Costa y Campo
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There are hundreds of bars in Benidorm.
We think we know a few people who have been to them all!
Most people, however, tend to frequent the ones they know best and where they feel most comfortable.
Here are a few that fit that bill for us; some of them you probably know, others might now be on your radar for when you’re next in town.
The pub with The Beatles statue outside is part of the Marina Hotel complex. Launched in 2014, White Star has been a great success ever since.
And it’s no surprise with its superb range of drinks and cocktails, extensive food menu, big screens for sport and a knockout terrace for the sun.
But it is the music and cabaret that are the superstar acts at the White Star.
Former soap stars make an appearance, Britain’s Got Talent stars show up and a full schedule of tribute acts play regularly.
White Star, Avenida de Cuenca
Everything about Mia Social Club is pretty cool.
The building facade and bespoke interior have an urban hipster feel while the parasol-laden street terrace buzzes with chatter and good fun alongside a multitude of bars and restaurants on Calle Alameda in Benidorm Old Town.
Mia Social Club, Calle Alameda
More of a bistro than a pub the menu includes pizza, burgers, ribs and a tidy selection of salads.
But it’s also about the beer at Mia where you have a San Miguel Tap Station on-site offering an international range of premium ales for tasting and comparing.
Many visitors to Benidorm rate Oliver’s as one of the best British bars in the Old Town.
For some, it’s their favourite place full stop!
You can see why with it being in an excellent location opposite Tapas Alley and adjacent to Hotel Queens; its elevated position is perfect to people-watch from a table on the terrace.
When you add in friendly customer service from the owners and staff, tasty homemade jugs of sangria and that singularly British pub vibe, it is easy to see why over the decades Oliver’s has stood the test of time and built up a very loyal following.
Oliver’s, Plaza de la Constitución
Nabab has been a Benidorm fixture for decades and while its recent refurb has brought it into the 21st century, we still hold a soft spot for its previous old-school 1980s look.
Located bang on Levante Beach, in the area where you begin to merge into the Old Town and where the constant hum of humanity, enjoying life, rolls on throughout the day, it really is a great spot for a drink.
Cafetería Nabab, Avenida de Martínez Alejos
You have the views of the Med and the curve of Playa de Levante in front of you.
And a comprehensive menu means you can pop in for breakfast, a light lunch or something a little more substantial as the sun begins to set.
From British to Irish, Beach Bars to Sports Bars and Cabaret Bars to Gay Bars, Benidorm is No 1
It would be fair to say that Balcón del Mediterráneo, Benidorm’s balcony onto the Mediterranean Sea is the signature landmark for the resort.
A steep but brief ascent from the Old Town brings you to this quite incredible viewing point where you can stare in wonder at both the Levante and Poniente sides of Benidorm.
It is also where you will come across the welcome resting point of Cafetería Heladería El Castell.
Cafetería Heladería El Castell, Plaza Castelar
One of those typical Spanish bars to seamlessly combine beer, wine, food, ice cream and cocktails; you could quite easily sit here for hours, eating and drinking while gazing out to a distant horizon on a warm, sunny day.
It’s that sort of place.
Another bar we love, located on busy Calle Alameda, is La Casona. One of the many tapas bars that crowd the streets of Benidorm Old Town, La Casona has tables outside on the street but also a sharp, modern interior with a great range of tapas on display.
La Casona, Calle Alameda
There are stools inside at the bar; do as the Spanish do – take a seat and order your drink. Alternatively, a table outside is always a good thing.
Try the gambas al ajillo, always a nice plate of prawns in garlic here at La Casona.
One of our favourite bars on The Strip.
Designed with the West Coast vibe in mind; sun, sea and… sangria!
The atmosphere, day and night, is created around a mix of big-screen sporting action and live music acts; it’s one of the bars you really don’t want to leave.
Bar Hotel California, Calle Gerona
You’ll find couples of all ages as well as groups of guys, and the girls, all having a fabulous time. Holiday time. Hotel California time.
Best Irish bar in Benidorm? Maybe, but they are all good, to be fair.
The Bodhrán is in a superb location, only a short stroll from Levante Beach, and within a few minutes of Benidorm Old Town.
And when you walk through the door of this family-run pub you don’t just have the craic, there’s also live music every night, sometimes during the day, too.
Multiple screens lien the walls for the big games and the horse racing while food is served all day from snacks and salads to burgers and pub classics.
Pop in on a Sunday for the roast. And lest we forget, a pint of the black stuff is as good as it gets this far from The Emerald Isle.
The Bodhrán Irish Bar, Avenida del Doctor Orts Llorca
where the constant hum of humanity, enjoying life, rolls on throughout the day
With a choice of over 3o tapas to select, for free, with each drink, El Rincón del Ribera understands the ancient history of the tapas.
They have created a place to meet and chat, to be a part of the authentic atmosphere of a Spanish tapas bar.
You also have a great list of reds from Ribera del Duero and Rioja plus refreshing whites from Rueda.
Enjoy their jugs of Sangria, special tinto de verano and sparkling cava. In the heart of Benidorm Old Town, El Rincón del Ribera is at the heart of Benidorm life.
El Rincón del Ribera, Plaza de la Constitución
Back in 1968, a Scouser arrived in Spain.
Ronnie Marr – Benidorm Legend.
Marrs Bar, Calle Los Gatos
With Franco still in power and the package holiday still in its early days, Ronnie opened his iconic bar in May 1969. During the 1970s players from the mighty Liverpool team, such as Kevin Keegan, popped in for a drink.
And rumour has it that Benidorm’s current mayor, Toni Perez, was a regular in his younger days. Salud, Señor Perez!
If you’ve never been, it has to be on your Benidorm To Do List – just to say you’ve had a drink in the famous Marrs Bar – one of the original pioneers of the Brits in Benidorm story.
Discover more great bars in our Benidorm and Beyond DRINK guide.
