Benidorm holidays

Deals from £225 per person

Holidays to Benidorm are a real crowd-pleaser. Renowned for its beaches, it has become a popular holiday hotspot for good reason. This buzzing resort in sunny Costa Blanca is one of the original Spanish getaways. The balmy weather rarely dips below 12°C, even in January. With golden sands, lively nightlife and beachfront hotels just a stone's throw from vibrant bars and family-friendly restaurants, it's little wonder Benidorm holidays are such a popular choice for all ages.

For decades, the resort has been a favourite holiday destination for British families and couples. So there's no shortage of British-themed bars, and you're likely to spot a Union Jack or two as you explore the fish and chip shops, pubs and restaurants serving traditional Sunday roasts. Splash about at Aqualandia waterpark, laze on the golden sandy beaches or party until dawn in Benidorm's bars and clubs. This destination has something for everyone.

Things to do

A holiday to Benidorm would be incomplete without a day in Playa de Levante. This city beach is the place to be for water sports, lounging on a sunbed or wandering along the bustling promenade to find somewhere for lunch or drinks. Benidorm has superb attractions within easy reach, including its own waterpark, theme parks and interesting markets where you can indulge in some retail therapy. If you want to pick up some great bargains in Old Town, we recommend ordering your travel money before you go. Just make sure you save some energy because the nights out in Benidorm are legendary. If you’re away with kids, take them to an exciting dinner show or disco, and if you’re here for the clubbing, hit the Square for the best choice of cocktail spots and music-pumping venues.

Thrills and spills

Benidorm holidays are ideal for families. There’s so much to do, even for the little ones. Whether you’re a bunch of thrill-seekers or just looking for hours of family fun, Benidorm’s theme and waterparks have something to suit everyone. Enjoy slides, splash parks and fun in the sun at Aqua Natura. There’s a fantastic range of attractions on offer for the little ones and the bigger ones too! If you’d prefer to stay dry, head for Terra Mitica for your thrills, although there’s no guarantee of that if you go on the log flume! There are plenty of rides to get your adrenaline pumping here, and the kids have their own child-friendly replica rides.

Fun with nature

Benidorm has a lot of opportunities for you to get close up to nature and wildlife. If you want to explore Benidorm’s natural beauty and wildlife at your own pace, take a trip over to Benidorm Island. This nature reserve has a large peacock population and many colourful flower displays for you to admire.

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Map of Benidorm

13-31 ℃

Enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.

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2 hours 30 minutes

Typically about 2 hours and 30 minutes from UK airports to Alicante Airport (ALC).

Types of holidays in Benidorm

Benidorm is best for...

Beach lovers: There are so many gorgeous beaches to explore along the coastline. With clean, golden sands, quiet spots to unwind and bustling beachfront bars and cafés, it's easy to spend a whole day doing nothing more than relaxing. Check out Playa de Levante, Benidorm's most famous Blue Flag beach, or Poniente, which stretches for over 3km.

Families: You'll find a wide range of entertainment for all ages, from family-friendly beaches to thrilling waterparks where the kids can let off some steam.

Clubbers: Benidorm's exciting nightlife has something for everyone, from live music and shows to British-themed pubs and bars or clubs that stay open until the sun comes up.

Fast facts for Benidorm

Language: The language spoken here is Spanish. However, because of the resort's cosmopolitan vibe and popularity with British tourists and expats, you'll find English widely spoken in most hotels, bars and restaurants. It's a good idea to pick up a phrasebook or download a language learning app to practice your Spanish on your holiday. Using a few Spanish phrases is always appreciated by the locals, however bad your pronunciation.

Currency: The currency used here is the Euro (€).

Local time: Benidorm is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Alicante Airport is the closest airport to the resort. The transfer time to Benidorm is around 1 hour by bus or 40 minutes if you take a taxi.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time from the UK is around 2.5 hours.

Tourist information: You can find additional information and information on the best things to see and do at the visit Benidorm website.

Visa / health: Before you travel, it’s worth visiting The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Getting around Benidorm

By bus: Getting around Benidorm is easy, as there's an excellent bus service, with bus stops located throughout the resort. The buses are regular and cheap, with colour-coded routes for easy navigation.

By tram: The affordable tram service is handy for day trips, running to neighbouring Alicante, the airport and larger attractions like theme parks. The trams run approximately every 30 minutes.

By taxi: With a number of taxi ranks located throughout the resort and at the airport, you’ll be able to grab a lift easily. Taxis can also be flagged down and are a good option for short journeys. Just remember to agree on the fare before you set off.

By car: If you'd like more flexibility and independence during your stay, you may prefer to hire a car. You'll find various rental firms at the airport or in the city itself, although it's often cheaper to book in advance. It's worth bearing in mind that parking near beaches can be limited in the summer, especially during the British school summer holidays.

Events in Benidorm

Benidorm Fiesta: In Benidorm, you'll find plenty of events happening throughout the year. The beginning of November marks the Benidorm Fiestas, a week that honours the town’s patron saint, St James. The festivities span six days and include traditional events and religious processions in addition to parties, competitions, and a huge fireworks display on the beach at the end of the week.

Easter Celebrations: Come to Benidorm at Easter and you'll be here just in time for the Carnival. Celebrations start in the morning with the children's Carnival and bouncy castle, while the adults can later enjoy a party and fireworks show. This is a great time to don your fancy dress costumes as you'll be in good company among the beautiful floats at the parade. The celebrations finish with the 'burial of the sardine' on Ash Wednesday.

Electrobeach: In August, this destination hosts Electrobeach, a two-day festival featuring big names from the world of electro. The concerts take place outdoors and attract big crowds, and there’s room for dancing the night away. Previous headliners included Richie Hawtin and Carl Cox.

Benidorm safety and security

For up to date advice on travelling to Benidorm, head to The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development

Do I need a passport?

You’ll need a passport to enter Spain. Passports need to be valid for the entire length of your stay and less than ten years old (check ‘date of issue’). It must also be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’).

Do I need a visa?

If you’re travelling to Benidorm as a tourist, there’s no need to apply for a visa. You can travel to the Schengen areas for up to 90 days without one. Check your passport is stamped upon entry, as Border guards will use these to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit.

Should I get travel health insurance?

It’s always best to make sure you have comprehensive travel and health insurance in place for your holiday. Check what is covered in your policy and include any activities you might want to do while abroad e.g. scuba diving.

Benidorm weather

The most popular time to visit Benidorm is from May to October, when average temperatures range from 18 to 25°C. If you're looking to make the most of the gorgeous sandy beaches, August is the hottest month, with temperatures of around 25°C, although it can often be as hot as 30°C. This is also the best time to take a dip in the sea, with the Mediterranean sitting around 25°C.

If you'd prefer to spend more time exploring, shopping and sightseeing, book your Benidorm holidays in the spring or autumn. April is a popular month, with daytime temperatures around the high teens or low 20s (°C). This makes it the perfect time of year to explore Old Town or take off for a hike along the coast.

Winters here are relatively mild compared to the UK, and dry too, so this is the ideal season to come if you want to avoid the crowds. With average temperatures of around 12-13°C in January, you can enjoy a relaxing break while still getting some sunshine. Bear in mind that there's more rain here in the autumn and winter months than at other times of the year, although this is usually in the form of short showers in between long spells of sunshine.

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