Benidorm is generally regarded as the symbol of tourism on the Costa Blanca. But if you take a closer look, behind the high-rise buildings and hotel miles you will discover a city that has long been more than just a holiday destination. Around 75,000 inhabitants, a wide range of services, modern healthcare and a stable infrastructure make Benidorm an urban living space - also and especially for residents who value good connections and an international environment.
Benidorm can look back on a remarkable development: the city celebrated its 7000th anniversary in 2025 and is considered the first major tourist stronghold on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The foundations for modern coastal tourism were laid here back in the 1950s - but were deliberately planned with foresight: High-rise architecture was combined with generous open spaces, and transport routes and green zones were defined at an early stage.
Today, Benidorm is considered a model city in terms of spatial planning, water management and energy efficiency. The city has been investing in state-of-the-art water treatment, smart electricity grids and sustainable supply systems for decades - a role model for other municipalities along the coast.
Benidorm is divided into three main areas: the historic old town on the rocky outcrop between the two main beaches, the residential area to the north around the Rincón de Loix and the quieter bay to the west Poniente. Depending on the residential location, Benidorm offers either city flair, proximity to the coast or retreats with mountain views - connected by a well-developed transport and supply network.
Benidorm offers two Weekly markets:
The larger Friday market in the Foietes district (near sports centre)
The Sunday market in the Rincón de Loix - Particularly popular with international visitors
Here you can find fruit, vegetables, regional specialities, clothing and household items - with an atmosphere that certainly reflects the urban character of the city.
Benidorm has three large stretches of beach, all of which have been awarded the Blue Flag for quality and cleanliness:
All beach areas are barrier-free, have public sanitary facilities, lifeguards, shaded areas and promenades with catering.
Those looking for peace and nature will also find what they are looking for in Benidorm:
The Parque de l'Aigüera in the city centre is a green lung with walking paths and an open-air stage.
The nearby Sierra Cortina or the Serra Gelada nature park border directly on the city and invite you to go on short hikes or take in the views of the skyline.
The offshore island of Benidorm can be reached by boat - a beautiful excursion with a maritime perspective of the coast and a well-known bird sanctuary.
Benidorm offers a wide range of festivals and cultural events throughout the year - many of which are firmly anchored in local community life:
Despite its image as a party stronghold, many of these events are organised Organised by the locals for the locals - authentic and open to all.
Benidorm is a city with a complete infrastructure:
Hospitals, clinics, specialists, international schools, shopping centres, pharmacies, service providers - everything is within easy reach. Public transport (including the TRAM railway line to Alicante and Dénia) also makes life without a car possible.
Numerous residents - not only from the UK, but also from Belgium, the Netherlands and German-speaking countries - live here permanently or long-term. Properties range from flats with sea views to terraced houses in residential complexes - with a stable market, especially in the quieter neighbourhoods of Poniente and La Cala.
📌 Contact & information
Benidorm Tourist Office
📍 Av. Martínez Alejos, 16 - 03501 Benidorm (Alicante)
📞 +34 966 81 36 84
✉️ benidorm@touristinfo.net
🌐 www.visitbenidorm.es
