Major city · Spain
Benidorm
Go for 3 nights if you want beach plus old town; 5+ if you are on a package. Skip in Jul–Aug unless crowds and heat are fine for you.
Benidorm is a purpose-built beach resort on the Costa Blanca, 4 km of sand split by a rocky headland into Levante and Poniente. It is compact, walkable and busy all year, with a small old town, tall hotel blocks and more than a thousand places to eat and drink. Most visitors come on a package and stay put; independent travellers use it as a cheap, sunny base for Alicante, Altea and the Sierra Helada walks.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (peak heat and crowds), and school holidays if you want quiet
- Airport
- ALC
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Benidorm112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Benidorm, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyBenidorm is a busy resort and street crime is low; the real risks are summer heat, drink, and pickpockets in the Levante bar strip at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández (30–45 min by road; shuttle buses and private transfers run to Benidorm, from about €10 (≈ US$12) each way).
- Getting aroundCentral Benidorm is compact and flat: Levante to Poniente is a bit over an hour on foot, but most trips are 10–20 min.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña in a bar / supermarket can€2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)€0.60–1 (≈ US$1–2)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus ride€1.50 (≈ US$2) day, €1.65 (≈ US$2) night
- Museum or sight ticketTheme park entry (Terra Mítica, Mundomar, Aqualandia)€30–40 (≈ US$35–50) adult
- Budget bedApartment (up to 4), a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández (30–45 min by road; shuttle buses and private transfers run to Benidorm, from about €10 each way)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Benidorm: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Dec
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Central Benidorm is compact and flat: Levante to Poniente is a bit over an hour on foot, but most trips are 10–20 min. Llorente Bus runs local routes 06:00–24:00 plus night buses, €1.50 day / €1.65 night paid to the driver; a 24 h Tourist Card is €11, 3 days €20, 7 days €38. Tram Alicante (L1 to Alicante, L9 to Dénia) stops at Benidorm and Benidorm Intermodal, both in Zone B, about 2 km west of the centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Altea
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Llorente Bus from the bus station, about 30 min
White-and-blue old town on a hill; go in the morning before the heat.
Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Tram L9 or bus along the coast, about 1 h
The rock path is a proper walk with a chain section; closed in high winds.
Alicante
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Tram L1 from Benidorm station, about 1 h 10 min
Castle, old town and a bigger-city evening; last tram back is early, check times.
Xàbia (Jávea)
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus or car; the tram does not reach Xàbia
No rail link, so bus times decide the day.
Dénia
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Tram L9, about 1 h 20 min
Castle, port and rice restaurants; pair with the ferry to the Balearics if you continue.
Elche
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Tram to Alicante, then train or bus
Palm grove and Misteri d'Elx; a long half-day from Benidorm.
Torrevieja
skipDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min
Car or bus via Alicante
Similar resort, no reason to leave Benidorm for it.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Levante / Rincón de Loix
The main package strip: beach across the road, bars and English breakfasts, loudest at night.
Poniente / West beach
Wider promenade, calmer, preferred by families and Spanish visitors; 15–20 min walk to the old town.
Old town (Centre)
Tapas bars, the market and San Jaime church; small hotels, less beach frontage.
Around Av de Europa / bus station
Cheaper apartments and better bus and tram links; 20–25 min walk to Levante.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–130 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 3 nights × €110 | €330 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × €100 | €600 |
| Airport shuttle, both ways2 × €20 | €40 |
| Local bus day, two rides2 × €3 | €6 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €100 |
| Trip total≈ €183 per person per day, bed included | €1,096≈ US$1,300 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día (lunch, old town) | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: caña in a bar / supermarket can | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) / €0.60–1 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Local bus ride | €1.50 (≈ US$2) day, €1.65 (≈ US$2) night |
| Tram Benidorm → Alicante (L1) | about €4–7 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Theme park entry (Terra Mítica, Mundomar, Aqualandia) | €30–40 (≈ US$35–50) adult |
| Benidorm Palace show | €32 (≈ US$40) show only, €52–62 (≈ US$65–75) with menu |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- July and August bring large groups of young visitors; some apartments ask for a refundable deposit in those months.
- Parking is hard: most streets are full day and night, and some bays are paid.
- Blanket trips (free tours to markets and nearby towns) eat your day: you often arrive after 12:30 when shops are closing.Blanket trips (free tours to markets and nearby towns) eat your day: you often arrive after 12:30 PM when shops are closing.
- The tram station is 2 km (1.2 mi) west of the centre; keep your ticket barcode to exit.The tram station is 1.2 mi (2 km) west of the centre; keep your ticket barcode to exit.
- Summer heat and alcohol on the Levante strip are the main risks, not crime.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BenidormBenidorm
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies in Benidorm: the US, UK, Canada and Australia have consulates in Madrid, and the UK also has a consulate in Alicante (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Alicante airport → Benidorm, shuttle: from about €10 (≈ US$12) each way, 30–45 min
- Local bus, single: €1.50 (≈ US$2) day / €1.65 (≈ US$2) night, pay the driver
- Tram Benidorm → Dénia (L9): about €6–8 (≈ US$7–10), about 1 h 20 min
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-deh es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Benidorm. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (peak heat and crowds), and school holidays if you want quiet · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ALC: shuttle, private transfer and late-arrival taxi rungs with field-checked prices.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Levante, old town and Balcón, Poniente and Tossal de la Cala, Sierra Helada.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (Mundomar, Terra Mítica, Terra Natura, Aqualandia, Museo del Motor) and eat pages with last orders in the old town.
- Peak-week fixtures (July–August deposits, night buses, market mornings) so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Benidorm (official tourism)
- officialBenidorm town council
- officialTram Alicante (TRAM d'Alacant)
- officialLlorente Bus (local buses)
- officialAlicante airport (Aena)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Benidorm, revision 5241250 (CC BY-SA 4.0)