Is Benidorm only for young people and party holidays?+
No. The English quarter behind Levante beach genuinely parties until dawn, but the western side by Poniente and the old town are quiet, and plenty of families and retirees come for long winter stays. When choosing a hotel, check whether it's near Levante close to the promenade, or over in Poniente and Rincón de Loix.
Which beach is better, Levante or Poniente?+
Levante has more amenities, bars and nightlife, and sits closer to the hotel towers. Poniente is longer, wider, quieter and more popular with Spaniards. Both have fine light sand and a very gentle entry into the water. When one is windy, the other is usually sheltered, so you can simply switch.
Is it worth renting a car in Benidorm?+
Not for a stay in the resort itself — everything is walkable, and the TRAM tram gets you to Altea, Calpe and Denia. Parking is paid almost everywhere, and hotel garages can cost up to €15 a night. A car is only worth it for the mountains around Guadalest and day trips inland.
Are the theme parks included in a package holiday?+
Usually not — tickets are bought separately. Terra Mítica costs from €33, Aqualandia from €39, and a combined ticket with Mundomar works out cheaper. Booking online for a specific date is always cheaper than at the gate, and a free shuttle bus runs to Terra Mítica from the resort.
Can you swim in Benidorm in winter?+
Air temperatures reach 17°C even in January, but the sea is only 14°C, so only the hardiest swim. Winter stays are common all the same — people come for the sun, seafront walks, the mountains and cheaper accommodation. Hotels, restaurants and the tram all run year-round.
How do I get from Alicante Airport?+
The direct ALSA bus, which runs from the terminal almost every hour, takes 50 minutes and costs around €10. The Benidorm stop is at the bus station, about a 15-minute walk from Levante. A taxi costs around €70, and a hotel transfer is usually included in package holidays.
Why are there so many skyscrapers in Benidorm?+
It comes down to a 1956 urban plan that allowed building tall in exchange for leaving open space around every building. That let over 40,000 hotel beds fit into a small area, kept the coastline further out undeveloped, and means you're never more than 20 minutes from the sea.
Where can I eat well and cheaply in Benidorm?+
In the old town around the Church of San Jaime, where tapas are laid out along the bar and the bill is tallied by toothpicks — dinner comes to €10–15. The set lunch menu del día sells in the side streets for €11–15 including a drink. On the front row along the promenade, you're mainly paying for the view.
