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As well as being just a short flight from the UK, Benidorm holidays promise year-round sun and an easygoing Mediterranean atmosphere. Its sweeping golden beaches and lively nightlife strike just the right balance of relaxation and fun, while the charming old town and nearby Alicante add a pinch of traditional Spanish flavour.
Located on Spain’s Costa Blanca, Benidorm blends sun-kissed beach days and care-free party nights. Benidorm New Town offers British-centric dining and entertainment, featuring classic pubs, karaoke bars, and clubs that host tribute acts and cabarets. In contrast, Benidorm Old Town – dating back to 1325 – reveals narrow cobbled streets, charming whitewashed buildings and Baroque architecture. Tapas bars spill onto small squares, boutiques sit alongside souvenir stores and the Balcon del Mediterraneo viewpoint offers sweeping views across Levante and Poniente’s Blue Flag beaches.
Sheltered by surrounding mountain ranges, Benidorm treats visitors to a balmy Mediterranean climate, year-round. At the summer peak, in July and August, expect highs of 32°C, while those booking October holidays will find warm seas and temperatures in the late twenties. Benidorm’s weather in December is dry and warm (around 17°C), making it a popular spot for those seeking winter sun, while Benidorm in February suits those who still crave the sunshine but prefer quieter beaches.
Family holidays in Benidorm go well beyond those enticing Blue Flag beaches and boat trips to Benidorm Island. Terra Mitica, an ancient-civilisation themed amusement park, features rollercoasters, family rides, and live shows and is just a short drive from the Terra Natura wildlife park. On the coast, the Aqualandia waterpark features more than a dozen slides and attractions and sits next door to the Mundomar animal park, for a full day of entertainment.
The beachfront hotels in Benidorm enjoy a prime position on the Costa Blanca coast. The three main Benidorm beaches each hold Blue Flag status and are notable for their unique characters. Levante Beach is the liveliest of the trio. It’s the place for sunrise views, watersports and a buzzing promenade lined with bars and restaurants. Stretching for around three kilometres, Poniente Beach feels more relaxed and is popular with locals – especially at sunset. Its wide promenade is dotted with laidback cafés and seafront eateries. Tucked beneath the Old Town, Malpas Beach is a small, sheltered cove that’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing and family picnics away from the main bustle.
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Sant Antoni Abad Festival
The patron saint of animals is front and centre at this annual festival, which runs from mid to late January. Locals bring their pets to a local priest to be blessed, and there’s live music.
Benidorm Carnival
The weekend before Ash Wednesday, Benidorm gets even more lively than usual for its February carnival. We’re talking parades, street parties and a firework show for the grand finale.
St Patrick’s Day
It might be an Irish holiday, but Benidorm goes big on St Patrick’s Day. Everyone dresses in green, and outdoor stages pop up around the city to host live music performances and DJ sets.
Holy Week
The start of April brings Holy Week celebrations around the world, and Benidorm is no different. Expect candle-lit processions, where locals carry life-sized statues of Jesus on their shoulders.
The Festival of the Cross
The city keeps its Catholic traditions going each May with the Festival of the Cross. Floral decorations are placed on the Benidorm Cross monument, and locals all go on a pilgrimage there together.
The Bonfires of St John
Each June in Benidorm, beaches host ceremonial bonfires for the city’s mid-summer festival – traditionally, you write a wish on a piece of paper, burn it, then swim in the sea at midnight.
The Festival of San Fermin
Benidorm pays tribute to Pamplona’s ‘running of the bulls’ event with the San Fermin Festival, which sees people gather near Levante Beach wearing red scarves and drinking local wine.
Feast of the Assumption
Benidorm’s busiest day of the year happens on 15th August, when locals celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. There’s a procession featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary, and lots of street parties.
Benidorm Pride Festival
A huge parade runs from Levante Beach to the local auditorium for Benidorm Pride Festival in September. That’s usually on a Saturday, and the rest of the week lines up street parties and live shows.
The Moors and Christians Festival
Costume-clad performers recreate the Moorish army’s arrival on Levante Beach during this early October event, and it’s well worth a watch – they’ve been doing it since the 16th century.
The Benidorm Fancy Dress Party
Who says dressing up is just for kids? Not Benidorm. The city hosts a huge fancy dress party each November, and it’s the biggest one in Europe.
Christmas Square
Benidorm has its very own Christmas Square – Plaza de la Navidad – and it comes to life in December. There’s usually an ice-skating rink, fairground rides and mini-discos for little ones.
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