Benidorm is far more than its famous beaches and nightlife. Located on Spain's Costa Blanca, it combines Blue Flag beaches, family attractions, scenic hiking trails, historic streets, lively markets, and some of the best day trips in the Alicante region. Whether you're planning a relaxing beach holiday, travelling with children, or looking for outdoor adventures, Benidorm offers something for every type of traveller.

This guide covers the best things to do in Benidorm in 2026, including free attractions, family-friendly activities, hidden gems, beaches, viewpoints, and practical travel tips to help you plan your visit.

Best Things to Do in Benidorm at a Glance

If you're visiting Benidorm for the first time, this table makes it easy to choose attractions based on your interests and budget.

Why Visit Benidorm?

Benidorm is one of Spain's most popular holiday destinations, combining golden beaches, year-round sunshine, family attractions, scenic coastal walks, and lively nightlife. While it's famous for its beachfront hotels and entertainment, the city also offers hidden coves, historic streets, natural parks, and excellent day trips along the Costa Blanca.

Whether you're travelling as a couple, with family, or planning a weekend break with friends, Benidorm offers activities for every travel style and budget.

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If this is your first time travelling to Spain from the UK, Benidorm is one of the easiest places to start because the beaches, transport, and tourist setup are all very straightforward.

1. Relax On Levante Beach

Levante is the classic first stop for things to do in Benidorm, Spain, with fine sand, calm shallow water, and a long promenade lined with cafés and beach bars that run well into the evening.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Open all day
• Best For: Swimming, sunbathing, and promenade strolls

2. Walk Along Poniente Beach

Poniente is broader and calmer than Levante, making it ideal if you want one of the quieter things to see in Benidorm and a more relaxed sunset walk without the busier seafront crowds.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Open all day
• Best For: Sunset walks, couples, and a slower beach pace

3. Stop At The Balcón Del Mediterráneo

This white clifftop viewpoint between the two main beaches gives you the postcard shot of Benidorm's skyline and coastline. It is one of the easiest things to do in Benidorm on day one and is completely free.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Open all day
• Best For: Photography and panoramic sea views

4. Wander Benidorm Old Town

The Old Town adds narrow lanes, squares, and tapas bars to the resort experience, giving it a genuinely Spanish feel away from the high-rise seafront strip.

• Cost: Free to explore
• Timings: Open all day; tapas bars are busiest from lunch onwards
• Best For: Walking, local food, and an authentic atmosphere

5. Step Inside The Church Of San Jaime And Santa Ana

The Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana sits at the top of the Old Town with a distinctive cupola dome and a peaceful interior. It is one of the most genuinely historic stops when deciding what to do in Benidorm, Spain, on a slower afternoon.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Check locally as hours vary around services
• Best For: Architecture, quiet moments, and Old Town history

6. Enjoy A Tapas Evening In The Old Town

A tapas evening is one of the most classic fun things to do in Benidorm because it slows the trip down and adds a more local feel to an otherwise resort-heavy day.

• Cost: Budget €15 to €25 per person for a relaxed evening
• Timings: Lunch and evening service at most bars
• Best For: Tapas, local wine, and a slower evening pace

7. Take A Boat Trip To Isla De Benidorm

A short boat trip to Isla de Benidorm gives you sea air, clear coastal views, and snorkelling access. It is one of the best places to visit in Benidorm for a genuine half-day outing beyond the beach.

• Cost: Typically €12 to €18 return per adult; varies by operator
• Timings: Frequent daytime departures from the Levante beach area, weather permitting
• Best For: Boat rides, snorkelling, and sea views

8. Hike In Serra Gelada Natural Park

Serra Gelada shows the wilder side of the Costa Blanca, with dramatic cliff paths and coastal viewpoints far from the resort bustle. It is one of the most rewarding things to see and do in Benidorm for anyone who wants a genuinely active morning.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Best visited in daylight; go early in summer to avoid midday heat
• Best For: Hiking, cliff viewpoints, and coastal photography

9. Explore Tossal De La Cala

Tossal de la Cala is a Roman archaeological site above Benidorm with excavated remains and wide coastal views. It is one of the quieter things to do in Benidorm, Spain, for anyone wanting history alongside sea air.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Approximately 08:00 to 20:00; confirm locally as seasonal hours apply
• Best For: Roman history, coastal views, and a break from the beach

10. Spend A Day At Aqualandia

Aqualandia is consistently one of the top fun things to do in Benidorm for families and groups who want a full hot-weather park day with slides, wave pools, and themed zones.

• Cost: Adults €41 gate or €35 online; children and seniors €33 gate or €28 online; under 4s free
• Timings: 10:00 to 19:00; extended to 20:00 from 20 June to 30 August
• Seasonal Opening: From 23 May 2026; confirm current dates on the official Aqualandia website
• Best For: Water slides, groups, and full summer days

11. Visit Mundomar

Mundomar is a marine animal park featuring dolphins, sea lions, and tropical birds, making it a softer park day for mixed ages. It is important to have an eSIM Spain data active here, which keeps live show timings and ticket checks easy on arrival.

• Cost: Adults €32 gate or €26 online; children and seniors €26 gate or €21 online; under 4s free
• Timings: 10:00 to 18:00
• Seasonal Opening: From 28 March 2026; confirm current dates on the official Mundomar website
• Best For: Marine animal shows, mixed ages, and a calmer park day

12. Ride The Coasters At Terra Mítica

Terra Mítica is the answer to what to do in Benidorm, Spain, if your group wants full theme park energy with Mediterranean-themed zones and major coasters across a large site.

• Cost: Adult tickets from €35 online; junior and senior tickets from €30 online
• Timings: 10:30 to 19:00 on the 2026 schedule
• Seasonal Opening: From 15 May 2026; confirm the current calendar on the Terra Mítica website
• Best For: Thrill rides, shows, and full-day visits

13. See Wildlife At Terra Natura

Terra Natura combines a wildlife park with the adjoining Aqua Natura water park, making it a strong non-beach day for mixed groups wanting animals, gentle rides, and water access in one site.

• Cost: Adults €38; children and seniors €32; under 4s free; parking €7
• Timings: Check the official Terra Natura 2026 calendar before visiting, as opening days vary
• Best For: Wildlife, families, and a change of pace from ride-heavy parks

Benidorm also works well as part of a wider summer vacation in Spain if you want to mix an easy beach stay with a few bigger city stops.

14. Browse Benidorm's Street Markets

The outdoor street markets break up the beach routine with bargains, fresh produce, and souvenir stalls. They are among the most fun things to do in Benidorm on a relaxed morning without spending much.

• Cost: Free to enter
• Timings: Usually morning to early afternoon
• Market Days: The main outdoor market runs on Wednesdays and Sundays; verify locally
• Best For: Bargains, souvenirs, and casual browsing

15. Book A Night At Benidorm Palace

Benidorm Palace is the polished evening option for dinner and a cabaret show rather than a bar crawl, making it one of the clearest things to do in Benidorm for adults looking for something more than the standard nightlife strip.

• Cost: Show only €36; dinner and show packages from €56 to €100 per person
• Timings: Doors open 20:00; dinner from 20:30; show starts 22:00 Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 22:15 Saturday
• Show Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Best For: Evening entertainment and dinner shows

When people compare the best cities in Spain to travel from the UK, Benidorm stands out for its easy access, familiar holiday feel, and simple mix of beach time and evening plans.

Taken together, these are the things to do in Benidorm that cover beaches, views, food, nature, and a proper night out. They also represent the main things to see in Benidorm for first-timers who want an easy mix of lazy beach hours and lively evenings without overcomplicating the trip.

Best Things to Do in Benidorm by Travel Style

Best for Families

Travelling with children? These attractions offer full days of entertainment.

• Aqualandia Water Park
• Mundomar Marine Park
• Terra Natura
• Levante Beach
• Aqua Natura

Best for Couples

For a slower and more romantic experience, consider:

• Poniente Beach
• Balcón del Mediterráneo at sunset
• Tapas in the Old Town
• Benidorm Palace
• Sunset boat cruise

Best for Adventure Lovers

If you enjoy outdoor activities, don't miss:

• Serra Gelada Natural Park
• Kayaking along the coastline
• Parasailing
• Benidorm Island snorkelling
• Jet skiing

Best Free Things to Do

Benidorm also offers plenty of free experiences.

• Levante Beach
• Poniente Beach
• Benidorm Old Town
• Balcón del Mediterráneo
• Serra Gelada hiking trails
• Tossal de la Cala
• Elche Park

Hidden Gems in Benidorm

Away from the busy beachfront you'll find several quieter attractions that many first-time visitors miss.

Cala Tío Ximo

A peaceful cove popular for swimming and snorkelling.

Cala Almadraba

One of Benidorm's smallest beaches, ideal for escaping the crowds.

La Cruz Viewpoint

Offers one of the highest panoramic views over Benidorm and the Mediterranean.

Elche Park

A shaded park filled with palm trees, ideal for relaxing after exploring the Old Town.

Best Day Trips from Benidorm

If you're staying for more than three days, these nearby destinations are well worth visiting.

Altea

Famous for its whitewashed streets, art galleries, and blue-domed church.

Travel time: 20 minutes

Guadalest

A picturesque mountain village with a medieval castle and spectacular valley views.

Travel time: 35 minutes

Villajoyosa

Known for colourful seafront houses, quiet beaches, and the Valor Chocolate Museum.

Travel time: 20 minutes

Alicante

Perfect for shopping, museums, Santa Bárbara Castle, and waterfront dining.

Travel time: 45 minutes

Suggested 3-Day Benidorm Itinerary

Day 1

• Levante Beach
• Balcón del Mediterráneo
• Old Town
• Tapas dinner

Day 2

• Serra Gelada hike
• Boat trip to Benidorm Island
• Poniente Beach sunset

Day 3

Choose one:

• Aqualandia
• Terra Mítica
• Terra Natura

Finish with an evening show at Benidorm Palace.

Best Time to Visit Benidorm

For most visitors, May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds.

What to Eat in Benidorm

No trip is complete without trying local cuisine.

Popular dishes include:

• Paella Valenciana
• Fresh seafood
• Tapas
• Jamón Ibérico
• Churros with chocolate
• Sangria
• Horchata

The Old Town is one of the best places to experience traditional Spanish food.

Practical Tips for Visiting Benidorm

• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the Old Town.
• Book theme parks online to save money.
• Visit popular viewpoints early in the morning or at sunset.
• Carry plenty of water during summer.
• Use the TRAM for easy day trips to nearby towns.
• Download offline maps before hiking in Serra Gelada.

Reliable mobile data also makes it easier to navigate, book attractions, and check transport schedules while exploring the Costa Blanca. Installing a travel eSIM before you arrive means you can access maps, tickets, and restaurant reservations as soon as you land.

Why Jetpac works well in Benidorm

Even in a relaxed resort, your phone stays central to the whole trip, from checking park queues and bus times to finding a dinner spot and navigating between beaches. For UK travellers heading from the UK to the Costa Blanca, Jetpac eSIM for Spain makes data simple from the moment you land at Alicante Airport. 

Many travellers compare the best eSIM for Spain travel before booking, and Jetpac's eSIM for Spain covers Benidorm and the wider coast without any carrier-switching headaches.

📱 Connected the moment you land at Alicante:  Set up before the flight and arrive with data already active. No SIM kiosk queues after a busy transfer from the airport to the resort.

🗺️ Maps and bookings stay live when data runs low: WhatsApp, Google Maps, and ride apps stay accessible even at zero balance, keeping park directions, taxi bookings, and beach meetup messages running across the whole week.

📞 Call restaurants, taxis, and venues directly: Not everything in Benidorm is bookable online. Reach local restaurants, taxi firms, and show venues across 50+ countries directly from Jetpac app. Packs from $1.99 per 5 minutes.

🔥 Share data across the whole group: Hotspot sharing works with no caps, whether a travel companion needs navigation or a tablet needs data at the park or on the beach.

💰 Save up to 70% on standard UK roaming: Standard UK carrier rates in Spain add up across a week-long stay. Jetpac typically saves travellers up to 70% compared with those rates, with pricing confirmed upfront before purchase. That makes a Jetpac eSIM Spain plan a practical first decision before you book anything else.

🌍 One eSIM for 200+ destinations: Same setup covers Benidorm, any wider Spain itinerary, and any future trip without reconfiguring. Many travellers keep it as their go-to best eSIM for Spain travel plan well beyond the Costa Blanca.

📶 Multi-network coverage from the seafront to the natural park: A Jetpac eSIM switches automatically to the strongest available local network, whether you are on Levante Beach, hiking Serra Gelada, or sitting in the Old Town.

✈️ Free airport lounge access on delayed flights: Access 1,300+ lounges worldwide at no extra cost when a flight is delayed by more than one hour. Register yourself and one travel companion at least 24 hours before departure to activate.

🎧 24/7 support via WhatsApp and email: Reachable around the clock, whether you need help before departure or mid-resort. The setup takes minutes, and support is always available if anything needs fixing.

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How We Chose These Attractions

This guide is based on:

• Official Visit Benidorm tourism resources.
• Visitor popularity and ratings.
• Accessibility for first-time visitors.
• Family friendliness.
• Seasonal suitability.
• Overall value and uniqueness.

FAQs

Which area of Benidorm is best to stay in for a first trip?

Levante suits visitors who want the busiest beach and closest nightlife. Poniente is calmer and better for couples or those preferring a quieter atmosphere. The Old Town works well if you want central access to both beaches. For most first-timers, Levante gives the easiest walking access to the most things to see in Benidorm.

Is Benidorm worth visiting?

Yes. Benidorm combines beaches, nightlife, family attractions, hiking trails, and nearby coastal towns, making it one of Spain's most versatile holiday destinations.

How many days do you need in Benidorm?

Three to five days is ideal to experience the beaches, Old Town, theme parks, and a couple of nearby day trips.

What are the best free things to do in Benidorm?

Levante Beach, Poniente Beach, Balcón del Mediterráneo, Serra Gelada, Tossal de la Cala, and Benidorm Old Town are all free to visit.

Is Benidorm family friendly?

Yes. Attractions such as Aqualandia, Mundomar, Terra Natura, and the city's sandy beaches make Benidorm an excellent destination for families.

Do I need to pre-book parks and shows?

Yes, particularly in July and August. Aqualandia, Terra Mítica, and Benidorm Palace all offer lower online prices and smoother entry when booked in advance. In peak season, Aqualandia entry slots can sell out on the busiest days, so booking several days ahead is strongly advised.

Is Benidorm easy to get around without a car?

Yes. The seafront, Old Town, and most beach attractions are walkable from the main hotel zones. Local TRAM and bus services connect Benidorm to nearby towns, including Altea and Calpe. Taxis are widely available and affordable for shorter journeys.

How much should I budget per day in Benidorm?

A beach-and-tapas day runs around £30 to £50 per person, including meals and drinks. A theme park or water park day runs closer to £60 to £90 once entry, food, and transport are included. A realistic mid-range daily budget for a mix of activities is £60 to £80 per person, excluding accommodation.

What is the best time of year to visit Benidorm?

June and September offer warm temperatures of 25 to 28°C with noticeably fewer crowds and lower hotel prices than peak season. July and August are the hottest months at 30 to 35°C and attract the largest visitor numbers. For a first trip, late June or early September gives the best balance of warmth, value, and availability.

Disclaimer

Prices, opening hours, and seasonal schedules may vary. Always verify current details on official operator websites before booking. This information is based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. Jetpac is not responsible for any differences in network performance or the accuracy of third-party data. Device compatibility, carrier support, and network availability may affect eSIM performance.