Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Costa Blanca - Alicante / Marina Baja - Benidorm / Benidorm
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| | | Sunshine on tap |  | Why go on holiday to Benidorm?
A lot of people would say "don't bother", but if you like people then Benidorm could be the place for you.
This former fishing village is now one of the most visited resorts in Europe. You'll also find plenty of sing-along bars, English pubs and plates of steak and chips.
A favourite haunt for British families, Benidorm's frenzied nightclub scene is now attracting a younger crew. The white sand beach is safe and clean.
How much does it cost?
A two-week hotel package in Benidorm will cost between £600-700 in high season. Last-minute self-catering apartments are a cheaper alternative starting at £400 for 14 days. Return flights to Valencia and Alicante start at £130.
Mid-range hotel accommodation in a double room costs from £30-£35 per night.
When should I go?
This is a year-round destination but most people come here for the sun. Costa Blanca enjoys 11 hours of sun a day in July. Spring and autumn are also pleasant if you want to avoid the summer crowds.
Temperatures average 8C (47F) in winter to 32C (90F) in summer and the wettest month is September, with 50mm.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to Spain.
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| | | White sand beach | | What should I do when I'm there?
Lie on the white sand beach and take a swim in the warm, clean sea. If you don't look behind you at the high-rise concrete blocks then you should be able to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
In the evening there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Where can I go on a day trip?
Try Alicante, about 30km down the coast from Benidorm. It's an attractive and historic town, with plenty of cafes and good restaurants. It is also the heart of Costa Blanca's nightclub scene.
During the day there is much to explore in the old quarter. Alicante has an imposing 16th century fortress. From Alicante there are boat trips to Isla de Tabarca, a popular snorkelling spot.
What's off the beaten track?
Close to Benidorm, the beach resort of Calpe makes a change and is popular with families. Its gently sloping beach, the Playa Levante, provides sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. You can play golf and tennis here too.
Three kilometres south of Benidorm, Cala de Finestrat is a small, picturesque town with a good selection of bars and restaurants and is set against a cove with a background of sea cliffs.
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| | | Party till dawn | | Where's good for nightlife?
Benidorm is awash with nightclubs and most of the bars and clubs stay open until dawn at weekends.
You'll find every style of music on offer, including funk, jazz, blues, salsa and, of course, pounding disco beats, mainly on the Avenida de Filipinas and the surrounding area.
What's the food like?
In among the steak and chips, fish and chips and full English breakfasts, you may be able to find some local specialities, consisting mainly of seafood dishes - prawns, red mullet and squid - and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Tapas are the ideal way to eat for people who like different tastes. Order a small dish of whatever grabs your fancy. Veggies are less well provided for, but Spanish fruit and veg are wonderfully fresh year round, so salads are a good bet.
Nearby Valencia is, of course, the home of paella.
What should I buy?
Spanish wine can cost as little as £1.30 a bottle from the supermarket. Sweet tooths could try Turron, an almond and honey nougat.
As with all heavily-touristed destinations, you won't be able to move for people selling tacky souvenirs and plastic beach toys.
What is there for children to do?
With any luck they do like to be beside the seaside, because there isn't a lot in the way of children's entertainment in Benidorm besides the beaches and Aqualandia, a waterpark.
There's a toy museum at Ibi, 40km from Alicante, and the Costa Blanca Safari Park at Vergel, which features dolphins and a funfair.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel. 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Benidorm |
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