Best Things to Do in Benidorm (2026 Travel Guide)

Benidorm remains one of Spain’s most consistently popular coastal cities, drawing visitors throughout the year with its long sandy beaches, compact layout and easy access to the surrounding mountains. Everything sits close together: the beaches, the Old Town, the nightlife areas and the inland viewpoints. You rarely need to plan far ahead, and getting around the city is simple whether you’re on foot, using public transport or picking up a shared vehicle through services like Rentiago carsharing.

After spending several visits wandering between the beach promenades, the Old Town steps and the lookout points above the city, one thing becomes obvious: Benidorm works because it’s easy. Distances feel manageable, routines fall into place quickly, and even first-time visitors settle in faster than expected.

This guide highlights the main attractions and day trips that make a trip to Benidorm in 2026 feel complete.

Levante and Poniente Beaches

Benidorm’s two main beaches shape most visitors’ first impressions of the city. Levante Beach runs along the eastern side of the headland, backed by hotels, cafés and a busy promenade. It’s wide, cleaned daily and fully equipped with sunbeds, showers and lifeguards in summer.

Poniente Beach, on the western side, stretches even farther and is noticeably calmer, though it offers the same facilities and Blue Flag certification. Both promenades run the full length of the shoreline, dotted with bars and ice-cream kiosks ideal for cooling down after a swim. For food near either beach, you’ll find plenty of options in our Best Restaurants in Benidorm guide.

Crowds thin out in early morning and late afternoon, especially outside July and August. Walking access is easy from most hotels, with TRAM stops and municipal car parks close by.

Old Town and the Mirador del Castillo

Benidorm’s Old Town sits on the hill between Levante and Poniente and still keeps a sense of the old fishing village beneath the modern skyline. Its narrow streets climb toward the Mirador del Castillo, a viewpoint offering some of the city’s best sunset angles.

The walk up takes around ten minutes and passes tapas bars, small squares and ceramic façades. This is the best area to try local dishes like patatas bravas, calamares or ensaladilla rusa and if you want more recommendations, check Best Pubs in Benidorm for the liveliest evening spots or Best Cafes in Benidorm for morning stops.

The Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana sits at the top. It’s simple inside but worth stepping into as part of the walk. From either beach, the Old Town is a gentle 10–15-minute stroll.

Sierra Helada Natural Park

Directly east of the city, Sierra Helada offers one of Benidorm’s best outdoor experiences. Trails follow the ridge between Benidorm and Albir, opening to sweeping Mediterranean views. The lighthouse route from Albir is the most popular, with options for shorter loops or a full three-hour circuit.

The path is rocky and exposed, so sturdy shoes, water and sun protection are essential. Several small coves along the coastline are accessible only on foot, ideal for a quiet swim on calm days.

Signs appear in both Spanish and English, and you’ll find information boards explaining local nature and geology. Trailheads are reachable by bus or car, with parking near the Albir entrance.

Day Trips: Altea, Albir and Guadalest

Benidorm’s position on the Costa Blanca makes short day trips straightforward.

Altea, just 10 km north, is known for its whitewashed streets, blue-tiled church and artisan workshops. Its promenade is quieter than Benidorm’s and popular for slow mornings and café hopping, more on that in Best Breakfast in Benidorm if you want to plan your start to the day.

Albir lies between Benidorm and Altea, with a pebble beach, a landscaped seafront and the trail leading up to its lighthouse in Sierra Helada.

Guadalest, 25 km inland, is one of the region’s classic half-day trips. Perched on a narrow ridge above a reservoir, it offers castle ruins, museums and panoramic views. The CV-70 road climbs through terraced hillsides and olive groves, making the drive itself part of the appeal. Parking sits just below the village.

TRAM Line 9 connects Benidorm with Altea and Albir in about 20 minutes.

Waterparks and Theme Parks

Benidorm has several large attractions aimed at families and groups:

• Aqualandia: one of Europe’s long-running waterparks with slides, wave pools and shallow zones.
• Mundomar: marine-life displays, sea lions, dolphins and tropical birds.

All sell online tickets, and combination passes are available. Most have free or included parking and are reachable by bus, taxi or car.

Queues grow long during July and August, so arriving early or visiting in shoulder season helps.