Situated within the Costa Blanca, Benidorm is a seaside resort on the eastern coast of Spain. The iconic Spanish holiday destination is a go-to for many Brits. In fact, Brits make up around 44% of the total number of tourists every year. Now that the travel industry is in a healthier position following the pandemic, UK residents are making huge numbers of trips abroad, and destinations like Benidorm benefit massively from booming tourism.
Benidorm is a cracking destination for family holidays. The weather is great during the summertime and there are endless kid-friendly activities to get stuck into. Here are some of the best activities to have on your radar.
Terra Mitica theme park
For many families out there, a theme park is bound to go down a treat – and the Terra Mitica theme park is an excellent choice. It combines history, mythology and thrilling rides, so there really is something for everyone here.
Rotate between getting soaked on refreshing water rides and scaling great heights on larger rollercoasters. Meanwhile, there are baby and kids’ clubs for any tiny tots who need looking after. Don’t forget to check out the many shows on offer too, as well as the shops and restaurants where you can spend time unwinding. It’s easy to spend an entire day here.
Aqualandia Water park
This is one of Europe’s largest water parks, so prepare to get lost in a world of pools, waterslides and lazy rivers. There are wave pools too, which will no doubt delight the kids when the gigantic waves are in action and start to sweep everyone off their feet.
One of the coolest attractions here is the Cyclon, which is a waterslide with a giant vortex for you to whizz around before being plunged into the pool at the end. Little ones can splash about in the shallower pools.
Terra Natura Zoo
If the little ones love animals, a trip to the Terra Natura Zoo is a must. One minute you’re in ‘Asia’ amongst the rhinos, tigers and elephants, then the next minute you’re in the ‘Americas’ with toucans and jaguars. Prepare to learn heaps of cool facts about the animals you see!
They have vibrant amphibians and reptiles too, as well as exclusive zoo experiences that allow you to get up close to the animals. It’s bound to be an unforgettable day out for you and the rest of the family.
Serra Gelada Nature Reserve
Beyond the adventure activities, there are amazing opportunities to get back to nature in Benidorm. The Serra Gelada Nature Reserve spans over 5,000 hectares with much of this including sea waters and islets including Mitjana islet, Benidorm islet and more.
It’s a natural playground with soaring clifftops and is a fantastic place for a family hike. The area is protected and promises breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Make sure you take your time looking out on the horizon because you can spot dolphins here if you’re lucky! That goes without mentioning seabirds like the European storm petrel and the Scopoli’s shearwater.
Beaches
The beach is the hallmark of a sunny holiday – and Benidorm has plenty to choose from, including:
Levante Beach: The most famous beach of them all, Levante Beach is within walking distance from the town and stretches 3km along the coast. It’s a great option for swimming and there are plenty of activities, from paragliding to jet skiing. If you enjoy the buzz, it’s a great choice.
Poniente Beach: A slightly calmer, more serene choice, this is the beach to go to if you want to escape the larger crowds and soak up beautiful views. There’s a children’s playground and you’ll be right next to Levante Beach so the activities won’t be too far away.
Playa del Mal Pas: This is a smaller beach in a sheltered cove that tends to draw in more locals than tourists. If you and your family want to immerse yourself while steering clear of the tourists, settle down here for the day.
The option to mix and match busier and calmer beaches is ideal for families, as you never know how much energy you’ll have on the day until you wake up. In Benidorm, you can drift from action-packed mornings trying new watersports, before transitioning to a quieter spot to recharge your batteries. Sometimes, you just can’t beat sunbathing or taking a dip in the sea!
The option to mix and match busier and calmer beaches is ideal for families, as you never know how much energy you’ll have on the day until you wake up. In Benidorm, you can drift from action-packed mornings trying new watersports, before transitioning to a quieter spot to recharge your batteries. Sometimes, you just can’t beat sunbathing or taking a dip in the sea! For an extraordinary experience, consider a few days in the Balearic Islands, where you can book a yacht charter in Ibiza to explore hidden coves and enjoy a day out on the sparkling Mediterranean waters.
Arranging the logistics
Regardless of the type of family holiday you’re planning, having the logistics in place will help everything run a touch more smoothly. For instance, you can arrange a straightforward airport transfer from Alicante in advance so that you don’t have to waste any time making memories and getting stuck in with the family.
Make sure your accommodation suits all your needs too, from baby-friendly facilities to lifts suitable for pushchairs. You may also want to seek out accommodation with catering or at least be situated near restaurants with menus for the kids and a family-friendly atmosphere.
