Things to Do in Benidorm
Discover the Old Town, Beautiful Beaches and Famous Skyline
Skyscrapers, beautiful sandy beaches, traditional tapas bars and a charming Old Town. Welcome to Benidorm, one of the most surprising destinations on the Costa Blanca! Benidorm is often described as the New York of the Costa Blanca. And with its impressive skyline of hotels and apartment buildings, it’s easy to see why. But there’s much more to Benidorm than high-rise buildings and lively nightlife. Behind the famous skyline, you’ll discover a lovely historic centre, spectacular coastal viewpoints, beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for families. And from Moraira, it’s an easy day trip.
Here are our favourite things to do in Benidorm, together with some practical local tips to help you enjoy your visit.
1. Explore Benidorm Old Town | A Different Side of the City
If you imagine Benidorm as nothing but busy beaches and skyscrapers, the Old Town might come as a pleasant surprise. Known as the Casco Antiguo, this historic neighbourhood lies between Benidorm’s two most famous beaches: Levante and Poniente. Here, you’ll discover narrow pedestrian streets, small squares, traditional restaurants and welcoming tapas bars. Make sure you visit the lovely Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, with its distinctive blue domes. It’s a charming reminder of the fishing village that existed long before Benidorm became an international holiday destination.
Calle Santo Domingo | Benidorm’s Famous Tapas Street
Fancy some delicious Spanish tapas? Then head towards Calle Santo Domingo, in the heart of the Old Town. This lively street is particularly well known for its traditional tapas bars and pinchos, small snacks often served on bread. Order a drink, choose a few delicious dishes and enjoy the atmosphere.
Our tip: visit around lunchtime or early evening. Combining the Old Town with a relaxed tapas lunch is one of our favourite ways to experience Benidorm.
2. Balcón del Mediterráneo | Benidorm’s Most Beautiful Viewpoint
One place you really shouldn’t miss is the famous Balcón del Mediterráneo. This beautiful viewpoint stands on a rocky headland separating Levante and Poniente beaches. White steps and elegant balustrades lead down towards a viewing platform overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. From here, you can enjoy wonderful views of the coastline, Benidorm’s skyline and the small island just offshore.
It’s one of the most photographed places in the city, and for good reason!
Our tip: visit towards the end of the afternoon, when the light is particularly beautiful.
Afterwards, enjoy a drink at one of the terraces in the nearby Old Town.
3. Benidorm’s Beaches | Levante or Poniente?
Benidorm is famous for its long sandy beaches. The two best known are Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente. Although they’re separated by the Old Town, they offer quite different experiences.
Playa de Levante | Lively and Full of Atmosphere
Levante is Benidorm’s best-known beach. Its wide stretch of sand is lined with restaurants, bars, shops and a busy seafront promenade. There’s always something happening here. If you enjoy lively beaches, people-watching and plenty of places to stop for a drink, Levante is a great choice.
Playa de Poniente | More Space to Relax
On the opposite side of the Old Town lies Poniente Beach. This beautiful sandy beach is longer than Levante and generally has a more relaxed atmosphere. Its modern, wave-shaped promenade is particularly attractive and perfect for a leisurely walk beside the sea.
Our personal preference? For a peaceful walk, we’d choose Poniente. But if you’re looking for a lively holiday atmosphere, Levante is hard to beat.
4. Walk Along the Promenade and Admire the Skyline
One of the things that makes Benidorm so unusual is its impressive skyline. The tall buildings rise dramatically above the Mediterranean, creating a cityscape unlike anywhere else on the Costa Blanca. And there’s no better way to appreciate it than by walking along the seafront. Both Levante and Poniente have attractive promenades where you can enjoy the sea views, stop for lunch or simply watch the world go by.
Later in the day, the atmosphere changes as restaurants and terraces become busier. For us, it’s the contrast with Moraira that makes Benidorm particularly interesting. Moraira is smaller, quieter and more traditional. Benidorm is lively, modern and full of energy.
And that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting!
5. Benidorm Island | Discover the Coast from the Sea
Just offshore lies Benidorm Island, a small rocky island also known as Peacock Island. The island forms part of the protected Serra Gelada natural environment. Boat excursions operate from Benidorm, offering a different perspective of the coastline. Looking back towards the city from the sea is a wonderful way to appreciate its remarkable skyline. The surrounding waters are also known for their marine life.
Our tip: check the available boat excursions before your visit. Sailing schedules, access to the island and permitted activities can vary.
6. Theme Parks and Water Parks | A Great Day Out with Children
Travelling to Moraira with children? Then the area around Benidorm offers some fantastic possibilities for a family day out. You’ll find several well-known theme parks and water parks nearby.
Terra Mítica | A large theme park inspired by ancient Mediterranean civilisations, with rides, shows and attractions for different ages.
Aqualandia | One of the Costa Blanca’s best-known water parks, with exciting slides, swimming pools and family attractions.
Terra Natura and Aqua Natura | A wildlife park and adjoining water park that can be visited separately or together.
Mundomar | An animal park featuring marine mammals and other wildlife.
Some of these parks are large enough to keep the family entertained for an entire day.
Our tip: choose the park that best suits your children’s ages and interests. Opening days can vary considerably throughout the year, particularly outside the summer season.
You can find more family-friendly ideas in our guide to day trips and excursions from Moraira.
7. Serra Gelada | Discover Benidorm’s Natural Side
Benidorm isn’t just about beaches and buildings. Just north of the city lies the beautiful Serra Gelada Natural Park, with dramatic cliffs, walking routes and spectacular views across the Mediterranean. It’s a completely different side of Benidorm. One of the best-known viewpoints is La Cruz de Benidorm, high above the eastern end of Levante Beach. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the beaches, city skyline and surrounding mountains.
The smaller coves of Cala Tío Ximo and Cala Almadrava can also be found in this area. If you enjoy walking, it’s certainly worth exploring.
Our tip: wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water and avoid longer walks during the hottest hours of summer.
Benidorm’s Nightlife | Something for Everyone
Of course, Benidorm is also famous for its nightlife. Around Levante and Rincón de Loix, you’ll find plenty of lively bars, live entertainment and late-night venues. But not every evening in Benidorm needs to involve a big night out! The Old Town offers a different atmosphere, with smaller bars, Spanish restaurants and cosy terraces. And around Poniente, evenings are often more relaxed. We particularly like the idea of enjoying a tapas dinner in the Old Town, followed by a pleasant walk beside the sea.
Visiting Benidorm from Moraira | Getting There and Parking
Benidorm is an easy day trip from Moraira. The road distance is approximately 43 kilometres, with a typical journey taking around 40 to 55 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact destination. The AP-7 motorway provides a convenient route towards Benidorm, and this section is toll-free.
Where Is the Best Place to Park in Benidorm?
Benidorm can be busy, particularly during the summer months. We’d recommend leaving your car in a public car park close to the Old Town and exploring the central attractions on foot. Parking l’Aigüera and Parking Mercado are two options to consider. Parking charges and availability may vary, so it’s worth checking before your visit.
Benidorm also has a Zona de Bajas Emisiones (Low Emission Zone). If you’re driving into the centre, follow the road signs and check the current access restrictions, particularly when using a hire car or a vehicle with foreign registration.
Check the official Benidorm Low Emission Zone information.
Can You Travel from Moraira to Benidorm by Tram?
Yes, although it takes a little more planning. Moraira doesn’t have its own tram station, but nearby Teulada is served by Line 9 of TRAM d’Alacant, which connects with Benidorm. You’ll first need to arrange transport from Moraira to Teulada station. The tram is an interesting alternative if you’d prefer not to drive, although travelling by car is generally more convenient for a day trip.
Check the official TRAM d’Alacant timetables.
Our Favourite Way to Spend a Day in Benidorm
If you’re visiting Benidorm for the first time, we wouldn’t try to see absolutely everything. Here’s how we’d plan a relaxed day.
Morning | explore the Old Town and visit the Balcón del Mediterráneo for those beautiful coastal views.
Lunchtime | enjoy Spanish tapas in Calle Santo Domingo or choose a restaurant in the historic centre.
Afternoon | wander along Poniente’s beautiful promenade or discover the livelier atmosphere of Levante Beach.
Late afternoon | stop for a refreshing drink overlooking the sea before returning to Moraira.
It’s a lovely way to experience both the traditional and modern sides of Benidorm. If you’re travelling with children and want to visit a theme park, we’d dedicate the entire day to the park instead.
Discover Benidorm During Your Holiday in Moraira
One of the things we love most about Moraira is the variety of places you can explore nearby. You can enjoy the peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere of Moraira, with its lovely beaches, restaurants and attractive coastline. And whenever you fancy something completely different, a lively destination such as Benidorm is within easy reach. After a day of exploring the city, it’s wonderful to return to the privacy of your own holiday villa. A refreshing swim in your private pool, a drink on the terrace and a peaceful Mediterranean evening.
At Moraira Holiday Homes, we’ve been helping guests find comfortable and luxury holiday accommodation in Moraira and the Benissa Costa since 2004. We live locally, know our properties personally and love sharing our favourite places to visit.
Looking for a wonderful base for your Costa Blanca holiday?
Explore our holiday villas and apartments in Moraira.
More Beautiful Day Trips from Moraira
Benidorm is just one of the many places worth discovering during your holiday. We’d also recommend exploring the whitewashed Old Town of Altea, the historic castle and harbour of Alicante or the beautiful coastline and restaurants of Dénia.
Discover our favourite day trips from Moraira.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benidorm
What Are the Best Things to Do in Benidorm?
The main attractions include the Balcón del Mediterráneo, Benidorm Old Town, Levante and Poniente beaches and the impressive skyline. The tapas bars around Calle Santo Domingo, Benidorm Island and Serra Gelada Natural Park are also worth exploring.
Is Benidorm Worth Visiting from Moraira?
Absolutely! Benidorm is an interesting day trip because it’s so different from Moraira. You can explore the historic centre, enjoy Spanish tapas, walk along beautiful beaches or visit one of the nearby family attractions. It’s a great choice if you’d like a lively day out during your holiday.
How Long Does It Take to Drive from Moraira to Benidorm?
Benidorm is approximately 43 kilometres from Moraira by road. The journey normally takes around 40 to 55 minutes, depending on traffic and where you’re going. The AP-7 provides a convenient route towards the city.
Does Benidorm Have an Old Town?
Yes! Benidorm’s Old Town lies between Levante and Poniente beaches. It’s a charming area with narrow streets, traditional restaurants, tapas bars and the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana. You’ll also find the famous Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint nearby.
Which Beach Is Better: Levante or Poniente?
That depends on the atmosphere you prefer. Levante is generally livelier, with plenty of bars, restaurants and a busy promenade. Poniente is longer and usually feels more relaxed, with a beautiful modern seafront. Both offer sandy beaches and lovely Mediterranean views.
Is Benidorm Good for Families with Children?
Yes, Benidorm is a popular family destination. In addition to its wide sandy beaches, you’ll find several major theme and water parks, including Terra Mítica, Aqualandia, Terra Natura and Aqua Natura. The Old Town and Balcón del Mediterráneo are also enjoyable places to explore together.
Where Is the Best Place to Park in Benidorm?
For a visit to the Old Town, we’d suggest choosing a public car park such as Parking l’Aigüera or Parking Mercado. From there, you can explore the main attractions on foot. Always check current parking charges and any Low Emission Zone access restrictions before driving into the centre.
Can You Explore Benidorm in One Day?
Yes, one day is enough to enjoy the main attractions. We recommend combining the Old Town, Balcón del Mediterráneo, a leisurely tapas lunch and a walk along Levante or Poniente Beach. If you’d like to visit a theme park or water park, it’s better to allow a separate day.
