Benidorm is one of Spain’s most popular beach holiday destinations, embodying all the positive and negative aspects that follow. Perfectly placed along Spain’s famous Costa Blanca (White Coast), Benidorm was transformed from a sleepy fishing village to an international resort town in the 1960s. With its perfect year-round weather, long sandy beaches and hyperactive nightlife, Benidorm has everything needed for a fun and relaxing beach holiday.

But these attractive characteristics are no secret, and Benidorm often feels very busy during the peak summer months of July and August. Although it is mainly a Spanish resort town, huge numbers of British, German and Scandinavian visitors swell the place during peak holiday periods.

Benidorm has six kilometres of wide beaches that have earned it the EU’s blue flag for quality and safety. During the summer it feels like one giant party, but its offseason months are quite quiet. Hundreds of restaurants and bars, four major theme parks and a wealth of outdoor activities ensure that boredom is kept at bay. Visitors in need of some charm can hang out in the old town area, where the narrow streets contain what remains of Benidorm’s fishing roots.

Benidorm also makes a good base for exploring the surrounding Costa Blanca region. Towns like Alicante, Murcia and Valencia are all close by and well represent the classic Spanish ambience. If you have kids, Benidorm is a great holiday choice. If you’re single or looking to cut loose for a few days, this hedonistic party town is one hot destination.

There is a glut of concrete condos that cater to package tours and self-styled holidays. Hotels can be found in every budget and level of quality. Yet despite the sheer number of rooms, you need to make reservations between June and September. During the peak summer and winter seasons, you may be forced to accept a full-board room (which means higher rates). During the low seasons there’s usually no trouble finding a place to stay.

Most international travellers fly into neighbouring Alicante airport, the nearest  to Benidorm. Airport shuttles run round the clock straight from the airport to the hotel strip in Benidorm. Trains and coaches are also a convenient means of transport if you are already in Spain, and hiring a car is an easy and enjoyable way to travel along the Costa Blanca at your leisure.

Benidorm and the Costa Blanca in general, are renowned in Europe for having nearly perfect weather conditions throughout the year. The weather is typical of the Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters. Sunshine is a dominating characteristic of Benidorm, which is why it is ideally suited as a beach resort destination. With 325 sunny days per year, your chances are pretty good of getting that suntan.

Benidorm has an average annual temperature of 17◦C. Summers are much hotter, but relatively low humidity levels keep conditions comfortable. But temperatures regularly topping 40◦C don’t stop the bulk of tourists coming in July and August. When the rain falls in Benidorm, it typically comes in the early spring and autumn. These seasons are the only time to find a relative sense of calm in this town. Winters are also more low-key, and the cooler temperatures make outdoor excursions more enjoyable.