Off-the-beaten Track Beauty In Benidorm
Benidorm is best known for its beautiful beaches and electric nightlife, but there is much more to the seaside resort on the Costa Blanca than this. It has many great attractions and natural sights to see, so those seeking a little culture with their sun, sea and sand holiday will love it here.
For the times that you aren’t worshipping the sun on the gorgeous golden beaches or partying the night away, here are a few attractions to consider:
Puig Campana Mountain: The seaside resort is famous for its skyscrapers, but the imposing Puig Campana Mountain soars even higher than these and it is an incredible sight to behold. The hills are also great for hiking with many excursion routes to choose from.
Historic Streets: Stroll through the town and you will notice many streets named after places like Uruguay and Beijing - down these historic streets you will find a host of important buildings, lively restaurants and cool shops. One notable highlight is Calle de los Gatos Street, which is home to a beautiful castle which acts as a boundary between the old and new parts of the city.
Iglesia de Sant Jaume: This stunning cathedral is one of the key religious sites and a must for any architecture fan. In addition to the unique shape and beautiful facade, there are also many fascinating artefacts and ancient icons to discover inside its halls.
Aigera Park: Looking for peace and quiet? The lovely Aigera Park was designed by world-famous architect Ricardo Bofill and features pristine grounds that are ideal for picnics, relaxing and people watching.
If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, consider visiting the nearby towns of Villajoyosa, Altea and El Campello which provide authenticity to any beach break.
Villajoyosa: Translating to “the joyful town”, you can expect to have a terrific time in this inviting historic town. It is known for its brightly coloured houses by the sea that helped fishermen to find their way home, but be sure to stroll through the Old Town and the lively market. Other notable attractions include the cool gothic church, Roman bridges and the fish market. Those with a sweet tooth may want to visit the Museum of Chocolate and taste the sumptuous samples!
Altea: Arty types will adore Altea, which can be a refreshing change of pace from Benidorm with art galleries, studios and winding streets lined with inviting cafes and bookshops creating a peaceful atmosphere. One of the most notable features is the distinctive blue and white tiled roofs found throughout Altea, which are quite the sight to behold. The Baroque church is also a must thanks to its incredible interior with an amazing altar and glass cupola.
El Campello: A relaxing resort between Alicante and Benidorm which features huge stretches of sandy beaches, an attractive fishing harbour, friendly atmosphere and breathtaking mountain views. The 16th-century watchtower looks over the harbour whilst there are plenty of inviting bars, cafes and restaurants where you can soak up the laid-back ambience found here.
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Alicante take around 2.5 hours and you can find cheap tickets with most of the budget carriers. The most convenient way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm is with a shared Shuttle Direct transfer, which can take you straight to the door of your hotel. The drive from Alicante Airport to Benidorm takes just 45 minutes, so you will be ready to get out and explore in no time at all.
There is much more to Benidorm than most people give it credit for - delve a little deeper and you will find plenty of culture, beauty and charm in and around the area.
Author Plate
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for the most affordable ride from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
