Benidorm

Benidorm has more high-rises per resident than almost any other city in the world – a skyline that from a distance looks like Manhattan on the Mediterranean. What many people smirk at, urban planners hold up as a model: build densely to leave the rest of the coast free. A vacation in Benidorm means two big beaches, sunshine almost all year round and an old town you'd hardly expect to find here.

From Tuna Fishing to Tourism

For centuries, Benidorm lived off fishing, above all tuna caught with large nets. In the 1950s, Mayor Pedro Zaragoza bet on tourism and, as the legend goes, even made a Vespa trip to Madrid to see Franco in order to get bikinis allowed. After that, the town grew rapidly, with a development plan that embraced high-rises early on. Today the Gran Hotel Bali is one of the tallest hotels in Europe, and the Intempo residential tower is the tallest residential building in Spain.

Sights in Benidorm

Between the two main beaches, the old town juts out into the sea on a rocky outcrop. At the very front lies the Balcón del Mediterráneo, a blue-and-white tiled viewing terrace on the site of the old castle, with views of both bays and the island of L'Illa de Benidorm. The church of San Jaime y Santa Ana, with its blue dome, houses a statue of the Virgin Mary that, according to legend, drifted ashore in a burning boat in 1740. Playa de Levante is the livelier beach, with a promenade and bars; Playa de Poniente, with its curving promenade by architect Carlos Ferrater, is calmer and more spacious. Boat trips head out to the island off the coast, where you can watch fish through the floor of a glass-bottom boat.

Theme Parks and Nature

Behind the city you'll find several theme parks: Terra Mítica with roller coasters set in an ancient-world backdrop, the Terra Natura animal park, the Mundomar dolphin park, and the Aqualandia and Aqua Natura water parks. If you're looking for nature, hike in the Serra Gelada Natural Park, a mountain ridge with sheer cliffs plunging straight into the sea, to the Faro de l'Albir lighthouse. Worthwhile excursions take you to the mountain village of Guadalest with its castle perched on a rock, to the Fonts de l'Algar waterfalls, or to whitewashed Altea with its blue church dome.

Food and Nightlife

In the old town, tapas bars on Calle Santo Domingo, the so-called Tapas Alley, offer a selection of pinchos and montaditos. The regional cuisine centers on rice: arroz a banda, paella and arroz negro are available on almost every corner. The nightlife is legendary: in the English Quarter around Calle Gerona, pubs offer karaoke and shows, live music plays around Avenida del Mediterráneo, and the clubs don't open until late. Benidorm is also especially popular with retirees from Britain and northern Europe who spend the winter here – so the city is lively even in January.

Getting Around and Best Time to Visit

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is about 37 miles (60 km) to the south, and buses run directly to Benidorm. The coastal tram TRAM d'Alacant connects the city with Alicante, Altea and Dénia. Thanks to its mild climate, Benidorm is a year-round destination; May, June and September are the most pleasant months.