the descendants of a Moorish tribe or to the rock on which the city was built. Either way, the next time you visit, remember that the name Benidorm carries with it the secrets of the past, from the Arab conquerors to today’s bustling tourist paradise.
Discover more secrets of Benidorm’s history with us and let yourself be captivated by this iconic Spanish resort town!