Benidorm, with about 77,000 inhabitants, is the most famous resort on the Costa Blanca, in the province of Alicante. With its skyline of skyscrapers facing the sea, it has the most high-rise buildings per inhabitant in Europe and is called the "Manhattan of the Mediterranean". It welcomes millions of tourists a year, mainly British, Spanish and northern European, and many retirees who spend the winter here.
History
Until the 1950s it was a small tuna-fishing village. Mayor Pedro Zaragoza saw tourism's potential and in 1956 approved an urban plan based on vertical growth, leaving open space between buildings. He is said to have ridden a Vespa to Madrid to persuade Franco to allow bikinis on the beaches. Since then Benidorm has been the symbol of Spanish mass tourism.
Beaches
- Levante beach, the liveliest, with its promenade, bars and clubs.
- Poniente beach, longer and quieter, with a modern promenade designed by architect Carlos Ferrater.
- Cala del Mal Pas, a small cove between the two.
- Benidorm island, reached by boat, a marine reserve for snorkelling.
What to see
- The old town, on the headland between the beaches, with its lanes and the blue-domed church of San Jaime and Santa Ana.
- The Balcón del Mediterráneo, the white viewpoint on the point, overlooking both bays.
- Serra Gelada natural park, with cliffs over 400 metres high and a scenic path to the Albir lighthouse.
- The Intempo skyscraper, the city's tallest.
Fun
Benidorm has several theme and water parks: Terra Mítica, devoted to Mediterranean civilisations, Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Natura. The nightlife is very lively, with clubs, shows and bars in the British area and the centre. There are also golf courses, water sports and the famous British fancy dress party in November.
Getting there
Alicante airport is about 60 km away, with direct buses. The TRAM links Benidorm with Alicante, Altea and Dénia. See also the Valencian Community.