Here’s how to make the most of a single day in Benidorm, including the best local hikes, restaurants, and museums you can explore in just 24 hours.

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How to Enjoy One Day in Benidorm

Why to visit Benidorm

After my last road trip through Alicante and spending a day in the city, I’ve been dreaming of returning to Costa Blanca to discover more landmarks and new experiences. This year, I finally found the perfect reason to spend a day in Benidorm – it was my birthday! Although we didn’t have enough time for my usual full 4-day getaway in Spain, this short visit still made for a memorable celebration.

Although we visited Benidorm in February – during the off-season – there was still plenty to see and do in the city and its surroundings. It’s a fantastic destination for combining seaside vibes with lively entertainment, as most bars and restaurants remain open year-round. In fact, even on weekends, the city stays bustling, which is quite rare along the Mediterranean coast outside of Spain’s major cities.

How to get to Benidorm

Benidorm is situated in the southern part of the Valencian Community, within the province of Alicante. It’s one of the main tourist hubs along Spain’s Costa Blanca. The closest airport is Alicante Airport, about 60 km away. From there, you can take a taxi for around €60-65 – though be prepared for potential waits during busy times – or arrange a private transfer. Bus companies like Beniconnect and ALSA also provide regular service between the airport and Benidorm.

If you’re traveling by train from Madrid, you’ll typically arrive at Alicante or Valencia stations and then take a bus to Benidorm. For ticket options, platforms like Omio and Busbud are handy.

While we usually visit Benidorm by car, driving and parking during peak season can be challenging. Renting a car at Alicante Airport is always an option, but depending on your itinerary, exploring the region through organized tours might be a more convenient choice.

Best time to visit Benidorm

The most popular time to visit Benidorm is during July and August, when average temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F). Keep in mind that the beaches are packed during these summer months, making it the perfect season for nightlife, parties, and vibrant social scenes.

I’ve always visited in the off-season, when temperatures range from about 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). While some venues may be closed, there’s still plenty to see and do. What’s great about Benidorm is that, unlike many other coastal towns in Spain that rely heavily on peak-season tourism, it can be enjoyed year-round.

Where to stay in Benidorm

Some of the top-rated hotels in Benidorm include Helios Benidorm, Hotel Gold Arcos 4 Sup, Hotel Primavera Park, Ambassador Playa II, Hotel Presidente 4, and Grand Luxor Hotel. Find the perfect place to stay in Benidorm and the surrounding area using this interactive map:

One day in Benidorm Itinerary

Breakfast & Hiking With Views

Early in the morning, we drove to the charming coastal town of L’Albir for a refreshing walk with stunning views of the Costa Blanca. L’Albir is just 7 km from Benidorm, separated only by the Serra Gelada Natural Park, making it one of the closest and most accessible hiking spots near Benidorm.

For those feeling adventurous, the popular Yellow Route – Serra Gelada Crossing – links the Benidorm Cross La Creu with the L’Albir Lighthouse Car Park and offers a moderately challenging hike. Since we preferred something easier, we chose the Red Route: the itinerary to L’Albir Lighthouse, starting from L’Albir itself. You can find detailed information about Serra Gelada’s trails on the official website.

After a delicious breakfast at D’Origen Coffee (just a heads-up: weekends after 10:30 a.m. it’s usually packed), we parked the car at L’Albir Lighthouse Car Park to begin a scenic walk through Serra Gelada Natural Park.

This trail is one of the most popular hikes in Spain – thanks to its easy, stroller-friendly path and great accessibility – but the stunning views made it totally worth the crowds. Despite the number of fellow hikers, we genuinely enjoyed the experience. The round trip took us about 1.5 hours and ended at the charming L’Albir Lighthouse, which gave me subtle vibes of Formentera.

Museo del Motor

After a refreshing morning walk, we headed to another hidden gem near Benidorm – the Motor Museum (Museo del Motor). This spot is famous for its unique collection of rare vintage cars.

The Motor Museum is definitely one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Admission was €12 per person, and while the exhibit wasn’t extensive, the quality of the collection made it well worth the visit. Plus, with only a handful of fellow car enthusiasts around, we almost had the place to ourselves. You can book tickets for the Motor Museum here. They also offer family experiences and even limo pick-up services.

Lunch & Benidorm Center

After visiting the museum, we headed back to the heart of Benidorm for a leisurely stroll along the beach and through the charming old town, making sure to stop at the Balcón del Mediterráneo to take in the stunning views.

I still can’t quite figure out how people find parking in Benidorm during peak season. We were lucky to snag a spot at Parking Público Obert, which was almost full, and most of the remaining spaces were too tight for our car.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at D´Vora, a restaurant celebrated for its panoramic views. Unfortunately, it was a bit too cold and windy to sit outside during our visit.

The Best Views of Benidorm

After lunch, we made our way to Gran Hotel Bali to catch the best panoramic views of Benidorm. Before 2010, it was Europe’s tallest building, though that title now belongs to the Intempo tower. Finding the Star Deck took a bit of effort – Gran Hotel Bali’s lobby was crowded, so we couldn’t get directions at reception. Thankfully, YouTube came to the rescue with a helpful walkthrough.

Once inside the lobby, head all the way to the right to find the elevators and take one up to the 43rd floor. Entry to the Star Deck costs €6 per person (€3 for hotel guests), and don’t forget to keep your ticket – you can redeem it for free drinks at the lobby bar.

Visiting during the Golden Hour made the views from the 43rd floor absolutely magical, and with only a handful of people around, it felt like our own private lookout.

The Beach of Benidorm

After soaking in the stunning panoramic views, we took a leisurely sunset stroll along Benidorm’s beach, ending the evening with drinks and snacks by the seaside.

Live Music in Benidorm

Benidorm is a fantastic spot for shows and live music throughout the year.

In the evening, we made our way to the lively Calle Girona, the city’s famous party street, to soak up the local fiesta vibes. We planned to enjoy live music and cocktails at Western Saloon but didn’t stay long – it was quite crowded. Still, the energy was infectious, with everyone dancing and having a great time.

Honestly, I didn’t expect such a bustling crowd during the off-season, but Benidorm knows how to keep the party going!

Unique tours experiences & tours in Benidorm

Here, you’ll find more great ideas for things to see and do in Benidorm. Many of these activities tend to sell out quickly – especially in the summer – so be sure to book in advance!

• Show at Benidorm Palace (check availability)
• Authentic Segway Machine Tour (check availability)
• Jet Ski Tour with Instructor (check availability)
• Parasailing Boat Trip with Costa Blanca Views (check availability)
• Guided Jeep Trip to Guadalest and Algar Falls (check availability)

You can check the epic views of Benidorm via my IG reel and TikTok.

My other articles about the region of Alicante:

• One Day in Alicante: My Favorite Places in the City (read it)
• Valencia to Alicante Road Trip: Top Stops On The Go (read it)
• One Week in Alicante with Kids: Our Costa Blanca Holidays (read it)
• Mediterranean Garden Inspiration in Spain: Jardi de L´Albarda in Alicante (read it)
• My Fun Weekend in Alicante (Region): Visiting Santa Pola and Benidorm (read it)

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