What To Do In Benidorm (Without Partying!) – The Ultimate Adventure Guide

Forget what you think you know about Benidorm! I discovered a city with a delightful Old Town, beautiful coastlines, crystal-clear waters, stunning sunrises, rooftop bars, and excellent food and drink. If you are looking for what to do in Benidorm, Spain beyond the partying, I’ve got you covered!

Why Visit Benidorm?

Benidorm is famous for its adult-only holidays, which Jet2holidays offers, and it is one of the easiest and cheapest Spanish cities to get to from the UK. This makes holidays in Benidorm a great option for a quick getaway, or even some late summer sun!

Aside from being easy to get to, Benidorm has so much more to offer than you might think. There is definitely a preconceived notion of the type of holiday you might be going on when you travel to this part of Spain, but if you have searched ‘what to do in Benidorm’ and landed on this guide, then hopefully you are ready to learn exactly what Benidorm has to offer. There is something for everyone in Benidorm.

Of course, if partying is your thing, then a visit to the strip is a must. But for those who are looking for other things to do, there is so much to do. What to do in Benidorm involves options for the active traveller, for foodies and wine lovers and for those looking to experience some authentic Spanish culture and history.

How To Get To Benidorm

It couldn’t be easier to get to Benidorm. You can book flights to Benidorm (via Alicante) with Jet2, from 14 airports around the UK, including flights from London Stansted Airport, which is where I flew from.

It is a short 2.5-hour flight, making it perfect for a long weekend break. From Alicante Airport, Benidorm is a 50-minute transfer. Options include a private transfer or a bus.

What To Do In Benidorm!

If you are visiting and are as excited to discover the alternative side of it as I was, here is what to do in Benidorm to have a fantastic time away full of adventure, food and views.

Take an E-Bike Tour in Sierra Helada Natural Park

Who knew that right on the doorstep of Benidorm are some incredible nature areas? Grab yourself an e-bike from Tao Bikes in the centre of Benidorm, and within moments you can be in the Sierra Helada Natural Park.

There is a cycle path that makes it easy to explore Sierra Helada Natural Park’s 8km of coastline views, cliffs and even the ruins of a 17th-century watchtower. The hills are steep as you leave the city, but with an e-bike this isn’t a problem; it makes cycling so easy and such a relaxing activity. I loved whizzing up and down, admiring the views on the way there and back.

Go Off-Roading on a Jeep Tour

To get off the beaten track, literally, book an off-road Jeep tour with Marco Polo Expediciones. Not only is it a heap of fun sitting in the back of the Jeep as you are taken along the dirt tracks. You also get to experience some stunning views of the city that you just wouldn’t see otherwise.

Explore the Coast on a Kayak

Benidorm is located in the Costa Blanca, so called for beautiful white beaches. And as such, the city has some stunning ones! One of the best ways to see the incredible coastline is to hop in a kayak and paddle along. You go past the Sierra Helada Natural Park, offering a chance to see it from the water. You can see coves, caves and just how clear the sea is!

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping and Ride a Jet Ski

In truth, I was incredibly nervous about going on a jet ski! I never consider myself to be an adrenaline junkie (it still blows my mind I jumped out of a plane in Taupo, New Zealand). However, within minutes of being behind those handlebars, I was hooked. The instructors explain everything really clearly, and you follow behind them. Driving was far easier than I thought it would be, and I just couldn’t stop grinning. The experience lasted around 45 minutes, and we went all the way out to Benidorm Island. Another fantastic way to explore the Benidorm coastline.

Take a look at the options for jet skiing in Benidorm HERE.

Eat Tapas on Tapas Alley

No trip to Spain would be complete without sampling some tapas, and a trip to Benidorm is no different. The food in Benidorm isn’t all English breakfasts and kebabishs, there are some incredible local spots to be found.

Calle Santo Domingo, aka Tapas Alley, is a narrow street in the Old Town. And it is the place to go for vibes and authentic Spanish food. It is lined with tables and chairs, and packed with family-owned restaurants serving some of the best local dishes. Choose from tapas or select your own pintxos from the counters. It’s incredibly vibrant, and book in advance as it is getting busier and busier.

Go Wine Tasting

Just a 15-minute drive from Benidorm, and you will arrive at the Bodegas Enrique Mendoza winery. Start your experience with a guided tour, which is absolutely fascinating. The winery’s beginning was a passion project, and then it turned into one of the flagship wineries of the D.O. Alicante, exporting wine all over the world.

After the tour, you get the chance to sample the wines, and trust me, they are good! I always think of myself as more of a white or rosé person, but I enjoyed the reds so much! Each wine was paired with a cheese or meat, and it was so fascinating how it changed the profile. I highly recommend the experience.

Wander Through the Old Town

No visit to Benidorm would be complete without walking through the Old Town. Here you will find winding cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, a beautiful church and a side of the city that feels a world away from the Benidorm you were expecting.

Here you will find a more local side of life, as well as some cute cafes and restaurants that are worth stopping in to watch the world go by. Don’t miss the open-air Plaça del Castell, which is the site of the original fortress on which the city was founded. It is now a stunning viewpoint with views over the sea. What to do in Benidorm needs to include this!

See Sunrise From Plaça del Castell

Get up early and catch the sunrise from Plaça del Castell. Trust me, you won’t regret it. At this time of day, Benidorm is calm and peaceful, and allows you to experience the city in a whole different light.

Located right at the end of Plaça del Castell is the ‘Balcó de la Mediterrània’, the Mediterranean Balcony. From here you get beautiful views of the sun as it starts to peek its way over the hills that surround Benidorm.

Hike to La Cruz Benidorm Viewpoint

For some of the best views back down over the skyscrapers of Benidorm, head to La Cruz Viewpoint. The cross that sits atop this hill is visible from all over the city, and from this spot you get incredible 360-degree views of the coast and the city.

You can hike up to La Cruz, and it is about 4KM from the city. It is steep hills, so be prepared with good footwear and plenty to drink. Alternatively, make it a stop on your off-road jeep tour as we did!

Grab Sunset Drinks at Selvatico

I love nothing more than a rooftop bar, and this one in Benidorm really delivers. Selvatico is found at the top of the Hotel Primavera Park. It is the perfect place to head to for sunset. With incredible views over the city and the coast, an infinity pool, a live DJ and incredible cocktails, it is a must-do in Benidorm! We visited on our final night, and it was the perfect way to end the trip.

Where To Eat In Benidorm

There are some incredible places to eat in Benidorm that offer such a wide variety of cuisines. As such, what to do in Benidorm needs to include some food spots! Make sure to visit these places:

• For Tapas: La Taperia. Located in Tapas Alley, and a great spot for authentic tapas and pintxos. The croquettes and albóndigas were amazing.
• Gastro lounge: Aruba. Great views of Platja de Ponet, serving salads, grills, seafood and sushi.
• Cafe spot: Moka Bloom. Do. Not. Miss. The most incredible cake, as well as beautiful coffee and teas. The coffee art was 10/10. And the decor was amazing.

• The Experience: Exótico. Complete with a live saxophonist and the yummiest food! Definitely the place for a good evening out.
• Lunch with a view: D’Vora. Cliff-top hotel with beautiful views and a menu that has an Asian fusion twist.

Where I Stayed in Benidorm

When I visited Benidorm, I stayed in the Innside Costablanca, a Jet2holidays hotel. It was sat right on the edge of Levante Beach, and I loved having the sea right on my doorstep. It is very conveniently located for all the activities, and within easy walking distance of the Old Town.

FAQs about What To Do In Benidorm

Is Benidorm only for partying?

Absolutely not! This was the preconception I had before visiting, and it turned out to be so far from the truth. I walked down the strip once, just to see, and other than that filled my time with these incredible adventures and activities.

Where is the best place to stay for a quiet holiday?

Levante Beach is known for having more beachfront bars, so if you are looking for a quieter spot, Poniente Beach is generally calmer and great for families and couples. The Old Town is the best place to stay for a more local vibe.

Is Benidorm good for families?

You might not think Benidorm is a family destination, but it has a lot to offer. The beaches are clean with shallow water, making them perfect for swimming. There are also lots of family attractions.

Can you visit Benidorm without a car?

Absolutely, the town is very walkable, and there is a good tram and bus network to Alicante and along the coast. There are plenty of activities, like the ones mentioned above, that allow you to see the surrounding countryside without a car.

How many days do you need in Benidorm?

I spent three days in Benidorm, and it was the perfect amount. It gives enough time to see the city, explore the surrounding area, but also allows for some downtime to relax.

Final Thoughts on What To Do in Benidorm

Benidorm is never somewhere that has been top of my travel list; however, I have to say I was wrong! Of course, the typical Benidorm you expect when you think of Benidorm is there if you want it. However, I found a city that is filled with charm, adventure and great places to eat. Visiting in October was great; it was the perfect temperature for exploring. And, as such, I would highly recommend Benidorm for a cheap, easy getaway for a late summer Spanish holiday.

This itinerary was written as part of a collaboration. A huge thank you to Jet2 and Visit Benidorm for this trip, and for showing me what to do in Benidorm. My trip was a complimentary PR press trip, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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