Benidorm is not just a destination; it is a recurring setting in many childhood memories. For decades, generations of children have played on its sand, tasted their first ice creams by the sea and slept exhausted after days of adventures. Today, the town continues to fulfil that endearing role, i.e. the setting where summer memories are forged. Theme parks among mountains, glass-bottom boats, hidden coves and sandcastles at sunset turn every day into a shared story. In Benidorm, every family can write their own story.
- Tours and excursions: from glass-bottom boats to the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint
- Theme parks: adventures in Ancient Rome, the jungle or the bottom of the sea
- Best family-friendly beaches: soft sand, calm waters and playing in the sun
- Water activities: from kayaking to scuba diving for children
- Hiking and nature: Serra Gelada at a child’s pace
Tours and excursions: from glass-bottom boats to the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint
Family outings in Benidorm almost inevitably begin with the silhouette of Benidorm Island, the islet that watches over the bay from a distance. Aboard glass-bottom boats, children can watch fish swimming beneath their feet as if the boats are floating above a natural aquarium. The journey, which departs from the port, takes no more than twenty minutes and provides unique views of the skyline and the protected seabed of this natural park. The island is full of nature and seabirds, and that is precisely its charm: the feeling of exploring a place that seems timeless.
Another essential trip is to the old town, where history is presented in a concise format. From Elche Park, with its palm trees and domestic pigeons, you can go up to the Balcón del Mediterráneo, an ancient fortification converted into a viewpoint from which children can imagine pirates and fortresses. Along the way, the narrow streets are lined with ice-cream parlours, souvenir shops and street musicians who complete the scene.
Theme parks: adventures in Ancient Rome, the jungle or the bottom of the sea
If there is one thing that makes Benidorm a different place to travel with children, it is its density of theme parks. Some of the most varied in Spain are concentrated in just a few kilometres.
Terra Mítica is probably the most surprising. Its themed areas faithfully reproduce civilisations such as Egypt, Greece and Rome, and its shows, such as naval battles and chariot races, are designed to fascinate young and old alike. The best thing is that many attractions have versions adapted for the youngest visitors, with children’s roller coasters, water rides and shaded areas so that you can rest between adventures.
A few metres away, Mundomar offers a more intimate experience: dolphins, sea lions, flamingos and exotic birds in a park that combines educational exhibitions with tours of recreated habitats. There, children not only observe but also learn, touch and get closer. Some shows, such as the dolphin one, are among the most acclaimed along the Spanish Mediterranean.
Close by is Aqualandia, Spain’s oldest water park, with slides of all sizes, wave pools and children’s areas with attractions designed for the little ones to play safely. For those who prefer a more comprehensive wildlife experience, Terra Natura is an animal park that reproduces habitats from Asia, America and Europe, where you can interact with species such as deer, meerkats and snakes. There you can observe the fauna without cages, in open spaces that mimic each animal’s natural geography.
Best family-friendly beaches: soft sand, calm waters and playing in the sun
A family beach holiday is a classic, and Benidorm offers a privileged setting for this. Poniente beach is a favourite among many families because of its quieter and more local atmosphere. Its promenade, redesigned by Carlos Ferrater with undulating lines that imitate the swaying of the waves, has shaded areas, swings and cafés where you can recharge your batteries after a morning of sandcastles.
The more lively and crowded Levante beach has many children’s activities, water scooters for hire, designated bathing areas and even a beach library. Although louder, its energy makes it a vibrant space for active children.
Then there is the hidden gem: Mal Pas cove, a secret spot between Levante and Poniente beaches which is ideal for teaching children to dive with goggles and snorkel. There, the water is so clear that the fish seem to be part of the scenery, and the waves are so gentle that parents can relax in peace and quiet.
Water activities: from kayaking to scuba diving for children
Benidorm’s Mediterranean is not just for looking at: it can also be explored. Many companies offer kayak and paddle board rentals, with guided tours along the coast, especially at sunset. Some excursions are designed specifically for families, with stops for swimming and explanations of the marine fauna.
At Mal Pas beach, next to the port, diving baptisms are organised for children aged over 8, always accompanied by qualified instructors. It is a transformative experience for the more inquisitive children, who return from the sea with stories of trumpet fish and posidonia meadows.
Adrenaline junkies can choose the floating inflatable parks installed during the summer in front of Levante beach, where children jump, run and slide on the water. For those who prefer something more relaxed, boat trips with underwater viewing remain a safe and fascinating option.
Hiking and nature: Serra Gelada at a child’s pace
Benidorm’s natural environment hides hiking routes that are as accessible as they are surprising. The Serra Gelada Natural Park, which separates Benidorm from Altea, offers one of the most recommended family excursions: the hike to the Albir lighthouse. It is an asphalted route of just five kilometres (there and back), without steep slopes and with several breathtaking viewpoints over cliffs.
The route to the Caletes Tower, on the other hand, is somewhat more demanding but equally doable with older children. This former watchtower, built to prevent pirate raids, offers not only history but also panoramic views of the sea that give it a movie-like appearance.
In spring and autumn, these trails are covered with wild flowers, and you may even come across rabbits or birds of prey. The contrast between the blue sea and the green pine trees that cover the hillsides gives the sensation of having escaped from the town without leaving it.
