Benidorm - Paradise for beach lovers and partygoers
Benidorm, located on the Costa Blanca, is a city on the Spanish Mediterranean coast primarily known for its tourism. Benidorm has a population of around 70,000, but during the holiday season, the number of inhabitants can soar to over half a million. Benidorm boasts two large beaches, Levante and Poniente, surrounded by numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants. Benidorm is sometimes referred to as the "New York of the Mediterranean" or the "Rimini of Spain" due to its high-rise buildings and vibrant nightlife.
Benidorm has a long history dating back to prehistoric times. The city was first mentioned in 1245 and granted city rights in 1325. Over the centuries, Benidorm was attacked and defended against pirates several times. In the 17th century, an advanced irrigation system was built, improving agriculture in the region.
In the 20th century, Benidorm transformed from a fishing village into a popular holiday resort, thanks to the initiative of Mayor Pedro Zaragoza, who developed a building plan and modernized the infrastructure.
Benidorm offers its visitors a wide range of attractions and activities, such as water parks, theme parks, golf courses, museums, festivals, and concerts. Benidorm is also a popular destination for retirees who enjoy the mild climate and low cost of living.
Things to do in Benidorm
There are many activities to do in Benidorm, depending on your preferences. Here are a few examples:
If you like nature and animals, you can visit Terra Natura Park*, which is a zoo with over 200 animal species. You can also go on an off-road tour* to explore the Costa Blanca landscape or take a bike ride through the city and its surroundings.
If you're looking for adventure and adrenaline, you can try paragliding to see the city from a bird's eye view. You can also go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the sea or take a Segway tour through the old town*.
If you like culture and history, you can visit the Castell de Guadalest, a medieval fortress with a museum and a reservoir. You can also take a day trip to Valencia to see the sights of Spain's third largest city or take a historical tour of Benidorm itself.
If you like entertainment and fun, you can visit the Benidorm Palace*, a showbar with live music, dance, and comedy. You can also visit one of the many water parks or theme parks nearby, such as Aqua Natura*, Aqualandia*, or the Terra Mitica* theme park. Or you can simply relax on one of the beautiful beaches and enjoy the sun.
As you can see, there is something for everyone in Benidorm. Benidorm is a diverse and dynamic city that has something to offer everyone.
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Travel Time:
Benidorm generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate, though the city is surrounded by mountains that block the cooler sea breezes. As a result, temperatures here are much milder than on the rest of the Costa Blanca. In summer, the thermometer rises to an average of 26°C, while in winter it drops to 15°C. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with slightly more precipitation in September and October.
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Summary of Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain
Benidorm, located on Spain's Costa Blanca, is a popular holiday destination primarily known for its long sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and affordable prices.
Pros:
Beaches: Benidorm boasts several kilometers of sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Levante Beach and Poniente Beach are the most popular and offer numerous amenities like restaurants, bars, and sun loungers.
Nightlife: Benidorm is renowned for its pulsating nightlife with a vast array of bars, clubs, and discos. The "English Zone" features numerous pubs and bars with live music, while the "Zona Marina" is known for upscale clubs and lounges.
Affordability: Compared to other Spanish holiday destinations, Benidorm is relatively budget-friendly. You can find accommodations, restaurants, and activities to suit every budget.
Family-Friendly: Benidorm offers many activities and attractions for families, such as Aqualandia water park, Terra Mítica amusement park, and Terra Natura zoo.
Well-Connected: Benidorm is easily accessible by plane, train, and car. Alicante Airport is only 60 km away.
Diverse Offerings: Besides beaches and nightlife, Benidorm offers a variety of other activities and attractions, including hiking, golfing, horseback riding, and cycling.
Cons:
Mass Tourism: Benidorm is a popular destination for mass tourism, which can lead to crowds, especially during the summer months.
High-Rise Buildings: Benidorm's skyline is dominated by high-rise buildings, which may be off-putting for some visitors.
Noise: In the lively tourist areas, it can get noisy at night.
Limited Cultural Offerings: Compared to other Spanish cities, Benidorm has a limited cultural scene.
Conclusion:
Benidorm is an ideal destination for travelers seeking beach, sun, and party, without breaking the bank.
However, it's important to note that Benidorm is a highly touristy place with tall buildings and crowds.
Those seeking peace and cultural experiences may be better off in other Spanish cities.
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