Monthly Archives: November 2016

Walking in Benidorm

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Benidorm continues to attract holidaymakers in their millions with many returning to the top Costa Blanca resort time after time. Its gorgeous sandy beaches, balmy weather throughout the year, great entertainment, bargain nights out and theme parks being among its many attractions.

It’s also a great resort to wander around with each area having its own distinct charm. You can stroll along the beaches and gaze up at some of the highest skyscrapers in Europe of various colours glistening in the bright Benidorm sunshine.

The two best-known beaches in Benidorm are Playa Poniente and Playa Levante.

Benidorm are Playa Poniente and Playa Levante 300x157 Walking in Benidorm

Levante beach, Benidorm

You can walk from one to the other with ease, stopping off at the iconic Balcon del Mediterraneo which separates the beaches and head into the old town for a bite to eat or for shopping.

Your walk could end with an invigorating trip up to the Benidorm Cross to see the sunset or a lively night out in the famous British Quarter with its fabulous bars, discoes, karaoke and tribute bands.

Serious sunseekers may like to start at Levante beach, which is the best beach for the morning sun, and finish at Poniente to enjoy the afternoon rays and the sunset.

Benidorm’s iconic skyscrapers

Stepping out from Poniente beach Walking in Benidorm
Stepping out from Poniente beach

Both Poniente and Levante beaches offer long stretches of golden sand with sunbeds to make the most of the beautiful Benidorm weather whatever the season.

At Poniente, you can stroll by the seafront for some or all of its five kilometres along the Avenida Vicente Llorca Alos towards the iconic Balcon del Mediterraneo.

You’ll notice many Spanish couples and families also enjoying a walk along Poniente beach as it’s a popular spot for a slow stroll and a coffee. Despite many people’s impression of Benidorm as being no more than Blackpool with sunshine, it’s very popular with holidaymakers from across Europe including many Spanish tourists..

You will also find many Spanish restaurants and bars alongside Poniente beach.

Relaxing on Benidorm beach

Keep fit on Benidorm’s beaches Walking in Benidorm
Keep fit on Benidorm’s beaches

In the mornings, don’t be surprised to find groups of people joining exercise classes on the sand.
The seaside promenade gets even more crowded as you reach the pretty Parque de Elche which is home to many pigeons and white doves.

It’s a popular place for having a few minutes’ peace and quiet or letting the children play on the slides and swings. The palm trees provide much-needed shade during the long, summer months too.

If you aren’t brave enough to join the groups keeping fit on the beach, there is outdoor exercise equipment in the Parque de Elche for you to keep toned if you feel energetic enough.
Be elevated by Europe’s highest hotel

Be elevated by Europe’s highest hotel Walking in Benidorm

Gran Hotel Bali, Benidorm

Half way along the promenade, it is worth taking a detour to visit the Gran Hotel Bali in Calle Luis Prendes, which dominates the Benidorm skyline and is the highest hotel in Europe at 186 metres tall.

You can grab the lift taking you up the outside of the building to the 45th floor where you can get out to enjoy the panoramic views of Benidorm’s beaches and the mountains in the background.
Step up to Benidorm’s Balcon del Mediterraneo

The emblematic Balcon del Mediterraneo is a former fortress between the Poniente and Levante beaches which is a favourite spot to enjoy views over both beaches and to view Benidorm’s fabulous skyscrapers in all their glory.

The steps are pretty heavy going from Poniente beach or you can skirt around the Balcon to approach it from Levante beach.

Step up to Benidorm’s Balcon del Mediterraneo Walking in Benidorm

Balcon del Mediterraneo, Benidorm

This is a pretty square lined with cafes for a coffee or meal or to have your photo taken by the cannons guarding the square or to visit the charming St Jaime church with its traditional blue tiled dome.

Make sure you have your camera or smartphone with you to take pictures as the iconic viewpoint has been voted one of the most picturesque in all of Spain.
Heading for Benidorm Old Town

Behind the Balcon del Mediterraneo is Benidorm’s old town, famous for its nightlife, shops and tapas bars.

Heading for Benidorm Old Town Walking in Benidorm

If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Spain in Benidorm, you are most likely to find it in this district with its cobbled, narrow streets and traditional squares.

The old town is great for tapas at lunchtime or to enjoy fabulous nightlife, including first-class drag acts, cabaret shows and gay bars.

Benidorm old town

In and around Calle Santo Domingo, you’ll find several traditional tapas bars where you can sample tasty Spanish snacks such as meatballs, sardines, garlic prawns, Spanish ham or omelettes.

If you are new to Benidorm, either eat at or take a peek inside Cerveceria Gambrinus. As well as offering a long list of tapas dishes and paellas, the walls inside are lined with photos of old Benidorm when it was a sleepy fishing village.

In the nearby indoor market, you can stock up with tasty ham, cheese, oven-baked bread and fruit to make your own beach picnic. At the fish stalls, you will find a tremendous variety of fish and shellfish, the likes of which are rarely seen in the typical supermarket in Britain.
Afternoon delight at Benidorm’s Levante beach

Whatever the season, you’ll find plenty going on at Levante beach. Even in winter, you’ll find it’s possible to sunbathe or play beach games on the golden sand – some hardy holidaymakers will even be brave enough to take to the waters!

Afternoon delight at Benidorm’s Levante beach Walking in Benidorm

Levante beach, Benidorm

Alongside the beach is a lovely promenade lined with bars, cafes and restaurants so you can have a rest or soak up the sea views.

Heading towards the English Square at the far end of the beach, you’ll find many bars serving English beers and food. This is also a good place to pick up bargain drinks and to enjoy entertainment such as karaoke or live acts in the afternoons as well as the evenings.
Going up in Benidorm

Before heading for the famous Benidorm nightlife, you may want a short detour up to the Benidorm Cross – another icon of this top holiday resort.

It will take about 45 minutes to climb up the Sierra Helada mountain to the Cross so make sure you’re well prepared with sun cream, water and sensible shoes.

The original wooden cross was put in the Sierra Helada natural park about 55 years ago by Catholic friars. Many people take the walk up to the replacement cross to reflect on loved ones or simply to enjoy the majestic views over Benidorm.

Going up in Benidorm 1 Walking in Benidorm

Morgan Tavern, Benidorm
It’s hip to be in Benidorm’s English Square

Fans of the Benidorm TV comedy will find the English Square looks very familiar. In and around Calle Gerona, Ibiza and Avenida de Mallorca, just off Levante beach, are many bars and restaurants, plenty of which offer British beer and food as well as live music including fabulous tribute bands, cabaret acts, karaoke and plenty of action.

Morgan Tavern is a top place to go for live shows and it features heavily in the Benidorm TV comedy.

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Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

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Have a look out of the window. What’s it doing? Really? Raining again? Who’d have thought it…hardly like spring, is it?

If your budget is a bit tight this year – and your mood matches the weather outside, perhaps you think you can’t afford a holiday…well, think again. Bag a cheap flight from thousands on offer and browse some budget rentals in Benidorm. Once you land under the Spanish sun, there are still lots of ways to save cash – a quick guide to print out and keep –10 free things to do in Benidorm.

10 free things to do in Benidorm 300x173 Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

View of Benidorm
Broaden Your Horizons

The first thing to do when looking for a bargain break is to choose somewhere where there really is lots on offer, competition means lower prices. The same rule applies to flights and accommodation. Exclusivity can be more expensive, but the best option is to place your drawing pin somewhere populated, and popular!

On a budget, Benidorm makes for a smart choice, especially if you want to treat the whole family, it’s aimed at activities and family fun – you can’t go too far wrong. Flights are a-plenty, with lots of choice regarding flight times too – you needn’t necessarily land in the middle of the night, just to get a cheaper deal.
What About Accommodation?

Forget the TV show – you don’t have to be landed with Johnny Vegas or his mum by the pool, a Benidorm bargain break can still be found. Begin by browsing in this area and I guarantee you will find somewhere to call your own for a week or more, it just might have it’s own pool too. The prices are from low to high, so get searching…

If there’s no pool, then panic not, water-sports and water-parks are synonymous with the Costa Blanca, what are you still sitting there for? Pack your flippers and scuba mask – we’re off to Benidorm – and looking for 10 free things to do!
1. A Picnic:

Not just any old picnic. And certainly not with a Thermos of tea and two deck chairs next to the motorway – why do people do that?!

1. A Picnic 300x240 Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

Pack up a couple of crusty barras de pan, some thinly cut jamón, and a selection of cold drinks and head for the Algar Waterfalls – just up the road from bustling Benidorm. What will you find? An oasis of peace. A tumbling waterfall, with designated picnic areas, and a river to splash and swim in. Just right for cooling off on a hot day. There are plenty of marked walks and trails here too – a perfect family day out.

Algar Waterfalls, Benidorm
2. The Old Town:

Okay, so you might want to spend some money when you get there. But the Old Town of Benidorm makes for a great stroll after dinner, made in your accommodation of course. Allow the kids to let off some steam as you explore the winding streets and cobbles of the Old Town, a stop for a cold drink won’t break the bank, and a bit of window shopping in the artisan outlets there costs nothing. Soak up the ambience of the Old Town and admire the buildings and architecture – and remember the camera.
3. The Day Trip:

3. The Day Trip 300x200 Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

A day out called for? Guadalest is your day out destination. Hewn right from the rocks that surround the place – there’s a Moorish castle to explore, and an ancient bell tower. Just 25 kilometres inland from your holiday rental home in Benidorm, picturesque Guadalest will be a day out to remember.

Just 200 residents inhabit this lovely place, but worth remembering is Guadalest is the most visited place in Spain – after the Prado museum in Madrid – so an early Spring visit might be preferable to one on a hot Saturday in August! Just saying…!

Guadalest, Benidorm
5. The Beaches:

Ah, the beaches. Probably one of the top reasons to visit the Costa Blanca, after all, it’s all in the name – the White Coast.

Miles and miles of white sand, shelving waters – warm as a bath in Summer – and family friendly Blue Flag beaches to explore. There really is no better way to amuse kids than a few hours playing on the beach. Poniente is perfect, the requisite Blue flag, and a family orientated atmosphere await.

Levante is another good one, but more suited to a younger, singles crowd – teens and singles, enjoying a day out and mucking about near the water. Poniente would be for me – there’s only so long that I can breathe in for….5. The Beaches 300x200 Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

 

 

 

Benidorm Beach, Costa Blanca

 

6. The Rock:

6. The Rock 300x200 Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

The Rock? Yes, not Gibraltar but the Peñon de Ifach – I always think that sounds oddly Welsh – makes a great day out. Resembling the other, more famous rock, it juts up from the sea at nearby Calpe. You can really get back to nature here too – as the surrounding area has been designated a wildlife reserve. Calpe itself is not bad either.

Penon de Ifach, Benidorm
7. The Castle:

7. The Castle 300x225 Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

A 13th century military castle – Castillo de Biar – is also a national monument. it overlooks the town of the same name. A pretty dramatic day out, the castle stands in a lofty position, the views are amazing. A stomach lurching tall tower, the Tower of Homage, fortified walls and an enviable position, a trip to Castillo de Biar will make a great day of make believe for any child in your family!

Castillo de Biar, Benidorm

8. The Traditional Village:

8. The Traditional Village 300x200 Budget Busting Benidorm: 10 Free Things to Do

The bustle of Benidorm is fabulous, but you might find that after a week you also want to experience somewhere more local, traditional, quieter. No problem. Right outside Benidorm lies Altea, the antidote to Benidorm, an oasis of calm and a perfect spot for a day of unwinding and seeing the other side of Costa Blanca life.

A super destination for couples, it’s quiet, romantic, flower filled and as pretty as the picture it paints. You may find that you don’t want to leave, if so, stay another few days and try a two centre holiday – here are some choice places to anchor down in Altea.

Altea
9. The Party:

Of course, the best way to experience a FREE party – come to Benidorm when one of the fiestas is taking place. When is the best time?

You’ll find various fiesta days, festivals and Saint’s days all year round – but November is when you’ll find Benidorm in full party mode. This is traditionally when fiesta week takes place, from the Friday of the second week. If you want to experience Spanish party overload, then pack the paracetamol for that week.

Processions, paella, and the biggest – and loudest – firework display to top it all off with a discernible bang. Yes, the Spanish ‘do’ loud very well indeed.
10. The Water:

Not just the fabulous Mediterranean Sea – although that’s good too, and also free – but some curative waters, a another great day out without flashing the cash.

The Fonts at Lion Mountain to be precise. What are they? Head for the base of Puig Camapana mountain – it resembles a sleeping lion, thus the nickname. You’ll find the wonderfully named village of Polop waiting for you, it’s all just half an hour from Benidorm. There 200 natural springs, and folk come from far and wide to drink the sulphuric curative waters, known to heal all ails – well, worth a try anyway! Back in the village square you can visit the former house of the artist Miro too – so one for the arty types with a health kick thrown in. One for me too – there’s a show factory outlet in town, with leather shoes at factory prices – now that’s what I call instant healing – or should I say heeling…? Of course, you’ll have to pay for those.

10 ways to enjoy beautiful Benidorm for FREE – what more could you possibly want? Just think, you’ll have saved so much money there’ll be enough left over for your next spanish holiday in the sun!