Benidorm has often been referred to, as Spain's equivalent to the British Holiday Resort of Blackpool and speaking as someone who has had the pleasure of visiting both of these locations I can certainly see where the parallels have been drawn.
I recently visited Benidorm between 17th-24th October 2006 and despite my very first impressions of the place I had a fantastic time.
I make no apologies for the length of this review, which I hope, will prove to be useful to anyone visiting or thinking about visiting this popular resort on the Costa Blanca.
GETTING THERE
Benidorm lies on the Eastern Coast of mainland Spain approximately 45 kilometres to the North of Alicante, which is where the nearest Airport to Benidorm is to be found.
Most visitors from the UK, like myself, will arrive by Aeroplane, but there are a large number of visitors that decide to stay longer and travel from the UK by Car.
The Coach Excursion from the Airport will usually take about an hour but a Taxi will take only around 40 minutes and cost around 60 Euros.
Other options of getting to Benidorm from the Airport at Alicante include the Benidorm Bus or the Narrow Gauge Train.
The Benidorm Bus leaves from the Airport every 30 minutes and costs 7 Euros for a one way ticket. For those on a tighter budget however the Narrow Gauge Train costs just 3.10 Euros, but unfortunately this does not depart from the Airport. This leaves from near to the Harbour in Alicante, which is located, approximately 9km away.
We chose to travel in style and paid 57 Euros on our outward transfer in a Taxi and 60 Euros on our return.
BENIDORM BASICS
Benidorm is a very high rise resort and on average almost all of the Hotels in the resort have at least 20 floors, whilst the highest ones have over 50 floors. This is not good news if you suffer from vertigo, but if you don't mind the heights and you want a Sea view then you are almost guaranteed to get one.
There is however a perfectly logical explanation for these skyscrapers that jut into the air like the New York skyline. Back in the early 1950's, Benidorm had a fishing based economy, which was in desperate need of a boost. The then Mayor, Pedro Zaragova, foresaw Benidorm's potential as a possible sunspot for those enduring unreliable summers elsewhere in Europe. He had the idea to build the new Hotels and Apartments high because this was less wasteful of the countryside.
There is no doubt that Zaragova's vision changed this tiny little fishing village, which prior to his dream, had a population of less than 2,000 people, for ever. Today the resident population is close to 60,000 but the thousands of Hotels and Apartments attract over 5 million visitors every year!
CLIMATE & CULTURE
Benidorm's climate is one of the main attractions for the resort. There are however many more reasons why this resort is one of the most popular resorts in the whole of Europe, these include the Culture, and obviously the location.
The Climate is fairly typical of what you would except to find in the Southern Mediterranean but its location within a wide curving Bay helps protect it from the cooler Winter Sea Winds and the Mountains inland that overlook the resort also offer some protection from the harsher elements.
The hottest temperatures are usually recorded in July and August when the average temperature in the shade is 27o Centigrade, whilst the lowest temperatures occur in December and January when the average temperatures fall to 13o Centigrade. The wettest month is usually October with an average of 86mm Rainfall.
The Culture of Benidorm and the Costa Blanca in general is very rich and diverse. The people are Roman Catholic by Religion and fiercely proud of their Spanish heritage, celebrating their Culture with hundreds of different Festivals and Fiestas throughout the year. Benidorm itself has over 50 Festivals of its own, scattered throughout the year, so whenever you visit there is a good chance that you will stumble upon at least one or two.
THE RESORT
Benidorm boasts not one but two different Beaches. These cover over 4 miles (6 Kilometres) of fine, golden sand stretching from Levante Beach in the east to Poniente Beach in the west.
Benidorm is a very compact resort and as such it is relatively easy to get around. The Promenade that connects the two Beaches is completely flat and very clean and well maintained making it ideal for visitors with disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs to get around fairly easily. Moving inland from the Beach area however some of the streets are quite narrow and steep. The majority of the Hotels only penetrate 4 or 5 blocks inland. Therefore I would suggest that if you are a little unsteady on your feet, or have such people in your party, then you should to try and find accommodation on either the first couple of blocks or along the Seafront.
The Beaches are one of the many things that make this resort special and this is probably the main reason why first time visitors quickly look beyond the high rise buildings. The beach is always popular during the summer months and although Sun Lounges are plentiful you may need to get there early if you want one. The cost of a Sun Lounger for the day is currently 5 Euros, and if you want an Umbrella that will set you back a further 5 Euros as well.
GETTING AROUND THE RESORT
The best way to get around Benidorm is on foot. A leisurely stroll along the Promenade from one end of the resort to the other will take about 45 minutes.
Other options available include buses, taxis, and the road train, all of which are very reasonably priced.
The taxis are all metered and a fare from one end of the resort to the other should cost you no more than 4 Euros. Buses work out slightly cheaper but they are fairly few and far between and have a reputation of not running to the times stated on the timetable.
The fun way to get around the resort is on the road train which chugs along the Sea Front all day long. This looks like an old fashioned, two carriage train but it runs on the road on wheels rather than on a track. The train does not have designated stops, other than at each end of the resort. If you see it coming just stick out your arm and it will stop. A journey from one end of the resort to the other costs 3 Euros for an adult, and 1 Euro for a child.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
When it comes to finding things to do in Benidorm then there really is plenty to go at. I would certainly suggest that you visit one of the many Tourist Information Centres, or pick up leaflets from the local bars and your Hotel Lobby. However I have listed below a selection of things available to keep you occupied, as a taster….
Theme Parks - These are always popular and Benidorm has several Theme Parks and Water Parks. One of the largest and most popular of these Mundamar Marine Exotic Animal Park. This is located right in the Town Centre and contains a Dolphinarium, a Parrot Show, Sea Lions, and Penguins amongst other things. Entry costs 16 Euros for Adults, 11 Euros for Children (aged 3-12 years) whilst entry for those under 3 is free.
The Aqualandia Water Amusement Park is also located right in the Town Centre but this closes during the Winter Months. Prices are as follows: 19 Euros for Adults, 15 Euros for Children (aged 3-12 years) whilst entry for those under 3 is free.
Terra Mitica - This is the largest Theme Park in the area and is situated just outside the resort. Here you will find the very latest high tech rides and rollercoasters. Prices vary throughout the year but currently entry is 10 Euros per Adult, and 7 Euros per Child.
Markets/Shops - Benidorm has a large Outdoor Market every Wednesday and Sunday morning, where you really can quite literally buy anything. It is possible to haggle for bargains, especially local Leather Goods and ceramics.
If the Outdoor Market is not enough to satisfy your shopping needs then there is a much lager Market called the El Cisne Flea Market, which takes place just outside the resort once a month.
For those of you that prefer to browse and shop at your leisure then Benidorm is abound with Gift Shops, Souvenir Shops, Clothes Shops, Designer Shops, and pretty much anything else that you can care to think of. Remember however that this is Spain and therefore most of these Shops close between 1pm and 4pm for a summer siesta.
Nightlife - This is another thing that draws so many people to Benidorm and keeps them coming back for more.
There are quite literally hundreds and hundreds of different bars including many English and Irish bars. The sheer quantity of different bars and their close proximity to one another helps to keep the prices competitive and you can expect to pay no more than 2 Euros for a pint of beer or lager.
Many of the bars along the Sea Front stay open until 4.30 am and there are few that will stay open beyond this. Interestingly very few bars or clubs charge an entrance fee but you can expect to pay inflated bar prices at those opening late or showing entertainment.
If you are looking for something very lively that will keep you dancing until daylight I can definitely recommend Penelope's. Situated on Levante Beach this club has been open since 1986 and is one of the liveliest venues in town. However be prepared for long queues at popular times.
If the entertainment that you are seeking is more in the form of seeing some live bands then the Star Bar is a good place to start. Here you will find several live acts every night, but don't expect too many stars as most of them are pretty obscure members of former bands from years gone by, or they are billed as "as seen on X factor - series 1." but I can guarantee it won't be anyone that got anywhere near to the finals. Nonetheless an excellent atmosphere and a great venue.
Rich Bitch in the Old Town is another very popular venue and one of the few places with an entry fee. Entry will cost you 5 Euros and it is strictly entertainment for Adults only. Here you will find outrageous Drag Queens, Blue Comedians and even Benidorm's legendary Sticky Vicky sometimes puts in an appearance, although she has three regular nightly slots elsewhere in the resort.
THE OLD TOWN
Benidorm's Old Town is the only real part of the resort where you will actually feel like you are in Spain. Here the streets are narrow, very steep and cobbled. The atmosphere is much more laid back and there are many Mediterranean style Cafe bars.
There are also many different kinds of shops here too, rather than the myriad of gift and souvenir shops that seem to be in the main part of the resort.
The set out of the shops is quite strange but this helps to add to its charm. For example there is an entire street which has nothing on it other than hair salons and barber shops, possibly twenty or more in total. Whilst another street has Basque only shops.
At the top of the cobbled streets right at the highest point of the Old Town there is a very quaint blue and white Church. This is an excellent vantage point and from here you get an excellent view of the resort and harbour below.
All of the houses in the Old Town are painted white and are very picturesque managing to retain their character in a resort that is otherwise aesthetically rather bland.
MY THOUGHTS
I arrived in Benidorm for the very first time full of preformed conceptions that this was a resort that would be full of British old aged pensioners and rowdy crowds of Youths that had gone there for the cheap booze.
What I found was something quite different. I do not believe that anyone could actually describe Benidorm as a beautiful resort, but its setting within a large curved sandy Bay soon helps you to look beyond the high rise buildings.
It is a fact that once you are in the resort and at ground level you don't really look upwards and notice the tower blocks above you. Instead you discover the bustling streets, full of shops and bars, and quickly you find that the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the people absorbs you.
Many of the myths are quickly forgotten but one thing that is true is that this is a very British resort. In fact of its 60,000 residents, almost 30% are of British origin, and British Holidaymakers account for over 70% of the tourists. Many of the shops even accept Sterling and most display their prices in both Euros and Sterling.
If you really want to explore the resort and get higher than even the highest tower blocks then I would suggest that you take a walk to the cross on the hill. This cross can be seen from almost anywhere in the resort, perched on top of one of the highest hillsides that overlook the town. At night this cross is lit up.
The walk to the cross is not an easy one. The roads are long and winding, with steep slopes that drop down to the Ocean below but the views that this elevated position affords is truly breathtaking. The final accent to the cross is more or less a scramble up a steep, stony path.
The cross itself is rather a disappointment if I am honest. From a distance it appears to be wooden, but close up you actually find that it is a metal cross stood on an ugly concrete slab. This cross probably only dates from the 1970's but it is a sad reflection of our times to say that it is covered in graffiti.
Therefore it is not the cross itself that is the reason why so many tourists make this pilgrimage. It is for the fantastic views that you get from here, so make sure that you don't forget to take your camera. On a clear day you can see Alicante clearly in the distance.
Overall I found Benidorm to be a very interesting place, although I do think that in peak season it would be a little too crowded for my liking. It is not the sort of place that will appeal to everyone but its popularity never seems to fade, attracting people of all different ages. If you asked me if I would ever go back, then the answer would be a definite YES!
Thank you for reading.
More details
Nightlife
Excellent
Ease of getting around
Good
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