Benidorm is a major hub for amusement, animal and water parks. There are four huge theme parks in town, easily accessible by bus that regularly attracts kids and adults to enjoy fun and the wildlife. Several wide sandy beaches loaded with every water sport imaginable are also highlights (and the main draw) of Benidorm.

Aqualandia 
Benidorm’s water park is full of wild water slides and other fun attractions for all ages. Younger children can enjoy Adventure Land and the kiddie pools, but there are plenty of thrills on the Kamikazi slides and in the giant wave pool. A dramatic diving show rounds off the action. www.aqualandia.net/gb.  

Beaches
There are three main beaches in Benidorm: Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas. All of them are hugely popular, usually crowded, but still loads of fun. These three beaches have the EU-sanctioned blue flag status of quality and safety. Levante is the place to see and be seen, with its popular promenade and endless water sports, while the longer and quieter Poniente is great for sunsets and chilling out. Smaller beaches are also scattered up and down the Costa Blanca and easily accessible if you have your own car.

Land-based outdoor activities
Benidorm caters to tourists seeking fun in the sun, but not everything revolves around the sea. Visitors can enjoy go-karting, jeep safaris, downhill biking, quad ATVs, paint ball wars, mini-golf and countless other fun activities in and around the town.

Mundomar
This marine and animal park features an impressive array of exotic creatures from both land and sea. Have your picture taken with dolphins and sea lions, help with the feedings and watch them perform in their special shows that happen twice a day. The park’s hillside location provides excellent views over Benidorm. Phone: +34 96 586 0100.

Terra Mítica
Modern rides, entertaining shows and a long list of fun activities can be found in this excellent theme park which is divided into five distinct areas showcasing five of the Mediterranean’s greatest ancient civilisations. Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, there are thrilling roller coasters such as the inverted Tizona, one of the main highlights. Dozens of other rides, along with culturally themed shows in each area provide a day’s worth of fun for the whole family. Phone: +34 902 020220; www.terramiticapark.com/en/index.htm?EN.  

Water sports
A big aspect of Benidorm’s tourism scene is its huge array of water sports offered at the two main beaches, especially Levante. During the high season you can go sailing, kayaking, jet-skiing and parasailing. Scuba diving is available, although not a major highlight, but if you want to learn to water ski, try the unique cable ski sport created right here in Benidorm.

Although most of Benidorm’s culture revolves around more modern forms of entertainment like casinos, nightclubs and the Benidorm Palace’s extravagant dance performances, there is still a reminder of its fishing-village roots in the old town. Triangular Square is the heart of Benidorm, and a good place to wander the original streets. If you really want a taste of old Spain, however, head over to nearby Alicante which has a much more traditional scene and some great historic highlights.

Benidorm Palace
More than just Benidorm’s best nightclub, this massive venue is also the place to catch a Las Vegas-style show. It boasts Europe’s largest stage, a huge dance floor and a full schedule of interesting events. The shows range from Russian dancing to Spanish flamenco. If you need to spice up your night, you’ll find something at Benidorm Palace. Phone: +34 96 585 1660.

Casino Mediterraneo
One of the more popular evening activities in Benidorm is trying your luck at the casinos. Casino Mediterraneo is the main player in town, offering punters all the usual table and card games. The setting is sophisticated and the facilities top-notch. The Costa Blanca Casino is also nearby, on the road to Villajoyosa. It’s one of Spain’s largest casinos, and requires snappy clothes and a passport to get in. Phone (Casino Mediterraneo): +34 96 589 0700.

Museu de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada
This fantastic modern-art museum in Alicante is the closest venue to Benidorm featuring world-class art. The restored 1685 building is the oldest in Alicante, and houses a wonderful collection of works by Picasso, Vasarely, Dalí, Cocteau, Calder and many others. It’s well worth the short trip if you need a dose of culture to balance the hedonism of Benidorm. Phone: +34 96 514 0768.

Plaza Triangular
The heart and soul of old Benidorm is found in Triangular Square, a charming and lively place to hang out and watch both locals and visitors wandering around. If there’s a festival in town, it likely happens here. The town’s largest street, Avenida del Mediterraneo, starts at the square. It is a hot spot for good restaurants, outdoor cafés, bars and shops. Calle Bambo is another great street running off the square worth exploring.

Rocky Promotory
This rocky point overlooking both Levante and Poniente beaches is one of Benidorm’s most popular gathering spots, as well as the best place to catch a scenic view. By day or night, a regular contingent of street performers, artists, musicians and craftsmen come here to entertain and sell their wares. It’s a constant stream of activity and one of the town’s hubs of culture.

There are more than 1,000 cafés and 350 restaurants in Benidorm catering to its thriving tourist scene. Cuisines from all around the globe are offered at this hugely popular beach resort town, ensuring plenty of choices when it comes to eating out. Many hotels in Benidorm are all-inclusive, so be sure and get out for a taste of the local cuisine.

The best place to start your explorations is in the old town district, where some of Benidorm’s more creative and authentic restaurants are tucked away down the little side streets. There are also plenty of good eateries in the new town area, so it’s best to ask around and see what’s hot and what’s not. At least you won’t suffer from a lack of choice in this mega resort town.

Shopping is also a major pastime in Benidorm. There are hundreds of little shops along the beaches and lining the streets of town offering everything from tacky souvenirs to high-quality crafts and artwork. The old town, just across from Levante Beach, is the best place to start your explorations. Its narrow streets hide some interesting independent shops and cafés. Jewellery, clothing, shoes and creative works of art are excellent buys here, especially along the Passeig de la Carretera and Avenida Jaime I. The Plaza Mejor is another good stop for souvenirs and the like.

The new part of Benidorm is less inspiring, and contains typical shopping malls that you could find anywhere in Europe. The Shopping Centre La Marina is a huge complex containing just about anything you’d ever need. Benidorm also has some pleasant mercadillos, or street markets. On Wednesdays and Sundays, head to the one behind Levante Beach or the Rastro market to browse a colourful selection of fresh goods and crafty items.