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 rental vehicle through services like Rentiago Rent a Car.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
Queues grow long during July and August, so arriving early or visiting in shoulder season helps.
