Benidorm: More Than Just the TV Show?

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?

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