If you're looking for the best things to do in Benidorm, but you don't want to spend your days hungover and your nights on the strip – I've created the ultimate adventure guide to authentic Benidorm. That's right – we're skipping the side of Benidorm you've seen on ITV and exploring the more traditional side of the Spanish city. If you had told me I would be exploring Benidorm this summer – I never would have believed you. But you know I love to show another side to popular destinations so when the opportunity arose to explore the popular resort of Benidorm's lesser known side – I jumped at the opportunity.
The big question is – what did I find? Benidorm has so much more to offer than we Brits have been led to believe. The iconic destination which is more often associated with bright lights, neon t-shirts, bull riding and Brits abroad is just a tiny piece of the puzzle. If you are craving a more authentic holiday in the sun and a chance to get active, it's actually a great destination for you.
Just a two hour flight from London, Benidorm is the perfect place for a few days of delicious tapas and great restaurants, the 20 best things to do in Benidorm includes micro-adventures such as kayaking, off-roading, jet skiing, hiking and wine tasting! Staying near or in Benidorm's Old Town also gives a refreshingly different experience to the busier strip, so even in peak season you can experience a completely different side to the city. Still don't believe me? Keep reading for my authentic adventure guide to Benidorm complete with the best places to stay, eat, drink and of course, the unmissable activities!
Press trip with Jet2Holidays & Visit Benidorm
Planning a trip to Benidorm, Spain? Here's everything you need to know:
Everything You Need To Know Before A Trip to Benidorm
For my UK readers who know Benidorm's reputation as a party destination (and from the TV show) it might be that you're feeling a little put off from visiting, but let me assure you that there is a whole other side to the Spanish city. Not only is Benidorm a great place to book cheap holidays in the sunshine, but there's also lots of fun things to do.
Are you wondering if there's actually anything nice to do in Benidorm that doesn't involve partying on the strip? For those who are looking for things to do in Benidorm that don't involve drinking – I've got you. There's actually so much to do in Benidorm for the active traveller, foodies and wine lovers and those who love to explore the Old Town. You could easily travel to Benidorm and never actually visit the strip and simply experience the beauty, history and culture of the Old Town, dining at the authentic local tapas restaurants and gastronomic experiences.
If you're someone who can't just relax on the beach – why not try electric biking, kayaking, hiking or even a jeep safari that will get your heart racing? If you're looking for the quiet parts of Benidorm, skip the busy strip and head for the Old Town. There's also a beach which is a short walk away from the main beach & strip, called Poniente Beach, which is popular with the locals because it's much quieter all year round.
Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Benidorm
It couldn't be easier to book flights to Benidorm with Jet2 – the flight takes just 2.5 hours and prices start from as low as £32 for flights from Stansted Airport which is always my first choice for a quick escape to the sunshine. I can leave my home and be at my hotel in Benidorm in as little as 8 hours door-to-door – when you just need some sunshine and tapas, you can't really argue with that convenience!
How To Get Solo Travel Discounts on Trips to Benidorm
One thing I love about Jet2Holidays is that they offer solo travellers an amazing solo travel discount so we don't get stung by the single occupant tax. Anyone who books a solo holiday with Jet2 is automatically eligible for their solo travel discount using the code SOLO30 which takes £30 off your hotel booking. They also have a whole section of their website specifically for solo holidays and offering single occupancy rooms for your next solo adventure.
20 Best Things to do in Benidorm
If you'd found this blog, there's a good chance you're looking to experience Benidorm beyond just the strip. Let's leave the Brits abroad experience and travel slower, deeper and actually connect authentically with the destination. Trust me, you won't regret it! Trying to plan your Jet2 holidays in Benidorm? Keep reading for all my best tips...
Here's a selection of the best things to do in Benidorm, Spain, that will help you to discover the real Benidorm. Click on each activity to find out more:
- Wine tasting and Vineyard Tour
- Off Roading through the countryside
- Sunrise at Plaça del Castell
- Kayaking Benidorm's coastline
- Exploring the Old Town
- Hire Electric Bikes and Cycle Benidorm
- Jet Skiing in the bay
- Hiking to La Cruz Benidorm viewpoint
- Beach day at Playa de Poniente
- Hike and explore Sierra Gelada Natural Park
- Morning yoga on Levante Beach
- Visit Benidorm's waterfalls (Algar Falls)
- Stay at an Instagrammable hotel with a rooftop pool
- Go to one of Benidorm's 55+ fiestas or festivals!
- Best Restaurants & Bars in Benidorm
- Spend an evening on Tapas Street
- Unique Gastronomic experience with live music
- Dine with panoramic sea views in the Old Town
- Sunset cocktails at a Rooftop Bar
- Drink Sangria & Eat Paella at a local restaurant
Wine tasting and Vineyard Tour
For those who would rather swap the Benidorm strip's hefty measures for a more refined drinking experience, did you know that Benidorm actually has a great wine scene? Local wine producer, Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, is well-known around the area and my first introduction was to their divine rosé served in a local restaurant with a view of the sea. If you're visiting Benidorm, why stop there? One activity you won't want to miss is a wine tasting and vineyard tour at Bodegas Enrique Mendoza's beautiful winery – at just €28, it's great value! The wine tours are super informative, but it's the wine tasting that is the true star of the show, with tasting platters of local meats, cheeses and chocolate to enhance the flavours of a selection of seven wines from white, to rosé, to reds.
Off Roading through the countryside
If you love to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping – you need to book an off roading jeep experience with Marco Polo Expediciones who offer half day, full day options plus loads of other fun activities. Their jeep safaris will have you squealing – hot tip: ask for "Crazy Frank" – he's called that for a reason! This was one of the best activities on my trip to Benidorm – make sure you strap in and be prepared for things to get "bumpy bumpy!"
Sunrise at Plaça del Castell
Many travellers won't see sunrise unless they're on their way home from the strip, but I found the perfect incentive to get up early and experience the true beauty of Benidorm's Old Town. As the first golden light rises over the skyline and the beautiful blue and white stones of Plaça del Castell are bathed in sunlight. Gulls swoop and caw but you're the only person in sight, you watch as the mountains glow and a group of yogis salute the rising sun from the beach below. Sunrise at Plaça del Castell truly is the perfect start to a day in Benidorm.
Kayaking Benidorm's coastline
Another amazing way to get active while seeing Benidorm from a new perspective, join Capitan Kayak for a tour along the coastline of Sierra Gelada Natural Park. Did you know that Benidorm actually has a lot of protected nature surrounding the built up area of the main city? If you're looking for things to do in Benidorm – there's so much to explore and by water is a great way to do it. You can spend hours kayaking along the coast, spotting fishermen and exploring caves in the cliffs.
Exploring the Old Town
If anything, you might actually want to take a stroll along the strip simply to compare it with Benidorm's beautiful old town. The winding streets, the blue and white buildings and alleyways filled with local tapas restaurants. It's a great place to explore and watch Benidorm's locals go about their days. There's also lots of great restaurants and bars to visit, plus cute little shops and places to buy postcards.
Hire Electric Bikes and Cycle Benidorm
I didn't get the hype about electric bikes until I tried them in Benidorm, but it's the perfect place to hire an electric bike and cycle the coastline. Just a short cycle from the strip and Benidorm Old Town you will find Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada, with lots of steep hills you'll be glad of the extra help to make it up the inclines. The power of the bikes leaves you to enjoy working up a sweat while also being able to relax and enjoy the panoramic ocean views.
Jet Skiing in the bay
Never tried jet skiing? I had only been a passenger on one before I visited Benidorm but this time I was thrown in the deep-end as the driver as we cruised around the bay and lapped the tiny uninhabited island just off the main beach. It was an experience as the salty spray whipped across our faces and a storm rolled in but jet skiing in Benidorm was a lot of fun!
Hiking to La Cruz de Benidorm viewpoint
If you want to see the best view of Benidorm, I recommend hiking up to La Cruz de Benidorm. Yes you can walk to the cross in Benidorm and it's a great way to get active during your Benidorm holidays. It's a 4.2km route from the centre of Benidorm and takes around 1hr 30 – perfect for a morning hike to start the day. There's panoramic views across the bay of Benidorm and the mountains and vistas that sit behind the city.
Beach day at Playa de Poniente
The beaches in Benidorm are pristine – I was so impressed by how clean they are and how clear the water is. While the main beach in front of the strip is popular and gets super busy during peak season, it's worth walking a little further to explore some of the other beaches in the area. Locals choose to spend sunny days at Playa de Poniente which is much quieter and more peaceful, so if you want to escape the crowds this is a great spot.
Hike and explore Sierra Gelada Natural Park
You might not believe it but Benidorm has some beautiful natural gems nearby. When the coastal city was built, the decision was taken to build up instead of out which has led to the iconic skyscrapers that dominate the skyline, but it means that areas like Sierra Gelada Natural Park have remained untouched and protected. There's some beautiful hikes, viewpoints and coastline to explore in the natural park and it's just a short walk from the centre of Benidorm which makes it perfect for a little day hike.
Morning yoga on Levante Beach
I didn't get a chance to do this but I went for a sunrise walk to Plaça del Castell which has amazing views over Levante Beach where there was a small group of people doing their sun salutations. If you love yoga – it's a beautiful place to start your day. I believe there also might be SUP Yoga classes available in Benidorm.
Visit Benidorm's waterfalls (Algar Falls)
Need a break from Benidorm? You can take a day trip to nearby Alger Falls – a beautiful nature spot where you can go swimming and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. It's easy to reach with a hire car, or you can also take the line 018 bus for €1-4 and it takes around 40 minutes. There's also a lovely 1-2 hour walk you can do there.
Stay at an Instagrammable hotel with a rooftop pool
Do not miss the chance to stay at Barcelo Benidorm Beach with Jet2Holidays – just a few minutes walk from the Old Town and the Strip – the hotel is perfectly located for exploring Benidorm while staying away from the party areas. The hotel is also such a VIBE – it's super Instagrammable so be prepared to snap lots of pics of the fun decor and enjoy the amazing service.
Go to one of Benidorm's 55+ fiestas or festivals!
If, like me, you love a festival – why not plan your trip to Benidorm around one of the many local fiestas or larger music festivals that happen every year? It's a great way to combine a beach holiday with a chance to celebrate local traditions and immerse yourself in the local culture, or experience your favourite artists on the main stage.
Best Restaurants & Bars in Benidorm
Spend an Evening in Tapas Alley
My favourite place in Benidorm and an unmissable experience, Tapas Alley is the place to go for authentic Spanish vibes and delicious local fare when visiting Benidorm. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the tiny street is lined with tables and chairs and family-owned restaurants serving the finest in authentic Spanish cuisine. Expect a bustling atmosphere, the sizzle and scent of tasty tapas and make sure you book in advance to ensure you get a table, I've heard this area is getting busier all the time and it's an experience you won't want to miss – one of the best things to do in Benidorm. I highly recommend dining at La Taperia Aurrera for a Basque menu that focuses on avant-garde cuisine and delicious sharing plates.
A Unique Gastronomic Experience With Live Music
Imagine the ultimate in art-deco glam combined with divine gastronomy designed to make your mouth water. Exotico Benidorm is an absolute must-do foodie experience when visiting the city. The stunning restaurant welcomes you with the scent of incense lingering in the air. Don't miss the fresh and tantalising flavours of the fresh tuna tartar, the beef bao and the delicious turbot. The venue also regularly has live DJs, performances and music so if you're craving vibes but don't want to venture to the strip – this is your answer!
Dine with Panoramic Sea Views in the Old Town
A dining experience you won't want to miss on the edge of the Old Town – D·VORA Gastrobar sits high on the cliff overlooking Benidorm with panoramic ocean views and a mouth-wateringly good menu. Not only is the service exceptional, but the food is unlike anything you might associate with Benidorm. Prepare yourself for a full gastronomic experience and don't miss the creamy monkfish rice!
Sunset Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar
Don't miss a spectacular sunset at Selvático, the terrace with the best views of Benidorm, complete with infinity pool, a live DJ and amazing cocktails. We sat and enjoyed the last sunshine of the day as a rainbow appeared over the mountains and we clinked our glasses in cheers before enjoying the delicious cocktails. I went for a raspberry & gin cocktail which I highly recommend.
Drink Sangria & Eat Paella at a local restaurant
What is a trip to Spain without a hearty, local paella? Restaurante Ulia is a seafront, family-run restaurant where culinary tradition meets the freshness of the sea. Expect lots of fresh local fish including cuttlefish, clams, fresh fish, shrimp and of course their signature paella and meat dishes. A perfect place to sit with a sangria and enjoy respite from the afternoon sun.
