10 things to do in Benidorm – our best tips

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Benidorm is one of Spain's most famous holiday resorts, attracting millions of visitors every year. Long sandy beaches, an impressive skyline with skyscrapers, a wide range of restaurants and a lively entertainment scene await you here. We visited Benidorm by camper van and share our best tips and experiences.

Benidorm – with skyscrapers and beaches

At first, approaching the city by car is an experience. First comes nothing but mountains and gentle vegetation, then even more nothing, and then ... a compact waterfront city with skyscrapers licking the sky. So, what can you do in Benidorm? Here are ten tips!

Benidorm is located on the Costa Blanca, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Alicante.

1. Experience Benidorm's impressive skyline

This is what it must be like to arrive in Las Vegas! First, this dry desert-like landscape with its angular mountains and occasional gnarled plants. And then, as if emerging from nowhere, a big city with skyscrapers. Benidorm is often called the ”Manhattan of the Mediterranean” thanks to its many skyscrapers.

2. Relax on the long sandy beaches

The two main beaches are Playa de Poniente with afternoon sun, and Playa de Levante with morning sun. There is also Playa de Mas Pas and the lovely little bay of Playa Cala Ti Ximo.

If you are in Benidorm during the right season, you should of course take the opportunity to sunbathe and swim. Benidorm is known for its sunny climate with over 300 sunny days a year. The beach is located in the middle of the city, and it must be said that the skyline with all the skyscrapers is pretty cool.

3. Stroll through the old town

Between Benidorm's two main beaches lies the charming old town centre, where narrow alleys, whitewashed houses and small squares create a completely different feel to the city's skyscrapers. Here you'll find plenty of tapas bars, small shops and cosy outdoor cafes.

4. Camp with a campervan in Benidorm

It's easy to think of Benidorm as just a big city with hotels, but there are plenty of campsites in this town - and they're centrally located. We stayed at a campsite called Arena Blanca.Many Swedes who stay for a whole season instead choose a campsite called El Raco.

Swedes and Norwegians who camp for long periods in Benidorm tend to meet up quite often. When we were here, there was a ”Tuesday get-together” every Tuesday evening at El Raco's restaurant. One evening we were invited along, which was very nice!

5. Shop and enjoy city life

Benidorm is full of shops, so if you like shopping, you can definitely take the chance! We bought a pair of jeans here, which we were very happy with. The prices are good and there is a lot for all ages.

The city has been known for its bars and nightlife for 40 years. Benidorm was one of Spain's first major charter destinations and has long been known for its nightlife.

6. Visit the market

Every now and then there is a market in Benidorm. Here you can find everything from clothes and pirated bags to freshly baked churros. Here you can find clothes, jewelry, bags and local products. When we were there we found several nice pieces of jewelry.

7. Eat tapas in the old town

In the Spanish part of Benidorm there are plenty of places where you can order cava and small snacks. We paid 60 kroner for a bottle of cava and six small tapas/bruschettas/pintxos. We're a little unsure of the correct term here, but we can at least say that it was very affordable and delicious! Walk around the old town (El Castell) and enjoy the lovely alleys and Spanish life.

8. Take a trip outside Benidorm

Benidorm is a perfect base for exploring more of the Costa Blanca. Nearby you will find the charming mountain village of Guadalest, the picturesque coastal town of Altea and the Serra Gelada Natural Park with its beautiful hiking trails and views of the Mediterranean. For families with children, theme parks such as Terra Mítica, Aqualandia and Mundomar are also within easy reach.

9. Visit Balcón del Mediterráneo

The Balcón del Mediterráneo is Benidorm's most famous viewpoint, located on a cliff between the beaches of Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente. From here you have a fantastic panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea, the city skyline and both beaches. It is also one of Benidorm's most photographed places and a must-see during a visit.

10. Enjoy the special atmosphere

What makes Benidorm perhaps most special is not any single attraction, but the city's very own atmosphere. Here, modern skyscrapers coexist with a charming old town center, long sandy beaches and people from all over Europe. Sit on an outdoor terrace with a glass of cava or some tapas and watch the world go by - sometimes that's actually the best experience of all.

A slightly unexpected detail is that you see an unusually large number of mobility scooters in Benidorm, especially during the winter months when many long-term residents and retirees spend the winter here.

A personal Benidorm memory

We will always remember Benidorm as the place where we did something we had been talking about for a long time – we tattooed the word ”Freedom”. A slightly unexpected holiday memory, but one that still makes us smile.

More things to do in Benidorm

Visit Benidorm Island

Just outside Benidorm lies the small island Benidorm Island, which is clearly visible from the city's beaches. During the summer season, boat trips leave from the harbor, and the island is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and short hikes. Those who prefer to stay on board can also choose a glass-bottom boat trip and look for fish below the surface.

Shop at Marina Shopping

If you want to combine beach life with shopping, Marina Shopping a good option. There are clothing stores, sports shops, restaurants and a supermarket, making the shopping center a popular stop for both vacationers and long-term residents.

Experience Terra Mítica and other theme parks

Benidorm is a popular destination for families with children. It is home to the amusement park Terra Mitica, the water park Aqualandia and the zoo Mundomar – three popular excursion destinations that are suitable for both children and adults. Several of the parks are just a few minutes' drive from the city center.

Experience Benidorm all year round

Benidorm is an unusually lively holiday resort even outside the summer season. During the winter, the mild climate attracts many long-term travelers, while the summer offers beach life, concerts and an intense entertainment scene. Regardless of the season, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and activities, which means that the city rarely feels deserted.

More things to do in the neighbourhood?

When you are in Benidorm, you can of course do various excursions! Here you will find some different tips:

• Things to do in Valencia
• Peniscola – a holiday resort
• Tarragona – history and charming neighborhoods