Benidorm

Benidorm is the most visited tourist resort on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain. With great beaches, the Mediterranean Sea to swim in, a busy resort packed with bars, restaurants and clubs, no wonder this is so popular. With the fifth largest population in the Alicante province, Benidorm is located 45 kilometers northeast of the city of Alicante, and just south of Altea. It is the central destination on the Costa Blanca with its dominant skyline sometimes being called the “Manhattan of Spain” due to the high-rise tower blocks. The backdrop to Benidorm is the magnificent mountain range known as Sierra Helada. Benidorm is certainly a place you will either love or hate as it divides opinion. Many expats choose to move to Benidorm. Once a small fishing village, it has been heavily-developed though many would claim it as over-developed – but then again it is good to have some resorts that have lots of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Yes Benidorm is busy and noisy but that attracts some great entertainers and lots of men and women looking for a good time. If you want a quiet, relaxing traditional Spanish tourist resort there are plenty of other alternatives to go to instead. Benidorm is a big sprawling metropolis and although there’s no way we would think of living there, we love it! Clearly it has something going for it as over 4 million visitors come here every year! The reason Benidorm has become so large and so popular is the beautiful setting with three miles of fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters with wonderful all-year round climate and hot sunny weather in the summer. There are two wonderful long sandy beaches, Playa Poniente (sunset beach) and Playa Levante (sunrise beach), separated by a rocky promontory, the Canfali vantage point that offers great views in each direction. At the foot of this lookout point is the Mal Pas cove. Benidorm also has a lovely old town area inbetween the Levante and Poniente beaches. This area is very traditional, very Spanish and quite peaceful. This area is centred around the Canfali vantage point (Balcony of the Mediterranean) and the Parque de Elche. The old town district has all the major shops of Benidorm as well as some good bars. The streets are narrow and winding. Be sure to see the San Jaime church with it’s landmark blue dome. Benidorm has an area in the old town where you will find many gay bars, gay pubs, saunas and gay nightclubs. Some of these are also open to straight people – the Rich Bitch drag queen show is well-known. Fiesta is the Spanish word for festival, basically it is one giant celebration and party almost always with fireworks. Try plan a visit to Benidorm to coincide with one of the many fiestas for a glimpse into real Spanish culture. The best fiesta in Benidorm is the week-long celebration in November when Benidorm practically comes to a standstill