To get a feeling for what Benidorm was like before the advent of mass tourism, spend some time wandering the narrow streets of the old town. Benidorm’s more modern attractions centre on iconic structures like the towering Gran Hotel Bali, Terra Natura theme park and its vibrant beaches. Fortunately, a deeper Spanish ambience can be found just 45 minutes away in Alicante, and Valenica is also within striking distance.

Castell de Santa Bárbara
One historic site well worth seeing is this extraordinary fortress in nearby Alicante. Perched on its hill, the grand fort was originally erected in 400 BC by the Carthaginians. You can spend hours exploring its ramparts, dungeons, various rooms and drawbridges. The Matanza Tower and the Keep are real gems, and the views from the top of the castle are worth the trip alone. Phone: +34 96 526 3131.

Gran Hotel Bali
Spain’s tallest building is also the highest hotel in Europe and an unmistakable icon of Benidorm. Even if you don’t stay in the striking Gran Hotel Bali, it’s worth stopping by to go up to the open-air viewing platform at the top. The panorama from the top of the hotel is the best in Benidorm.

Levante Beach
Stretching more than two kilometres from the old town district, this beach is where most people tend to congregate during the booming summer months. It’s certainly busy at Levante, but this is where most of the water sports and other interesting and entertaining activities happen. The beachside promenade fills with people in the evening taking a stroll and marvelling at the giant sand sculptures that are created at the top end of the beach.

Old Town
Benidorm’s old town district is the most authentic and least developed part of town. You can still feel the atmosphere of traditional Spain among its web of little lanes and long-time residents. From the hub of Triangular Square, you can venture out in any direction and find countless pubs, cafés, shops and historic monuments.

Peacock Island
You can’t miss this solitary rock island sitting just offshore of Benidorm. It’s known as Peacock Island due to the number of birds that congregate on the rocky outcrop. A popular excursion is to take a short boat ride to the island, which is surrounded by a marine reserve. Once there, you can get inside the Aquascope to explore the underwater realm with ease, hike the trails or visit the peacock aviary. The views of Benidorm from the island are superb.

Terra Natura
Benidorm’s newest theme park is based around the different regions of our world and its amazing wildlife. Pangea and its lifelike volcano is a real draw, as are the sections featuring America, Europe and Asia. Indigenous wildlife from each region is kept in their respective natural habitats, which are impressively maintained. There is even a waterpark, Aqua Natura, on site for some wet and wild fun. Phone: +34 902 522333; www.terranatura.com/Eng/Inicio/Index.aspx.