Benidorm on the Costa Blanca is one of the best cheap package holidays in Spain. Two and a half hours from the UK & Ireland, sun pretty much guaranteed, beaches that go on forever, and prices that make your bank account breathe a sigh of relief - iconic for good reason!
Good to know for your Benidorm holidays 2026
☀️ Weather – Over 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers hit the high 20s and low 30s, winters stay mild at 15 to 20°C during the day. Spring and autumn are the sweet-temperature window: warm enough for the beach, cool enough to sleep.
💶 Money – Benidorm is a seriously cheap holiday destination (one of the reasons we love it so). A pint runs €2 to €3 (get a round in), a three-course meal with wine is €10 to €15, and a coffee is around €1.50.
🤩 Fun fact: this swanky, sunny paradise is known as the Manhattan of the Med, that's right, over 300 high-rise buildings for all things rooftop tipples and bangin' views.
Benidorm highlights
Two massive beaches – Levante is the lively one (bars, watersports, people-watching), Poniente is the chilled one (longer, quieter, proper family beach). Both Blue Flag, both gorgeous.
The Old Town – Cobbled streets, tapas bars crammed into every alley, and the Balcon del Mediterraneo viewpoint looking out over the whole coastline. Benidorm's got culture when you want it.
Theme parks on the doorstep – Aqualandia waterpark, Terra Mitica for rollercoasters and Roman ruins, and the Magic Natura animal park where your kids wake up with elephants outside the window.
Nightlife that delivers – From karaoke bars and cabaret to proper clubs, Benidorm's evening scene is famous for a reason. Cheap drinks, late nights, and swim-up bars the next afternoon (yes please).
🏨 Where to stay in Benidorm
For Couples ❤️ - Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Benidorm’s Old Town is brimming with charm, narrow streets, and cosy tapas bars, making it an ideal spot for a romantic escape. Wander hand-in-hand along the iconic Balcón del Mediterráneo for stunning sea views, or settle into a quaint café to soak up the atmosphere. Perfect for couples who want a mix of relaxation and authentic Spanish vibes.
For Families 👨👩👧👦 - Poniente Beach: Looking for a quieter, family-friendly vibe? Poniente Beach is a top choice for a family holiday. With its calm waters, sprawling sandy shore, and plenty of kid-friendly facilities, it’s a haven for families. Many hotels in this area offer all-inclusive packages to make life easy, plus there’s a lovely promenade perfect for evening strolls.
For Groups 🎉 - Levante Beach: If you’re here to party and soak up the lively side of Benidorm, Levante Beach is where it’s at. With buzzing beach bars, endless water sports, and a nightlife scene that pops off, this is the ultimate playground for groups. Hit the bars, try some parasailing, or just bask in the fun-loving atmosphere - Levante has it all.
🏖️ Best beaches in Benidorm
It's allllllllllllll about the beaches in Benidorm (and - of course - great-value cheap holidays). You spend your days lazing on them and you spend your evenings looking at them (from a bar on the promenade, of course). Here are a few of our fave Benidorm beaches to hit up:
Playa de Levante – the most popular beach in Benidorm, stretching for over 2km and packed with plenty of facilities, activities and places to grab a drink or bite to eat along the promenade, we're talking ice creams for the fam and tipples for the gang.
Playa de Poniente – the longest beach in the resort (over 3km), ideal for, well, literally anyone - plenty of space to lay your towel down, stack some sandcastles and take to the waves.
Cala de Mal Pas – a small, Blue-flag-awarded beach located at the cliff’s edge with calm waters – perfect for keeping an eye on the little ones.
Cala Tio Ximo – a secluded, rocky cove with great views in Sierra Helada National Park – it’s a snorkeller’s paradise, ideal for those quieter beach days.
La Almadrava - we're keeping the secluded cove vibes rolling with this beach close to the Sierra Helada National Park - noticing a theme?. This is another quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of the main beaches but with stunning coastline views, this is the place to be for a chill vibey day, make the most of both beaches and give em the two birds, one stone treatment.
All Inclusive Holidays To Benidorm
Benidorm is one of our favourite places, and it's not just us, it's you as well! With gorgeous sandy beaches, guaranteed sunshine, a picturesque Old Town and nightlife that's famous the world over, it’s easy to see why more people visit this Spanish resort every year than attend every single opera in America combined!
💰If you want unlimited food and drink but don't want to make your bank balance weep check out our all-inclusive hotels in Benidorm for less than £900pp
A Benidorm all-inclusive means you get to properly indulge yourself, without worrying about the bill. ALL your food, ALL your drink and often your entertainment too (depending on the hotel) are included as well as your flights – whatever you’re looking for, we'll help you find your perfect hotel in Benidorm.
🏨 Benidorm Hotels 2026/2027
Benidorm has a massive range of hotels for every budget and crew. Whether you and the fam want to go Benidorm all-inclusive so you don't lift a finger, or you and your other half want a base camp for exploring the whole Costa Blanca, here are our top picks.
💑 Couples
Barcelo Benidorm Beach - Adults Recommended Rooftop pool, rooftop bar, rooftop vibes - and far fewer kids about. Right on Poniente Beach with sea views and a proper grown-up atmosphere. Ideal for couples who want beach and nightlife on the doorstep.
INNSiDE by Melia Costa Blanca - Adults Recommended A la carte dining, ocean views, and a sleek modern design. This one feels a step above the typical Benidorm hotel - think boutique vibes with Melia polish. Adults recommended means peace and quiet without going full adults-only.
Villa Espana A beachfront spot with a glass-bottom rooftop pool (yes, really), plus an adults-only spa for when you need some TLC. Also has a splash park for families, so works as a solid mixed pick too.
👨👩👧👦 Families
Melia Benidorm Lagoon-style pools, a brilliant kids' club, and a cracking all-inclusive package. The Level upgrade gets you a private lounge and personalised check-in. About 12 minutes' walk to Levante Beach, with Aqualandia close by.
Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Waterparks and games rooms for the kids, adults-only chill-out zones and spa for the grown-ups. Everyone's looked after and nobody has to compromise. Great all-inclusive option.
Magic Natura Animal Waterpark and Polynesian Lodge Resort A hotel in the middle of an animal adventure park where you can wake up with elephants peering through the windows. Waterpark included. Kids will lose their minds - in the best possible way.
🎉 Groups
Port Benidorm 150m from Levante Beach, surrounded by bars and restaurants, with a wellness centre for recovery days. Entertainment day and night. No stag/hen groups though - so it's for the civilised squads.
Sandos Benidorm Suites Four-star and close to Levante Beach. Suite-style rooms give groups a bit more space, and the central location means you're walking distance to the Strip, the Square, and everything in between.
Sandos Benidorm Suites Four-star and close to Levante Beach. Suite-style rooms give groups a bit more space, and the central location means you're walking distance to the Strip, the Square, and everything in between.
✨ Luxury
Villa Espana That glass-bottom rooftop pool and adult spa put this a cut above. Beachfront location on Poniente with modern rooms and a real sense of style. The closest Benidorm gets to boutique luxury.
💰 Value
Sol Pelicanos Ocas You'll recognise this one from the ITV series. Five pools including a massive lagoon-style one, swim-up bar (summer), kids' club, and evening entertainment. It's a 3-star with over 11,000 positive reviews - there are cheaper hotels in the 'Dorm but considering what you get it's proper good value and bags of atmosphere. Just 300m from Levante Beach.
👉 See all Benidorm hotels | All Inclusive Benidorm holidays
🗺️ Benidorm Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide
👨👩👧👦 Families
Aqualandia is Spain's biggest waterpark, right on the edge of Benidorm, with everything from the toddler splash zone to the 33-metre Vertigo slide that'll test even the bravest parent.
Terra Mitica theme park is built around ancient civilisations (Egypt, Greece, Rome) and delivers rollercoasters, log flumes and shows for all ages. A full day out that's brilliant value as a package add-on.
The beaches are genuinely family-friendly here, especially Poniente with its gentle slope and wide sands. Buckets, spades and ice cream: the Benidorm classic.
Ngong Ping 360 cable car at Mundomar ... no, that's Hong Kong. Mundomar marine park in Benidorm has dolphin shows, sea lion encounters and a petting zoo, a quieter day out for younger kids.
💑 Couples
The Old Town tapas crawl is the best date night in Benidorm: work your way through Tapas Alley trying patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and local wine at a few euros a plate. Cheap, cheerful and properly Spanish.
Sierra Helada Natural Park delivers cliffside hiking trails with sea views out to Benidorm Island, ending at the Albir lighthouse. Pack a picnic and make a half-day of it.
A sunset cruise across the bay with a glass of something cold is the low-effort romantic move. Several operators run from Benidorm port, and prices are reasonable.
The Balcon del Mediterraneo is the postcard spot: a clifftop viewpoint between the two beaches, best at sunset, free and always worth the walk.
🎉 Groups
Karting Benidorm is competitive fun that works whether you're a stag do, hen party or just a group of mates who like overtaking each other.
Benidorm Palace puts on proper cabaret and variety shows with dinner, the kind of big, loud, fun evening that's perfect for a group celebration.
Levante Beach watersports offer jet skiing, parasailing and banana boats, all bookable on the sand. Cheap thrills, group photos, everyone's happy.
The Strip and the Square are where Benidorm's nightlife concentrates, and the cheap drinks, late hours and zero pretension make it ideal for a group night that goes on as long as you do.
🗣️ Local Lingo
Want to sound like a local? Here are a few handy phrases:
Hola (OH-la) - Hello
Buenos dias (BWEN-os DEE-as) - Good morning
Por favor (por fa-VOR) - Please
Gracias (GRAH-thee-as) - Thank you
Salud! (sa-LOOD) - Cheers!
Una cerveza, por favor (OO-na ser-VAY-tha por fa-VOR) - A beer, please
La cuenta, por favor (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR) - The bill, please
Donde esta la playa? (DON-day es-TA la PLY-ah) - Where is the beach?
🏖️ More Destinations
Costa Blanca Resorts
Altea - The pretty one. Whitewashed Old Town, pebble beaches, and a bohemian arts scene. Just 10km from Benidorm but feels like a different world.
Calpe - Dominated by the dramatic Penon de Ifach rock. Stunning beaches, great seafood, and a more relaxed vibe. Popular with Spanish families.
Albir - Quiet, pebbly Blue Flag beach with a stunning lighthouse walk. Family-friendly and chilled, with Benidorm just a 10-minute taxi ride away.
La Cala - Soft golden sand and calm waters in a smaller, more laid-back setting. Close enough to Benidorm for day trips, far enough for peace and quiet.
More Spain
Costa del Sol - Spain's sunny southern coast. Torremolinos, Marbella, and Fuengirola.
Costa Brava - Rugged coves and crystal-clear water in Catalonia, further up the Med.
Balearic Islands - Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca. Short flights from Alicante.
Canary Islands - Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria. Year-round sunshine.
Popular Benidorm hotels
More Benidorm hotelsWeather in Benidorm
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Benidorm on the Costa Blanca gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, which is partly why cheap package holidays here are so popular, you're almost guaranteed to use that sunscreen. Summer brings highs in the high 20s and low 30s, hot enough for all-day beach sessions and balmy evenings eating outdoors. Spring and autumn sit in the sweet temperature range of 20 to 25°C, warm enough for the beach but cool enough to sleep well, and the crowds thin out. Winter stays mild at around 15 to 20°C during the day, perfect for exploring the Old Town or hiking the Sierra Helada without breaking a sweat. Read more about Benidorm weather.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Benidorm?
How long does it take to fly to Benidorm?
The flight is just a short 2.5 hours from the UK/Ireland, pop some in-flight bubbles and get in the Benidorm spirit!
What’s the time difference between the UK and Benidorm?
What’s the time difference between the UK and Benidorm?
Benidorm is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland - so a jet-lag excuse isn't gonna cut it.
What currency do they use in Benidorm?
What currency do they use in Benidorm?
Benidorm is located in Spain so the local currency is the Euro - expect loose change for the piggy bank back home - saving for next year has to start somewhere, right?
What language do they speak in Benidorm?
What language do they speak in Benidorm?
The official language spoken in Benidorm is Spanish - put that GCSE to good use.
When is best to visit Benidorm?
When is best to visit Benidorm?
Benidorm works year-round, which is part of why it's one of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the Goldilocks months: warm, sunny and less crowded than peak summer, with hotel prices to match. Summer is hotter and busier but perfect if you want the full-on beach-and-nightlife experience, and winter is mild enough for sightseeing, hiking and eating outdoors without the heat. For the cheapest package deals, look at shoulder months like May, early June, late September and October when flights and hotels both drop.
What is the food like in Benidorm?
What is the food like in Benidorm?
Brilliant, and surprisingly cheap. Benidorm on the Costa Blanca does proper Spanish food at prices that would make most holiday resorts blush. The Old Town's Tapas Alley is the headline: patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, local wine and cold beer for a few euros a plate.
Beyond that, Benidorm does paella (this is Valencia region, after all), fresh seafood, coca farcida (a local savoury pie with tomato and tuna), and sweet San Blas buns. For sit-down restaurants, La Cava Aragonesa in the Old Town is a proper tapas institution, Restaurante La Paloma in Rincon de Loix does excellent family-style paella and seafood, and Llum del Mar serves fine dining with sea views when you want to push the boat out (pun intended).
A three-course meal with wine runs around €10 to €15, which is one of the reasons cheap Benidorm holidays keep bringing people back.
Is Benidorm good for a cheap holiday?
Is Benidorm good for a cheap holiday?
One of the best in Europe, and that's not hype. Benidorm on the Costa Blanca has been a cheap package holiday favourite for decades because the combination of short flights, huge hotel competition and Spanish prices keeps the cost genuinely low. Here's what that actually looks like in practice:
Eating and drinking on the cheap: A pint is €2 to €3. A three-course menú del día (lunch menu) with bread and a drink is €8 to €12 at most Old Town restaurants. A coffee is €1.50. Tapas plates run €3 to €6. A big night out with several rounds and a club entry will set you back around €20 to €30 per person. Compare that to a night out back home and the maths speaks for itself.
Cheap days out: The beaches are free (sunbed hire is around €4 to €6 per day if you want one, but bring a towel and it costs nothing). The Balcon del Mediterraneo viewpoint is free. The Old Town is free to wander. The Sierra Helada hiking trails are free. The street markets are free to browse. A day trip to the Wednesday market in Benidorm or the Thursday market in nearby La Nucia costs nothing beyond bus fare.
Cheap hotel deals: Benidorm has one of the biggest hotel selections on the Costa Blanca, and the competition between them keeps prices sharp. Package deals with flights and hotel together are almost always cheaper than booking separately, and all-inclusive options lock in your food and drinks up front. Shoulder months (May, early June, late September, October) offer the cheapest rates.
How to make it even cheaper: Book a package deal with flights included so you get one price rather than separate costs stacking up. Go all-inclusive if you want to lock in your food and drink budget. Travel in spring or autumn for the lowest prices. Eat at the menú del día lunchtime deals rather than à la carte dinners. Use the local buses (cheap, air-conditioned and reliable) rather than taxis. And bring your own snorkelling gear rather than hiring it on the beach.
What is Benidorm Old Town like?
What is Benidorm Old Town like?
Benidorm Old Town (Casco Antiguo) is the resort's original heart, a knot of narrow cobbled streets climbing up from the seafront to the Balcon del Mediterraneo viewpoint. It's packed with tapas bars, independent shops, the historic Church of San Jaime with its blue dome, and colourful houses that look nothing like the high-rise beachfront. Tapas Alley is the foodie centre of gravity. The atmosphere is properly Spanish rather than resort-ish, especially in the evenings. It's also one of the cheapest areas to eat and drink in Benidorm, making it a natural base for couples and anyone who wants the authentic side of the resort alongside the beaches.
