Benidorm, on Spain's Costa Blanca, is one of Europe's most popular beach destinations, known for its long stretches of golden sand, its lively nightlife and an extensive range of hotels catering to families and groups of friends alike. For first-time visitors, it is worth understanding how the town is laid out before booking accommodation and planning an itinerary.
How the town is organised
Benidorm is essentially split between two main beaches, Levante and Poniente, each with a slightly different atmosphere. The Poniente area tends to be more family-friendly and relaxed, with a longer seafront promenade, while Levante concentrates much of the nightlife and the liveliest bars. H10 Poniente Hotel Benidorm is located precisely in this calmer area, well suited to families or anyone who prefers quieter evenings while still staying close to the beach.
Areas to consider for accommodation
Beyond the Poniente area, it is also worth looking into places like New town, closer to the town centre with a good range of restaurants and shops, or the broader Benidorm Poniente area, which brings together several accommodation options near the beach with easy access to the seafront promenade. Choosing between these areas mostly comes down to the kind of experience you are after: closer to the beach and nightlife, or more central and practical for everyday errands.
What to do in Benidorm
Beyond the beaches, Benidorm is known for its theme parks, some of the largest in Spain, ideal for families with children. The town also has a varied selection of international restaurants, a result of decades of foreign visitors, especially from the United Kingdom and northern Europe. For a slower pace, walking along the seafront promenade in the late afternoon is one of the most pleasant activities in town.
Nightlife and atmosphere
Benidorm has one of the most intense nightlife scenes in Spain, with a heavy concentration of bars and clubs, particularly in the Levante area. For travellers looking for a calmer setting, Hotel Las Vegas, in an area further from the busiest nightlife strip, can be an interesting alternative to consider while researching accommodation.
Getting to Benidorm is usually straightforward, whether by air into Alicante airport, around half an hour away, or by bus from other towns along the Costa Blanca. For travellers without a rental car, local public transport and taxis are more than enough to get around the different areas of town without any trouble.
Tips for a first visit
- Choose your accommodation area based on the atmosphere you are after: more family-friendly in Poniente, livelier in Levante.
- Book ahead during the summer months, when demand is significantly higher.
- Make the most of the seafront promenade, which links almost the entire town and is pleasant to walk at any time of day.
- Book theme park tickets in advance if travelling during peak season.
Benidorm is a destination that manages to appeal to very different types of travellers, from families to groups of friends looking for nightlife. Explore the accommodation options available on TravelGuest and start planning your first trip to the town.