A weekend can be more than enough time to enjoy all of this and visit some of the most attractive towns and natural landscapes in the surrounding area. To do so, just follow the itinerary we have designed for you shown below.
FRIDAY
Stroll through Benidorm’s Old Town
A weekend in Benidorm should start with a stroll through its Old Town. This is the best way to understand that the true essence of this town, beyond the flashy skyscrapers, is its atmosphere. This is where the town’s shopping hub is located, as well as its main monuments such as the church of Saint James and Saint Anne. It is also where some of its most pleasant areas are located such as Elche Park and Canalejas Square.
Levante beach
The great atmosphere in the centre of Benidorm also extends to its urban beaches. Levante beach, in particular, is a beautiful sandy area about two kilometres long and has a pleasant promenade which, during the afternoon, becomes a lively meeting point for many of the city’s visitors. For most people, this beach is the most iconic image of Benidorm, with its hotel skyscrapers, and it is also a recommended place for sunbathing and swimming when the fine weather arrives.
Balcony over the Mediterranean
Right at the end of this beach towards the west is what is probably Benidorm’s best known viewpoint: the Balcony over the Mediterranean, located on a rocky peninsula. It occupies part of what was once a fortification built in the 14th century. That is why it is also known as the Castle viewpoint. Behind it is the lively Santa Ana Square, an excellent place to buy an ice cream and, from the balustrades, watch the colours of the sunset.
Dine at the In Black restaurant
For the first day, we propose dinner at this restaurant, one of the main gastronomic icons at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. Located in a large area that simulates a wooden hut, surrounded by lush vegetation and in an atmosphere of great tranquillity, this restaurant serves a refined international cuisine, always combining oriental flavours and local ingredients, and with a very careful presentation.
SATURDAY
Visit Altea
On Saturday, it is worth getting up early to travel to the neighbouring town of Altea. It is clearly one of the most beautiful and seductive towns in the province of Alicante, with many of the houses in its historic quarter painted in immaculate white. Many of them have become artists’ studios, selling their works to those who know how to appreciate them. Also worth a visit is the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, with its two characteristic blue-tinted domes, which are the symbol of Altea.
Villajoyosa
You can also visit the neighbouring town of Villajoyosa during the morning. Its seafaring personality has been eclipsed since the end of the 20th century by the tourism boom (thanks to its magnificent beaches), but it still retains some of its essence. In fact, its old quarter has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site and many of its houses have brightly coloured façades. The Gothic church-fortress of Our Lady of the Assumption is well worth a visit.
D-Vora Gastrobar
On the way back to Benidorm and to recharge your batteries, there is nothing better than a meal at this restaurant, where the cuisine is based on Mediterranean products. That said, the products and how they are treated are a world apart. There, the culinary tradition of the area is transformed into very elaborate dishes, sometimes using very avant-garde techniques.
Benidorm Cross
Located 217 metres above sea level, in the heart of the Sierra Helada mountain range, this viewpoint offers what is clearly the best panoramic view of the city of Benidorm and the mountains that surround it. The cross was placed there in the late 1960s following a campaign by the bishop of the time against the use of bikinis and other skimpy swimwear on the beaches in the coastal town that was ahead of its time (in terms of ideas).
Sierra Helada Nature Reserve
Once you are at the Benidorm Cross, it is worth planning a hike through some of the landscapes of the Sierra Helada Natural Park. This protected area offers, apart from numerous examples of Mediterranean vegetation and forests, steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, with a drop of more than 400 metres.
La Cava Aragonesa restaurant
Back in Benidorm, a good idea for a relaxed dinner based on tapas and snacks is this restaurant, located at Calle de los Vinos, near the Plaza de la Constitución, in the heart of the Old Town. Among the suggestions, you should definitely try the ‘yescas’, i.e. toasted bread with extra virgin olive oil and crushed tomato, accompanied by a broad range of cold cuts, salted meats, cheeses and smoked fish. If you want to share, there are casseroles which also have all kinds of ingredients.
Shows in Benidorm
This town would be nothing without its attractive nightlife plus the many shows provided by the entertainment venues. Among the most famous which stand out are Benidorm Palace (music hall and variety shows), Benidorm Circus, Levi’s Showboat (cabaret shows) and the medieval resort Magic Excalibur. In addition, many of the city’s nightclubs put on shows until the early hours of the morning.
SUNDAY
Terra Mítica theme park
On Sunday morning, the last day of this weekend tour of Benidorm and the surrounding area, you can explore the various attractions and shows at the Terra Mítica theme park, all of which are inspired by history. Located in the same area as the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, it has attractions for all the family and suits all tastes: Titánide, Synkope, Akuatiti, Alucinakis, etc.
Spa session at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway
After an exciting and refreshing morning (there are several water attractions at Terra Mitica), what better way to relax than with one of the treatments and rituals at the Thai Spa of this magnificent hotel. There they declare themselves to be followers of the philosophy of peace, harmony and tranquillity inherent to traditional Thai massage. You can enjoy this in the five indoor or seven outdoor booths.
Koh Samui restaurant
Without leaving this hotel, there is nothing like ending a foodie weekend in this restaurant, where they create a stunning fusion of oriental cuisines, with dishes of unexpected flavours, nuances and aromas. The curry and wok section is particularly noteworthy, with a specific part of the menu dedicated to vegetarian dishes.
Poniente beach
When saying goodbye to Benidorm, our suggestion is to do this from this beach, especially on a clear evening when the sky is tinged with reds and ochres, in a mesmerising contrast with the blue of the Mediterranean. Poniente beach in Benidorm is the largest in the city, with a length of more than 3,000 metres and an average width of 74 metres of fine white sand. It also has all types of facilities, including bars and restaurants, in the surrounding area.
Itineraries in Alicante
Below are some itineraries adapted to the time you have available, so that you can get to know Alicante and its province, including Benidorm:
