Located on Benidorm’s Cerro Canfali rock, Balcón del Mediterráneo or the Balcony over the Mediterranean is one of the city’s most popular landmarks. This meeting point boasts spectacular views of the bay, the vast Mediterranean Sea and the urban ‘skyline’ of this city in the Alicante region. This rocky peninsula tucked away in the heart of Benidorm separates Poniente Beach and its palm trees, cosy marina and waterfront promenade from the nearly two-kilometre long Levante Beach.
Featuring a white stone balustrade, it is a unique landmark that has become a must-see tourist attraction in the daytime or evening. When the sun sets, this spot showcases Benidorm and its spectacular lights. The highest level has benches and places in which to sit and relax, and the lower part is closer to the water. Steps lined with unique white handrails connect the two areas.
Balcony over the Mediterranean or the Castle Viewpoint
This location is also known as the Mirador del Castillo or Castle Viewpoint because between the 14th and 17th centuries, it was home to a spectacular fortress that defended the city from countless Algerian and Berber pirate raids. In the 19th century, specifically in 1812, Benidorm’s castle was taken over by the French so they could keep track of the ships that arrived from the east (Levante) and the west (Poniente). However, the English fleet ended up destroying most of the structure using the cannons on its ships. The castle was abandoned once the battle concluded, and only a few traces remain of its walls on the rocks of this scenic overlook, along with ceramic pieces dating back several eras.
The area ultimately became known as Balcón del Mediterráneo (or the Mirador de Benidorm scenic overlook). It hou
ses Plaça del Castell (Plaza del Castillo) and a small monument with four cannons, reminding us that this was once a strategic spot during an old war. Another interesting fact about this area is that in 1986, Spain’s first artificial geyser was installed in front of the scenic overlook at the nearby Mal Pas Beach. Reaching a height of 100 metres, the water could be perfectly seen from the Balcony over the Mediterranean, but due to technical reasons, the iconic geyser fell into oblivion.
A stroll through old town Benidorm
To reach the Balcony over the Mediterranean, first make your way to old town Benidorm, a pleasant itinerary that highlights the city’s roots, including a small fishermen’s neighbourhood. The narrow, cobblestone streets—now lined with interesting shops, lovely terraces and appealing restaurants—retain their historic essence to comprise one of the most authentic districts in Benidorm. The old town boasts unique and historic buildings, including the church of San Jaime, built in the 18th century in honour of the city’s patron saint, and the Alameda promenade.
At the end of Plaza de Castelar, in front of the church of Santa Ana, we come across the Balcony over the Mediterranean and its breathtaking views of the sea and of the enigmatic Benidorm Island, which covers approximately 65,000 square
metres and can be reached by boat from the marina. This small island is of tremendous environmental value and has a restaurant as well as a legend that has been passed down from one generation to another.
A deserted island facing Benidorm’s scenic overlook
Benidorm Island, now deserted, is approximately two nautical miles from the marina. In the past, it served as refuge against the cholera epidemics that broke out in Benidorm and in the nearby Villajoyosa. It is also known as Journalists’ Island due to a patronage agreement signed in 1970 between the mayor at the time, Jaime Barceló, and the Federation of Press Associations of Spain.
To reach the Balcony over the Mediterranean, walk down the lovely steps with white handrails that lead to a truly breath
taking landscape. Hundreds of tourists visit this spot to take snapshots, and many couples follow the romantic tradition of placing a lock in the well located in the centre of Plaza del Castillo.
An iconic Benidorm landmark
The Balcony over the Mediterranean, an iconic part of Benidorm and Costa Blanca, is a pentagon-shaped peninsula featuring a unique design and a spectacular lamppost with five lights in the middle. Just about anyone who visits this stunning spot overlooking the Mediterranean can hardly resist the temptation to take photos, and its beauty grows exponentially at sunrise and sunset.
Every year, Benidorm, viewed as the mecca of sun, sand and sea tourism, welcomes over four million travellers from all over the world, so it is no surprise that the area surrounding the Balcony over the Mediterranean is frequented by buskers and street vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs. This scenic overlook is without a doubt a must-see landmark when visiting Benidorm.
