Benidorm is not a town that you visit: it is a town that you pass through like a dream or hallucination. There are skyscrapers that seem to sprout from the sand, seniors on e-scooters, Irish pubs under palm trees and a skyline more reminiscent of Miami than Alicante. In this almost surreal setting, the Benidorm marina seems like a relief, i.e. a spot where the town looks out to the sea with a certain modesty. Located between Poniente beach and Canfali hill, this small port does not boast grandeur, but it does display authenticity. That is where its charm lies: in being, perhaps, the last marine haven of a town that no longer fishes, but which continues to dream of the sea.
- History and context of Benidorm port: old fishing nets under the neon lights
- Things to see and do in the area: from visiting the nearby Benidorm Island to strolling through the Old Town
- Where to eat: paellas, mussels and octopus by the quayside
History and context of Benidorm port: old fishing nets under the neon lights
Before the hotels with English names took over the coastline and the terraces were filled with sangria, Benidorm was a humble fishing village. In the 19th century, its population made its living from the almadraba tuna fishing and the transport of goods by sea. There was not yet a port as such, but there was a busy hub with ships sailing to Algeria, Marseilles and Havana. The men fished for weeks at a time and the women wove nets or sold fish on land.
The first step towards the construction of the port came with a stone breakwater in the 1920s, which provided some shelter for the vessels. Nevertheless, it was not until the 1960s, with the tourist boom that completely transformed the town, when the port developed a genuine nautical infrastructure. In 1963, the Benidorm Yacht Club was founded, with just a wooden hut and a few moorings.
As tourists took over the beaches and the apartments mushroomed, the port adapted, without losing its essence. Today, with capacity for about 100 boats and basic services for seafarers, the marina retains some of the old fishing spirit in a town that has sold off almost everything else.
Things to see and do in the area: from visiting the nearby Benidorm Island to strolling through the Old Town
The Benidorm marina is not large, but its location makes it a strategic point from which to explore some of the town’s most curious and charming spots. From there, small boats set sail for Benidorm Island, a mysterious islet that floats off the coast like a sleeping turtle. It can be reached by catamaran or tourist boat in just 20 minutes. The surrounding waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving since it is a marine reserve teeming with life.
You can also rent jet skis or paddle boards or even go on deep sea fishing trips. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can stroll through Elche Park, a quiet corner with benches under palm trees and statues overlooking the sea. Next to this, Mal Pas beach, a secluded and surprisingly serene cove, provides a more intimate alternative to the busy Poniente and Levante beaches. From the marina, heading up the constantly busy main street called Pg. de la Carretera, you can wander through Benidorm’s charming Old Town.
For those who are nostalgic for Benidorm’s past, there is another attraction: in the marina area, opposite the entrance to the Yacht Club, there are still some older fishermen repairing nets and observing the waters with the eyes of those who have always lived there.
Where to eat: paellas, mussels and octopus by the quayside
The area surrounding the marina is full of places where you can satisfy your appetite without losing sight of the sea. One of the best options is Restaurante Club Náutico Benidorm which unassumingly serves honest cuisine based on fresh produce: Andalusian-style squid, fideuà (noodle paella), arroz del senyoret (naked seafood paella) and Galician-style octopus. All of this is accompanied by cold white wines and the eastern breeze.
Nearby, on Paseo de Colón, there are all types of bars and restaurants: from terraces where you can enjoy tapas with views of the marina to establishments specialising in contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. For example, Restaurante La Mejillonera offers mussel casseroles in many different versions, while La Posada del Mar serves rice dishes and salt-baked fish in a more refined setting.
If you are still there in the evening, do not miss the sunset from the Plaza del Castillo, just above the marina. From there, the town is tinged with gold and the marina shines like an ancient lantern amid modern reflections.
