Starting life as a small village in the Spanish province of Alicante, Benidorm grew dramatically during the 1960s as a tourist-hot spot.Located on the South-East coast of Spain, it now attracts 5 million visitors each year seeking the sun and the sandy beaches.
The town’s history saw a variety of different occupations, from the Arabic Moors to the Spanish royalty, and it now holds the largest number of high-rise buildings per capita in the world.
The Hotel Poseidon: With 2 pools and a number of pool-bars, the Hotel Poseidon forms the perfect destination for visitors seeking sun and sand. It is located within a 10 minute walk from Benidorm’s famous Levante beach, and has easy access to the centre of Benidorm. The all inclusive package includes buffet breakfasts, lunches and evening meals, and entertainment is thrown in with live music and dance in a variety of venues around the hotel. Activities include boules, rifle shooting and archery, and those with children can relax in the knowledge that there is a “mini-club” throughout the summer months and plenty of children’s facilities.
Hotel Benidorm Centre: Another hotel in a perfect location, the Hotel Benidorm is just 250m from the beach, and a short walk from the restaurants, bars and shops of the towns. The Hotel has 99 rooms, all of which have stunning views over the sea, and balconies from which you can appreciate them. The pool is fully equipped with sun-loungers and parasols, and the “pool bar” is always ready to provide guests with drinks and snacks on demand.
Hotel Marina: Classed as a 4-star hotel, the Hotel Marina offers visitors the most luxurious experience on the menu. Although it is, again, within easy distance of the beach, the Marina can show guests a slightly different side of Benidorm with a series of cafe terraces, pools, games rooms, and a solarium. It has 314 rooms, which can either face out onto the Mediterranean or towards the city of Benidorm itself.
Come and eat the Spanish way! Venture into the Old Town of Benidorm and you will find Amigo’s Bar and Bistro, a unique and “old-style” eaterie. Amigo’s started life in 2010 as a sandwhich and cheeseboard cafe, but has now developed into a restaurant and bistro which provides “4-star food at 2-star prices”.
Head along to enjoy an ice cold beer in a vintage draught glass, and try some of the best bottled real ales that Benidorm has to offer. Even those who would class themselves more in the wine than booze category would find Amigo’s bar a beautiful and “classy” environment to be in.
Do you ever get bored of eating international cuisine in a location where the local is simply the best? As you should do! Well, Esteban’s restaurant, located next to the Casa Munras, is the place to eat to find the best Mediterranean and Spanish tapas. With a range of foods, from sea-food to grilled vegetables, even those new to this typically Spanish cuisine will enjoy the meal. And the experience will be Spanish too, with a relaxing out-door patio and lounge allowing for friends to share food and re-connect.
Benidorm’s Low Cost Festival: An Indie music festival which began in 2010, the “Low Cost Festival” has joined the ranks of Reading and Benacassim for attracting world-class artists and international visitors. Tickets for this year’s festival area already on sale, and it has been announced that it will be held in Benidorm’s L’Aiguera park in July. Imagine beach parties, Benidorm Indie and 3 days of live music from top-name banks, it would make the perfect destination for a holiday!
Benidorm Circus: A traditional form of entertainment inspired by the Chinese, Benidorm’s circus invites you to be thrilled and to marvel at a mixture of art, street music, opera, ballet, contortionists, jugglers and clowns… With beautiful costumes and live accompanying music, the Circus would form the perfect night out for the entire family.
Benidorm Palace: A slightly different kind of entertainment, the Benidorm Palace is just one of the many cabaret venues scattered around the city. It is the perfect experience for many, as visitors can enjoy fantastic meat and vegetables whilst being amazed at the dangers and artists sourced from around the world. Benidorm is famous for its cabaret night-life, and full reviews and recommended venues can be found at http://www.benidorm-spotlight.com/night/venues/cabaret.htm.
Benidorm is ideal at any time of year due to its warm-hot climate. Those wishing to get the full “experience”, with the hustle and bustle of an international hot-spot, the Summer months would be ideal.
If you would prefer to avoid the crowds and be able to appreciate the cultural delights of the city, a winter-time visit would still be warm and much less crowded.
