If your budget is tight, there are still plenty of ways to save money. Here's a quick guide to 11 free things to do in Benidorm.
At Cascadele Algar, just up the road from bustling Benidorm, you'll find an oasis of calm. A cascading waterfall with designated picnic areas and a river to wade and swim in. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day. There are plenty of marked walks and trails.
Benidorm's old town makes for a great walk after dinner. Let the kids loose while you explore the winding cobbled streets of the old town, stopping for a cold drink and a bit of shopping in the craft shops. Enjoy the atmosphere of the old town and admire the buildings and architecture.
Guadalest is your off day destination. Near the rock formations that surround the area there is a Moorish castle to explore and the old Penon de la Alcala bell tower. Only 25 kilometers from Benidorm and located in the mountains, it is very picturesque with amazing views.
Only 200 inhabitants live in this wonderful place, but it's worth noting that 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 August Saturday!
5. The rock
Stone? Yes, not Gibraltar, but the Peñon de Ifach is an impressive large rock surrounded by the beaches of Calpe. Resembling the other, more famous Rock of Gibraltar, it rises from the sea at a height of 332 m. In Calpe, the surrounding area has been designated a wildlife reserve.
6. The castle
A military castle from the 13th century – Castillo de Biar – is also a national monument. It overlooks the city of the same name. The castle is in a high position and the views are amazing. A tall tower, the Tribute Tower, fortified walls and an enviable position, a trip to Castillo de Biar will make a great day of imagination for any child in your family!
7. The Traditional Village
The hustle and bustle of Benidorm is fabulous, but you may find that after a week you also want to experience somewhere more local, traditional and quieter. No problem. Just outside Benidorm is Altea, the antidote to Benidorm, an oasis of calm and a perfect place for a day of relaxation and seeing the other side of life on the Costa Blanca.
A super destination for couples, it's peaceful, full of flowers and just as beautiful as the picture it paints. You may find that you don't want to leave and stay a few more days in a romantic holiday villa in Altea.
8. The party
Of course, the best way to experience a free party – come to Benidorm when one of the festivities is on.
You'll find various fiestas, festivals and holy days throughout the year – but November is when you'll find Benidorm in full party mode. This is traditionally when the festive week takes place, from the Friday of the second week. If you want to experience Spanish party overload, then pack the paracetamol for the week.
9. Water
Not just the fabulous Mediterranean, but some clean waters and another great day out without breaking the bank. Head to the base of Mount Puig Camapana – it resembles a sleeping lion, hence the nickname. You will find the lovely village called Polop waiting for you, all just half an hour from Benidorm. There are 200 natural springs and people come from far and wide to drink the healing sulfuric waters, known to cure all ailments – well, it's worth a try anyway! Back in the village square, you can also visit the former house of the artist Miro - for the artistic ones.
10. The Benidorm cross
Many people come to this peak of the Sierra Helada (or Serra Gelada in Valencian) to enjoy the best view of Benidorm and the surrounding mountains. But, except for locals, few remember that it was put in place to protest Franco's government's authorization of bikinis and other sinful swimwear on its beaches. Today, the same Benidorm Cross, which is illuminated at night, was used in the film due to its photogenic nature and is a unique spectacle for those who climb this mountain.
11. The Mediterranean balcony
Located on the cliff of Cerro Canfali in Benidorm, the Balcón del Mediterráneo or Balcony over the Mediterranean Sea is one of the city's most popular landmarks. This meeting point boasts spectacular views of the bay, the vast Mediterranean Sea and the urban "skyline" of this city in the Alicante region. Featuring a white stone railing, it is a unique landmark that has become a must-see tourist attraction during the day or evening. When the sun goes down, this place presents Benidorm and its spectacular lights.
This location is also known as Mirador del Castillo or Castle Viewpoint because between the 14th and 17th centuries, it was home to a spectacular fortress that defended the city from countless raids by Algerian and Berber pirates. In the 19th century, more precisely in 1812, the castle of Benidorm was taken over by the French so that they could watch the ships arriving from the east (Levante) and west (Poniente). However, the English fleet ended up destroying most of the structure using the cannons on its ships. The castle was abandoned at the end of the battle and only a few traces remain of its walls on the cliffs of this picturesque panel, along with ceramic pieces dating from several eras.
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