Free walking tours in Benidorm and what to see

Must-sees

Benidorm revolves around its two big beaches, Levante and Poniente, separated by the old town. At the tip is the Castle viewpoint, known as the Balcony of the Mediterranean, with views of both bays and Benidorm island. Close by is the church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, with its blue dome.

The Poniente promenade, with its modern, wavy design, is a good place for a walk at sunset. For something different, go up the Serra Gelada, a nature park with clifftop trails, or take a boat to the island. The skyscrapers are part of the landscape and are best seen from the hills. At night, the old town and the Levante area are where the restaurants and bars are.

Free tours and guided visits

The usual free tour covers the old town, the church of San Jaime, the Castle viewpoint and the nearby streets. It tells how a fishing village became a holiday resort from the 1950s on. Among the paid activities, the boat to Benidorm island and trips to nearby towns stand out: Altea, with its white old town, Guadalest and its castle on the rock, and the Fuentes del Algar waterfalls. There are also trips to Alicante.

How long to spend

If you only want to see the town, one day is enough for the old town and the two promenades. But people usually choose Benidorm to relax, so stays of four days to a week are typical. Split your time between beach mornings, a walk in the Serra Gelada and two or three trips, such as Altea, Guadalest and the Fuentes del Algar.

Where to stay

Levante is the liveliest area, close to the beach and the nightlife. Poniente is quieter and more family-oriented, with a wide promenade and long views. The old town, between the two, is the most practical for getting around on foot with restaurants close by. The Rincón de Loix, at the end of Levante, is very lively and popular with British and other foreign visitors.