I’m sure for a lot of people, when they hear the name ‘Benidorm’, there are certain things that come to mind. Brits abroad, English Pubs, busy beaches and probably a TV show. Benidorm has got a particular reputation, but I don’t think that it is all necessarily true.
My in-laws have villas on the Spanish Costa Blanca, about 30km from Benidorm. They are a bit closer to Alicante but we often head up to Benidorm and the surrounding areas. I am not going to lie, some of the reputation Benidorm has is true. It is a big area for Brits to retire too, so there are plenty of pubs and restaurants run by British people, serving Sunday roast and fish and chips. There are a few tacky shops here and there, but aren’t they at most coastal locations?
There are plenty of great things to do in the area, though; without a tacky neon sign in sight!
Animal Parks
There are two main zoos or animal parks that you can visit. One is called Mundomar and one is called Terra Natura. They all have shows and a variety of animals and insects. My two kids are pretty animal obsessed so it is always an easy day out for us. It is nearly €30 for an adult, so is a little pricey (the children were free, though). There are always money off vouchers in the local supermarkets and fast food restaurants. So if you do want to go there, I’d look out for those. It is even cheaper if you book online before hand, of course.
Fonts de l’Algar
We have always rented a car when we visit Spain. One of the reasons why is so we can have a little drive up to the mountainous area of Benidorm to visit the Fonts de l’Algar. It is a lovely shaded area, with water to paddle and swim in, all fresh from the top of the mountains. It can be quite cold at first, but you get use to it quickly. Perfect for a day in the sun, that isn’t ridiculously hot!
There are areas to have a picnic and you can wander off up into the mountians if you want to. We were unsure to go with a baby, when we first had Max, but it was totally fine. Have visited every year since! It is a stunning area to visit too. Full of lush trees, waterfalls and views. it is a couple of euros per adult to enter.
Water Parks
Each of the animal parks have a water park attached to them; Aqualandia and Aqua Natura. You can get a combined ticket to make it a little cheaper and spend the day doing half and half. It isn’t something we have done since having children. I think it would be better suited to when they can both swim! Perfect for families with older children and teenagers.
Beaches
Of course you can’t visit the area without visiting the beaches. They are well looked after and cared for. You don’t see litter around or things like that. There are plenty of them to choose from in the area too. The tricky thing might be the parking, so it might be worth going to the beach first thing in the morning.
Restaurants
If you do want pie and mash, you can very well get that at one of the English or Irish style pubs. There are plenty of other choices to choose from them, though. So don’t worry that you won’t be able to get some proper Spanish food, as there is plenty of it around too.
Have you ever visited the area before?
Linking up to City Tripping.
I’ve been to Benidorm before but it was for a hen party so I didn’t see much of what there is on offer (other than the bars which served their purpose) – I love the idea of visiting Fonts D’Algar – beautiful x
I’ve never been to benidorm before but get u about the reputation. I didn’t realise there was such a good amount if things to do though.
joanna recently posted…Incontinence: A chat about Oops moments
Benidorm isn’t a place I would have chosen due to the reputation, and lots of hen and stag dues going there. However it looks beautiful and like a totally different world from what I thought from your pics.
Really great to hear about another side to the resort I must admit I am quick to think of the show and imagine it all to be like that!
I have to say I have a bit of a bad impression of Benidorm too so refreshing to hear what else there is there – and how family-friendly it is! Great to have family in Spain to visit! Have you been into Alicante much? #citytripping
I must admit the reputation of it never seems all that good & my husbands been twice on stag dos cementing it. However I’ve also been to Ibiza and it wasn’t a party capital. The place is what you make of it!
Beth @ Twinderelmo recently posted…The London Eye – Review
Oh I love Benidorm! I’ve been a few times as my friends auntie lives out there. It gets such a bad rep but has so much for kids to see and do. Xx
I’ve never been to Benidorm and I will admit my initial thoughts are of the program but it looks lovely and perfect for families. We spent a christmas in Alicante once which was weird as it was actually warm not like our normal UK hols!
Lauren Belle du Brighton recently posted…Code-a-Pillar from Fisher Price
I haven’t been before, but it looks a lovely place to visit and lots to do. I wouldn’t think about the programme as I haven’t watched it x
Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…Designing the Perfect T-shirt for My Girls…
Funnily enough one of the best family holidays we had growing up was in Benidorm. My parents had got a great deal for October half-term and the sun shone perfectly all week, we made loads of friends and parents felt relaxed as there was so much to occupy us so certainly not all bad! 🙂 #citytripping
It’s nice to hear that there’s another side to Benidorm as it’s not somewhere i’d choose to go on reputation alone. The Fonts de l’Algar look lovely x
It’s so interesting to read this – I’ve come across something similar with other parts of Spain, especially the Canary Islands, where one built-up resort can give the whole place a dodgy reputation, but when you visit you discover how lovely everywhere else is. Lots for kids to do too and the Fonts de l’Algar sounds wonderful. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…A love letter to the Great British seaside
I’ve never visited Benidorm before, but the beach looks lovely! I’m sure my boys would love checking out King Julien at the animal park.
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Froth – Artistic Fusion Dining @ Ascott Raffles Place (Singapore)
Gosh what a beautiful place to visit. I am still desperate to go abroad with the kids.