Benidorm Car Hire

Guide to Benidorm

History

Roman and Punic archaeological evidence proves humans have been hanging around the Benidorm area since around 3000 BC, but it didn’t start to flourish as a settlement until the Moors arrived in Medieval times. In 1245 the region was reconquered by the Christian James I of Aragon and it was awarded its town charter in the 14th century. Over the next few centuries there were raids by Barbary and Ottoman pirates, but Benidorm continued to grow and became famous for tuna fishing, agriculture and shipbuilding. When the fishing industry declined in the 1950s, tourism emerged as a replacement industry and construction began at pace ‐ it was first marketed as a getaway destination for Spanish tourists, but the emergence of cheap flights opened it up to international visitors, particularly those from nearby Britain.

Culture

Fry-up breakfasts and big screen sports bars are still a draw for lots of British visitors and if this vibe floats your boat, you’ll be more than satisfied. But there’s lots more to Benidorm’s culture and this varied heritage is exemplified in contemporary buildings like the distinctive town hall and the promenade designed in its cliffs and waves shape, as well as ancient architecture in the St James church and Escaleta Watchtower. The beaches and coves are also beautiful, and L’Aiguera Park is a gorgeous green space to chill out in. The cultural calendar is also packed with colourful fiestas ‐ major festivals include San Jose, The Fallas, Moors and Christians, San Juan, and the huge celebrations in honour of the patron saint la Virgen del Sufragio. As you can see, a Benidorm holiday can have lots of different dimensions.

Alternative Benidorm

Want to experience the more authentic side of Benidorm? It’s easier than you might think. For starters, if you don’t want to fight for space to lay your towel on the beach, Playa de Poniente is the locals’ beach choice ‐ it’s a little further west but much more serene. There’s also a national park nearby and you can swap your car for an e-bike for a day and explore it on two wheels. Alternatively, Benidorm Island (also known as Peacock Island) is a boat trip away and a lovely place to try snorkelling. If you want to find out more about local history, The Maritime Culture Centre Museum and the House Museum are in the Old Town and always worth a look, and the rooftop bar at Hotel Madeira Centro is a swish place to sip cocktails as the sun goes down.

Things To Do in Benidorm

Theme parks

Want to tire out your kids and have a great time while you’re at it? Benidorm’s theme parks are where it’s at. Terra Mitica is probably the pick of the bunch and it’s one of Spain’s biggest family attractions. Inspired by ancient civilisations, the three entertainment zones are based on Rome, Egypt and Greece and each is jammed with live floor shows, rollercoasters and much more besides. If you’re game, Magnus Colossus is the main ride ‐ a white-knuckle wooden rollercoaster that whizzes up, down and around a track that’s more than 1km long. If you buy a combo ticket you also gain entry to Iberia Park next door, which has wild water slides and lots of other amusements, but Aqualandia is still the favourite water park for many visitors ‐ open since 1985, it features Big Bang, Europe’s tallest water slide, and Vertigo, which whooshes riders into the splash pool at an explosive 100 km/h.

Golf

Is golf your guilty pleasure? You’re spoiled for choice in Benidorm as the Costa Blanca region has no less than 15 top-notch courses. Melia Villaitana Golf Club is located along the Levante coast and has two courses designed by the great Jack Nicklaus ‐ the setting is lovely and it’s suitable for all levels of players. Meanwhile, Altea Club de Golfe is another great choice. Nestled on the lower slopes of the Sierra Bernia mountain, it’s only 15 minutes’ drive from Benidorm and one of the most scenic courses in the whole Costa Blanca ‐ with wonderful sea and mountain views. It can be played as a par-72 18-hole course or a 9-hole, depending on how much time you’ve got to spare. Alternatively, if you’re after a pitch & putt in the city proper, try Las Rejas Benidorm. Located close to Vicente Perez Devesa Avenue, this course has 9 par-3 holes and it’s god for beginner and intermediate players. Small but deceptively tricky ‐ the Las Rejas holes have narrow fairways and technical tee positions and greens to help you polish your short game.

Eating Out in Benidorm

Traditional

Want to delight your taste buds with traditional Alicantino dishes? Head straight for Kataria Gastronomica in Benidorm Town’s Levante area. A stylish restaurant with swish décor, the food here is absolutely divine. Everything from seafood to desserts is beautifully presented and tastes exquisite. Another top traditional choice is La Favorita Taberna Selecta, which serves farm-fresh meat dishes, artisan cheese and a super selection of drinks.

Asian

If you love curries and other spicy Asian dishes, you’re in for a treat in Benidorm. Sherpa Restaurante Asiatico is an Old Town favourite, Curry Leaf is highly-rated for its customer service as well as dishes like chicken korma, and Nepali Tandoori Restaurant has rave reviews for its Tandoori mixed grill. And if you fancy some freshly-prepped sushi, Restaurante Japones Umai fits the bill and the ambience is very pleasant.

Italian

When you want a hearty meal that’s prepared with love, Italian is the go-to cuisine. And Duetto has earned an enviable reputation as Benidorm’s foremost Italian eatery. It specialises in huge (and tasty) oven-baked pizzas and iconic pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara, but the diverse menu also features delicious steak and grilled fish. Up for something a little different? Try the ravioli with truffle oil. Nom nom.

Transport in Benidorm

Airports

The closest airport to Benidorm is Alicante Airport (ALC). It’s 29 miles from the resort so transfer times are reasonable and you can easily pick up your hire car here if that’s your preference. ALC connects Benidorm with the rest of Spain and various international destinations, via carriers including Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, Delta and easyJet.

Public transport

The main mode of public transport in Benidorm is the bus service. There’s a new bus station located on the way into the resort and lots of stops around town. If you fancy parking up your car for a day or so, you won’t struggle to get around the immediate vicinity.

Driving

Driving in Benidorm is reasonably hassle-free. Just remember to drive on the right, take your time and read the signage carefully. Please note that the drink driving rules here are very strict (especially for drivers with less than 3 years’ experience), so best not to touch a drop if you’re getting behind the wheel the same day or the next morning.