Benidorm, photo taken by Enrique Domingo

A seaside resort in the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante in Valencia, Spain, Benidorm has recently realized its potential as a holiday resort town. With the increase in the quality of accommodation, today it is not just for the people who come to celebrate bargain holidays to Benidorm, but also for the tourists who demand 5-star hotel and spa complexes.

The biggest attraction in Benidorm is the 4kms of Blue Flag safe sandy beaches which draw people from all over the world throughout the year. Benidorm has mild climate in Summer as well as winter making it an ideal sun destination throughout the year.

Marea Roja, photo taken by Enrique Domingo

I got to the central Benidorm, a very compact and congested place, easier on foot. I stayed in Levante Playa chosen by most visitors as the area to stay in. There are many shops that gives bikes and vehicles on rent, but the place is best when experienced on foot. There is excellent bus service in the town that runs until midnight. Although you can walk from one end of the resort town to the other, that should only take you little more than an hour.

Benidorm has two pulchritude Blue Flag beaches - Levante and the more calm Poniente, which is preferred by locals and families. The town was developed as a resort for fun and leisure, hence you won't find much if you are looking for cultural places, although a trip to the nearby villages and old town Church is will give you the feel of being in the "Real Spain".

Mundomar Aquarium, Photo taken by Mike Young

I went to Mundomar, known as one of the best man made attraction in the town. It is an aquarium with water park, or may be other way round. If you are following my trips then you would be thinking why I am going to such aquariums again? Unlike other places where you can see Dolphins from a distance, here you can swim with the Dolphins, which was first time for me, and really exciting. Dolphins are very clever and friendly. Getting into the water may cost you 150 Euros, but it is worth, last from 10 AM to 6 PM and you get towels, tee shirts, photos, lunch included in it. It is a good idea to take discount vouchers as soon as you arrive at Alicante Airport. 

Levante beach, photo taken by Carmen Martin

Benidorm is famous for its blue flag beaches, I had gone to Levante Beach. It is beautiful scenic, sandy beach, quite busy in peak times though, but still you will have good room for yourself. Lots of water activities to do. Really crystal clear ocean and warm water. It was a perfect combination. Sun beds were not cheap, and local sellers will come every 10 minutes trying to sell you various things, just say No! if you do not want.

There are nearly eight hundred bars selling alcohol and drinks, the competition is huge and you get various deals and schemes with happy hours, two for one, etc. British pubs, Dutch bars, Irish bars, and Spanish cafeterias are in numbers here.

Beware of pickpockets, and don't leave you belongings unattended, although Benidorm is as safe as any other busy tourist resort. However, the crime rate has been rising, where the majority of crimes are alcohol fuelled. There are number of police cars patrolling the streets.

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