Benidorm boasts three world-class theme parks including Terra Mitica and Aqualandia, plus pristine beaches and a vibrant old-town tapas scene. From family-friendly daytime activities to dynamic nightlife, Benidorm delivers year-round entertainment for every age and interest.
Benidorm has transformed from a quiet fishing village into Spain's most dynamic coastal entertainment destination, yet somehow maintains authentic Spanish character beneath the glamorous facade. Just 30 minutes from Costa Blanca's quieter residential areas, Benidorm offers the perfect blend of world-class theme parks, beautiful beaches, and genuine Mediterranean lifestyle. Whether you're visiting as a property buyer exploring the area or planning weekends once you've settled in Costa Blanca, Benidorm provides endless activities, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant international community.
Theme Parks
Terra Mitica stands as Spain's premier theme park, drawing 2 million annual visitors with 30+ rides and attractions spanning five themed zones representing ancient civilizations (Iberia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Mediterranean). Day entry is €45-60 depending on season, with discounts for advance online bookings and multi-day passes. Fast-pass tickets (€20 extra) bypass waiting lines—essential during July-August when queues exceed 90 minutes for popular rides. The park maintains high ride standards, with roller coasters like Inferno and Sling Shot appealing to thrill-seekers, plus gentler attractions for younger children. Season passes starting at €199 offer excellent value if you plan frequent visits. Mundomar, the park's marine theme attraction, specializes in dolphin and parrot shows, housed in climate-controlled facilities—perfect for beating Benidorm's intense summer heat. Combined Terra Mitica and Mundomar tickets offer better value than purchasing separately. Both parks remain open year-round with reduced hours (usually 2pm-10pm) during shoulder months.
Water Parks
Aqualandia remains Europe's most visited water park, sprawling across 80,000 square meters with 16 slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools serving 2.5 million guests annually. Entry costs €32-45 depending on advance booking and season, with serious water park enthusiasts opting for season passes (€119+). Peak season hours (June-September) run 10am-midnight, allowing evening visits when temperatures peak. The park's slide variety suits all courage levels, from the gentle Lazy River to adrenaline-pumping attractions like Kamikaze and Skyscraper. A hidden gem is the Wellness Zone—spa facilities with sauna, jacuzzis, and massage treatments (additional €15-20) offering peaceful respite between water slide marathons. Lockers, towel rentals, and food courts are available, though bringing packed snacks significantly reduces costs. Combine your water park visit with lunch at one of several restaurants—paella and gazpacho naturally complement beach days. The park sells sunscreen (expensive) so bring your own SPF 50, essential for Benidorm's intense UV exposure.
Beach Activities
Benidorm's three main beaches each offer distinct character. Playa Levante, the most famous, stretches 1.5km of golden sand backed by the promenade of restaurants and shops—perfect for people-watching and social beach culture. Playa Poniente, equally long but less crowded, maintains family-friendly vibes and excellent sunsets. Playa Mal Pas, a tiny cove accessible only by stairs, offers intimate swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water. All beaches have lifeguards, shower facilities, and nearby cafes serving refreshments. Water sports operators set up daily: parasailing (€30-40), jet skis (€50-80 for 30 minutes), paddleboards (€15-20 hourly), and windsurfing lessons (€40-60). Sandy Vázquez beach clubs offer daytime lounging with beds, umbrellas, and waitservice (€8-12 per bed daily). Evening beach walks reveal quieter stretches perfect for sunset strolls, while early morning swimmers enjoy serene conditions before 9am crowds arrive.
Water Sports
Beyond casual beach activities, Benidorm offers serious water sports instruction and facilities. Scuba diving schools operate from the beaches, offering PADI certification courses (€350-400 for open water) and daily guided dives to nearby underwater rocky reefs (€60-80 with equipment). The underwater landscape features interesting geological formations and abundant marine life—expect to see groupers, octopi, and colorful fish. Sailing schools at Club Náutico Benidorm provide lessons from beginner (€40 per hour) to advanced levels, with some instructors offering catamaran hire for day trips (€80-120 per person for 4-6 hour cruises including refreshments). Stand-up paddleboarding has exploded in popularity—lessons and board hire are widely available at €25-35 per session. Windsurfing enthusiasts appreciate the consistent sea breezes; local schools offer instruction and equipment rental. For something different, parasail flights behind motorboats provide thrilling aerial views of the coastline for €40-60 per person.
Family Entertainment
Beyond theme parks, Benidorm caters brilliantly to families. The Benidorm Palace, a legendary cabaret venue, stages spectacular dinner shows with flamenco dancers, acrobats, and singers (€65-85 including three-course dinner and drinks). Shows vary nightly—check schedules as some nights feature different themes. The Iglesia de San Jaime dominates the skyline with its distinctive twin domes; attending Sunday mass offers cultural insight even for non-religious visitors. Tivoli World, a classic fairground with vintage charm, offers rides suitable for toddlers through teenagers at very reasonable prices (€2-5 per ride). The Old Town (Casco Antiguo) retains authentic Mediterranean atmosphere with narrow whitewashed streets, family-run restaurants, and artisan shops. Weekly markets fill plazas with fresh produce, local crafts, and prepared foods—ideal for picnic supplies. Several museums cater to curious minds: the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) offers free hours on Saturdays; the Archaeological Museum features artifacts from Roman settlements.
Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife scene transforms the town after sunset, with hundreds of bars, clubs, and beach venues creating an electric atmosphere. The Calle del Arzobispo Morcillo runs through the heart of entertainment, nicknamed 'Party Street,' where international clubs pump house and dance music until 4am. For sophisticated cocktails and quieter ambiance, head to the newer marina area with upscale bars offering Mediterranean views and craft drinks (€10-15 per cocktail). Irish pubs like O'Malley's and Murphy's maintain beloved traditions of live music, hearty meals, and international camaraderie. Gay-friendly venues concentrate around Plaza Constitución, with dedicated bars and clubs hosting themed nights. Beach clubs like Paraiso and Pacha host sunset sessions with electronic DJs and mojitos, attracting diverse crowds. Late-night food culture is essential—local taquerias, pizza joints, and kebab stands serve food until 2-3am. The town appeals to various nightlife preferences: party-focused younger travelers, sophisticated adults seeking fine cocktails, and gay tourists benefiting from established welcoming infrastructure.
Dining Options
Benidorm's dining ranges from casual chiringuitos (beach bars) to Michelin-approved restaurants. The Old Town harbors authentic restaurants where locals dine—expect fresh fish, paella, and traditional coastal cuisine at €12-18 per main course. Calle Lepanto clusters seafood specialists where morning catches become lunch specials. International options abound for varied tastes: Italian trattorias, Indian tandoori, Thai street food, and modern fusion restaurants. Prices on the beachfront promenade climb due to location (€18-25 for similar dishes), so venture one block inland for better value. Tapas crawls provide authentic social dining—order small plates at multiple bars for €2-4 each, accumulating diverse flavors and mixing with locals over wine. Sunday is paella day—families gather at traditional restaurants for this valenciano classic. Booking ahead is essential for dinner service Friday-Saturday, particularly at waterfront venues. Several restaurants offer menú del día (menu of the day)—three-course lunch with drink for €10-14, excellent value for families.
The Bottom Line
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