Benidorm is Spain's most famous resort and one of the most recognisable holiday destinations in the world. Its dramatic skyline of high-rise hotels and apartment blocks flanking two magnificent sandy beaches has been drawing Irish and British holidaymakers for over fifty years. Love it or roll your eyes, Benidorm delivers on its promise: reliable sunshine, excellent beaches, endless entertainment, and a holiday infrastructure so well-developed that virtually every need is catered for. For Irish visitors who want a guaranteed good time with maximum convenience, Benidorm remains the king of the package holiday.
Location and Getting There
Benidorm is on Spain's Costa Blanca, approximately forty minutes from Alicante Airport (ALC). The flight from Dublin takes around two and a half hours — one of the shortest sun holiday transfers from Ireland. The resort sits on a headland between two sweeping bays, with the old town perched on the rocky promontory between them.
Beaches
Benidorm has two outstanding beaches. Playa de Levante, on the eastern side, is the more famous — a wide, gently curving crescent of fine golden sand backed by the resort's main hotel and entertainment strip. It is one of the most well-maintained beaches in Spain, with sunbeds, parasols, showers and lifeguards. Playa de Poniente, on the western side, is equally long and wide but has a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Both beaches hold Blue Flag status. Cala de Finestrat, just west of Poniente, is a smaller, more sheltered cove popular with families. The water at all beaches is clean, warm from June to October, and safe for swimming.
Spanish beaches are generally well maintained and regulated, with Blue Flag status widely held across the major resort areas. Most resort beaches have sunbed and parasol hire, lifeguard stations, shower facilities and nearby chiringuitos (beach bars) serving cold drinks and snacks. The Mediterranean sea is calm and warm from June through October, with water temperatures peaking around twenty-five degrees in August. The concept of the chiringuito — a simple beachside restaurant serving fresh fish, paella and cold beer — is central to the Spanish beach experience and represents some of the best-value eating on the coast.
Things to Do
Terra Mitica theme park, set in the hills above Benidorm, offers rides and entertainment based on ancient Mediterranean civilisations. Aqualandia water park is one of the largest in Europe. Mundomar marine park has dolphins, sea lions and exotic birds. Terra Natura is a zoo and aquarium complex. For a change of pace, the old town (Casco Antiguo) is a charming hilltop area of white houses, tapas bars and a famous viewpoint (Balcon del Mediterraneo) with views along both beaches. Guadalest, a spectacular cliff-top castle village in the mountains, is a popular day trip. The island of Benidorm (Illa de Benidorm) is visible offshore and can be visited by boat.
Dining and Nightlife
Benidorm has hundreds of restaurants covering every cuisine and budget. The Levante strip has the highest concentration, while the old town offers more authentic Spanish dining — tapas bars where you can eat excellent food at very reasonable prices. The Rincon de Loix area has a mix of international and Spanish restaurants. Nightlife is legendary — Benidorm has everything from Irish pubs and karaoke bars to cabaret shows, tribute acts, gay-friendly venues and late-night clubs. The entertainment scene caters to all ages, from family-friendly shows to the famous Benidorm Palace cabaret. The Calle Gerona strip is the main nightlife concentration.
Best Time to Visit
Benidorm has over three hundred days of sunshine per year. Summer temperatures range from twenty-eight to thirty-four degrees. Winter is mild (fifteen to twenty degrees), making Benidorm a popular winter sun destination for retirees. The peak summer months of July and August are the busiest and hottest. May, June, September and October offer excellent weather with fewer crowds.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Spain is in the EU. Euro, no visa. One hour ahead of Ireland. English is exceptionally widely spoken in Benidorm.
Spain's excellent healthcare system is accessible to Irish visitors through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though travel insurance is always recommended. Pharmacies are identified by a green cross and are well stocked — pharmacists can advise on and dispense remedies for common complaints. Spain operates on a later daily schedule than Ireland — lunch is typically from two to four in the afternoon, and dinner rarely starts before nine. Adapting to this rhythm is part of the pleasure of a Spanish holiday. Supermarkets in resort areas stock familiar brands alongside excellent-value local wines, olive oil, cheese and cured meats. Mobile phone roaming within the EU means your Irish plan works in Spain at no extra cost.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team's extensive experience with Benidorm means they can navigate the huge range of hotels to find the right one for your budget and preferences.
Benidorm is the ultimate Costa Blanca hotspot, instantly recognizable by its towering skyline and buzzing atmosphere. It boasts two magnificent sandy beaches, Levante for lively fun and Poniente for a more relaxed vibe, both offering excellent facilities. Irish visitors flock here for the legendary nightlife, with countless bars, cabaret shows, and clubs. But Benidorm also offers family attractions like Terra Mítica theme park and Aqualandia water park, a charming Old Town, and stunning views from the Balcón del Mediterráneo. It's a resort that truly has something for everyone.