The best things to do in Benidorm Spain combine broad sandy beaches, a compact historic old town, sea-facing viewpoints and easy Costa Blanca day trips in one remarkably walkable resort city. Benidorm is far more varied than its skyline suggests: you can begin with a swim on Levante Beach, eat tapas in the old town and watch the sun drop behind Poniente Beach on the same day. This guide turns Pasaporte Viajero’s visual introduction into a practical first-timer plan, including arrival options, useful costs, neighbourhoods and a simple itinerary you can follow independently.
What Pasaporte Viajero’s journey shows
- The journey opens with Benidorm’s defining coastal scenery: the long urban sweep of Levante Beach and its lively promenade.
- It moves into the old town, where narrower streets, cafés and traditional architecture provide a strong contrast to the resort’s modern high-rises.
- The route reaches the Balcón del Mediterráneo, the white-railed headland lookout between Levante and Poniente beaches.
- It highlights Poniente Beach, a calmer-feeling stretch for long walks, sunset views and a more relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- The guide also points toward Benidorm’s wider leisure offer, viewpoints and excursion possibilities around the Costa Blanca.
Watch Pasaporte Viajero’s video first for a visual sense of the city, then use the practical details below to build your own trip.
How to get to Benidorm
The most straightforward gateway is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. From the airport, ALSA operates a direct coach to Benidorm, with stops at Benidorm Bus Station and Avenida de Europa. The operator lists regular daily services, while Alicante Airport confirms that the airport-to-Benidorm connection is direct. It is the simplest choice if you are staying around Levante, the centre or the old town.
For a stay near Poniente or the old town, a taxi from Benidorm Bus Station can save a lengthy walk with luggage. If you are arriving by rail, travel to Alicante first and continue by coach or use the TRAM network from the city; check connections on the day because public-transport timetables can change seasonally.
A rental car is useful if Benidorm is one stop on a wider Costa Blanca journey, particularly for villages and natural areas inland. It is not essential for a beach-and-old-town break, however. Central parking can be expensive and the most rewarding core sights are better explored on foot. For another Spanish island-and-coast itinerary with a similarly car-optional approach, see our Menorca travel guide.
When to go for beaches, walks and a calmer stay
For the best balance of pleasant beach weather, open restaurants and manageable crowds, choose spring or autumn. These shoulder periods suit travellers who want to swim, walk the promenades and explore the old town without the intensity of peak summer. They are also a good fit for families and couples who prefer daytime sightseeing to late-night resort energy.
Summer brings Benidorm at its busiest: the beaches, attractions and nightlife are at their most active, but accommodation demand is higher and central streets are more crowded. Book early if you need a sea-view room or a specific family hotel. Winter is a practical option for sunshine breaks, seafront walks and dining, although beach conditions and the schedules of seasonal attractions can be more limited.
Whenever you go, make the Balcón del Mediterráneo your early-morning or late-afternoon stop. At those times it feels less like a checklist attraction and more like what it is: the dramatic divide between the city’s two main bays.
What Benidorm costs
Benidorm can work for different budgets because beach time, the old town and the headland viewpoints cost nothing, while transport and paid attractions are optional additions. The table below includes only prices published by the relevant transport operator and checked in November 2026. Accommodation, restaurant bills and attraction tickets fluctuate by date, demand and advance booking, so compare live rates before committing.
| Item | Verified 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ALSA direct coach: Benidorm to Alicante Airport | €7.99 one way | Published for ALSA’s Benidorm–Alicante Airport route. |
| ALSA coach: Benidorm to Alicante city / ADIF-AVE station | €6.55 one way | Published in ALSA’s Comunitat Valenciana fare table. |
| Extra checked luggage on the airport coach | From €5 per trip | One suitcase or backpack up to 20 kg is included; terms apply. |
| Bicycle carriage on the airport coach | €10 surcharge | The bicycle must be packed according to ALSA’s carriage rules. |
For current schedules, ticket conditions and fares, use the official ALSA airport-to-Benidorm page and its Comunitat Valenciana fare table. The beach, the Balcón del Mediterráneo and old-town wandering remain the strongest-value parts of the trip.
Where to stay in Benidorm
Old Town: Choose this area if you want tapas bars, the Balcón del Mediterráneo and both major beaches within an easy walk. It is the most characterful base for a short first visit, although streets can be lively into the evening.
Levante Beach: This is the convenient choice for first-time visitors who want a busy promenade, plentiful restaurants and easy access to nightlife. Look beyond the immediate seafront if you value quieter nights; a room a few blocks inland can feel noticeably calmer.
Poniente Beach: Stay here for a more spacious, residential feel and attractive sunset walks. It is especially suitable for travellers who plan to spend more time by the sea than in nightlife zones. Check the map carefully: some properties are farther from the old town than they first appear.
Rincón de Loix: This northeastern area suits visitors who want resort facilities and access to the far end of Levante. It can be a practical base, but choose your exact location according to whether beach proximity, nightlife or quiet is your priority.
Practical safety and planning tips
Benidorm is easy to navigate, but it is still a busy tourist city. Keep phones and wallets secure on crowded promenades, beaches and late-night streets, and use licensed taxis or pre-booked transport when you need a ride. Do not leave bags unattended while swimming; take only what you need to the sand.
Plan around the sun rather than trying to see everything at midday. Walk the old town and viewpoints in the morning, take a beach break after lunch, then return to the waterfront for the evening. Comfortable footwear matters because the old-town lanes and slopes around the Balcón are more uneven than the flat promenades.
Benidorm is not a replacement for every kind of Spain trip. It is a purpose-built beach city with a lively international atmosphere. Pair it with Alicante, Altea, Guadalest or the Serra Gelada coast if you would like more regional variety. Readers planning a broader first visit to the country may also find our Italy travel tips for first-time visitors useful for comparing practical Mediterranean travel rhythms, while our Portugal travel guide offers another easy-going Iberian coast-and-city route.
Day-by-day (how to travel it yourself)
Day 1: Levante Beach, old town and the Balcón del Mediterráneo. Begin on Levante Beach before the promenade gets busy. Walk west into the old town, stopping for a relaxed lunch or tapas. In the afternoon, explore the small streets around the Church of Saint James and Saint Anne, then head to the Balcón del Mediterráneo for views across both bays. Finish with dinner in the old town or beside Poniente.
Day 2: Poniente Beach and a choose-your-own activity. Start with the long Poniente promenade, continuing as far as your energy allows. Return through the old town for lunch, then choose an activity that fits your interests: a boat outing, a family attraction, a guided Costa Blanca excursion or simply more beach time. Book attraction admission and guided excursions directly through official operators where possible, and confirm opening days before travelling.
Day 3: Slow morning or Costa Blanca extension. Use a final morning for a swim, coffee and a last walk between Levante and Poniente. If you have more time, make this your day for an excursion beyond Benidorm rather than trying to rush it into a beach day. Guadalest, Altea and the surrounding coast reward a slower pace.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benidorm worth visiting for first-time visitors to Spain?
Yes, if you want a simple beach break with reliable amenities, easy airport access, a walkable centre and plenty of dining choices. It is especially convenient for travellers who prefer an organised resort base over a remote coastal village.
What are the best things to do in Benidorm Spain without spending much money?
Walk Levante and Poniente beaches, explore the old town, visit the Balcón del Mediterráneo and spend time on the public seafront promenades. These are the city’s most memorable experiences and do not require an attraction ticket.
Which beach is better, Levante or Poniente?
Levante is more central, energetic and closely connected to restaurants and nightlife. Poniente generally feels more relaxed and spacious, making it a better match for long walks, sunset and a quieter beach day.
Can I get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm without renting a car?
Yes. ALSA runs a direct airport coach service to Benidorm. Check the official timetable before flying, particularly for late arrivals, early departures and dates outside the main holiday season.
Facts and prices verified in November 2026. Travel with Influencers is an independent fan/editorial guide, not affiliated with or endorsed by the creators featured. Watch and support the original creator: Pasaporte Viajero on YouTube.
