There is much more to Benidorm than its iconic skyline and its beaches packed with sunshades. Beneath its traditional veneer as a town of tourist excess lies a surprising, multifaceted reality, where each day has the potential for a new adventure. Jet skiing trips to discover secret coves, cultural tours of the historic quarter, not forgetting 4×4 safari expeditions and signature menus with cocktail pairings: Benidorm offers a mosaic of experiences designed for those seeking a wider perspective. And as night falls, so the doors open to Benidorm’s hedonistic side with night spots that never sleep, and amazing themed parties that will transport you to Las Vegas. This guide brings together the best activities to help you rediscover Benidorm.
- Water sports activities on the beach: jet skiing and diving to experience Benidorm from another perspective
- Tours with a difference to discover the essence of Benidorm
- Gastronomy: gourmet suggestions to indulge in during your holiday
- Partying in Benidorm: succumb to the zany rhythm of the ‘New York’ of the Mediterranean
Water sports activities on the beach: jet skiing and diving to experience Benidorm from another perspective
Jet ski: an adrenaline-fuelled experience against Benidorm’s skyline
Benidorm’s coastline offers the perfect setting for water sports, and there are few activities that pack as much adrenaline and fun as piloting a jet ski. Barceló Experiences offers jet skis for hire and guided tours that show intrepid adventurers a unique way to explore the Costa Blanca; discover the most authentic Mediterranean scenery in its hidden coves and cliffs. The tours include such impressive highlights as the emblematic Isle of Benidorm and Tío Ximo Cove, sights that are revealed in all their beauty when viewed from this perspective.
In addition, the companies that organise these activities have a proven track record for safety and professionalism, guaranteeing a fast learning process so that even complete novices can join this adventure with confidence, with no need for qualifications and always under the supervision of an instructor. In summer, as the temperatures and the sea have warmed up, this becomes an experience not to be missed for lovers of the sea and of high speed.
Diving: safe dives on the Isle of Benidorm
It’s not only on the surface that Benidorm is a source of extreme excitement. The diving activities offered by Barceló Experiences beckon you to explore a magical universe of marine life, coral reefs and rock formations, and are suitable for everyone.
The outstanding dive sites are Benidorm Island and the Punta Canfali area, where the clear waters allow divers to observe shoals of fish, multicoloured sponges and, with luck, the odd moray eel or octopus in the crevices. These local diving centres offer lessons for everyone from novices to experts, and have expert guides to guarantee maximum safety and an enriching experience. In sessions for complete beginners, there will always be one instructor for every two clients, and a dive to a maximum depth of 7 metres.
Tours with a difference to discover the essence of Benidorm
It is well worth booking a tour of Benidorm’s historic quarter, where the narrow streets, whitewashed façades and squares are steeped in the legends and centuries-old traditions of this former fishing town. Places such as the Church of San Jaime y Santa Ana with its Baroque altarpieces, and the Boca del Calvari Museum which brings together memories of the town, are fascinating and beautiful stopping-off points.
Barceló Experiences offers tours that will enable you to experience Benidorm in an original and enjoyable way, such as the Segway tour of the town’s main attractions, taking in the seafront promenade, the Old Town and the Benidorm viewing point which affords panoramic views of the skyline. This is the ideal way to visit the town without tiring yourself out.
If you are seeking a more adventurous experience, we can recommend the Jeep Safari around the inland area of the Costa Blanca [full- and half-day tours are available] — a panoramic trip in a 4×4 vehicle that will take you off the beaten track, up Montaña Aitana through forests, along river beds and through lemon, orange, medlar and almond plantations. The tour takes you past an idyllic reservoir, and stops off in a little mountain village.
Gastronomy: gourmet suggestions to indulge in during your holiday
No visit to Benidorm would be complete without immersing yourself in the wealth of its gastronomy, a mosaic of flavours that goes beyond the usual tapas to offer dishes deeply rooted in tradition along with fresh local products. Paella, arroz a banda [rice cooked in a fish stock] and arroz all i pebre [rice with a garlic and pepper sauce] are just some of the culinary delights that await anyone willing to try the cuisine of Alicante. Benidorm’s Municipal Market, with its stalls selling fresh fish and local produce, is not to be missed by any visitor keen to know the source of these flavours.
Barceló Experiences offers a few fascinating options for those who enjoy a melange of flavours. One example is the tasting menu at the La Santa María restaurant, which offers cocktail pairings, inspired by Latin American cuisine. The gastronomic experience is paired with signature cocktails designed to bring out the subtleties of each dish.
If you think you deserve a reward, treat yourself to the buffet breakfast with a Spa circuit and massage offered by the Barceló La Nucia Palms hotel. After a fabulous breakfast at which you will be spoilt for choice in terms of bread and pastries, freshly cut fruit, cheeses, cold meats, nuts and cereals, you can let your meal go down whilst enjoying a complete spa circuit that includes a heated swimming pool, hydromassage, sauna and Turkish bath. The climax is a relaxing, 25-minute massage that will leave you as good as new.
Partying in Benidorm: succumb to the zany rhythm of the ‘New York’ of the Mediterranean
As the sun goes down, Benidorm is transformed into a heaving mass of lights, music and encounters that reflect the town’s inexhaustible energy. The nightlife offer is vast and diverse, with something for every taste and pace, from friendly pubs and tapas bars in the Old Town to the big seafront nightclubs. This town is the place where people can leave behind the concerns of everyday life and plunge into a celebration of life, particularly in the summer.
The Avenida de Mediterráneo is the central hub of this effervescence, with establishments offering live music, artisan cocktails and a vibrant ambience. Among the temples to Benidorm nightlife, a few names are instantly recognisable. Ku Benidorm, for example, revives the spirit of the great clubs of the 90s with their combination of DJ sessions and live shows, in a setting that exudes nostalgia and energy in equal parts. Another highlight is Penelope Benidorm, where every night is a journey through genres; from the catchiest pop to the most immersive electronic music, everything has a place in its eclectic programming.
For those who prefer a cosier atmosphere, the HeartBreak Hotel — overlooking Levante beach — offers an intimate experience of rock, blues and country. Its live shows, featuring local musicians at no distance from the sea, make the evenings here almost magical. And if you are looking for an authentic pub atmosphere, Rockstar Benidorm has become an undisputed star. Its constantly changing programme of shows and themed parties, together with its loyal clientele, have made this one of the liveliest corners of the town in which to enjoy live music.
If you fancy a different, more ‘tacky’ kind of experience, one that will make you feel as you were attending a Las Vegas wedding, but with Mediterranean views, Barceló Experiences can offer you a unforgettable party. The exclusive B-Heaven rooftop bar on the top floor of the Barceló Benidorm Beach hotel, holds this special event which includes a live DJ, staging that recreates a Las Vegas wedding, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe disguises, and even a wedding celebrant to conduct the ‘ceremony’.
