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Think Benidorm breaks the bank? Think again! Spain’s most vibrant resort destination offers incredible experiences that won’t cost you a single euro.
From world-class beaches to stunning viewpoints, cultural treasures to natural wonders, here are 30 fabulous free things to do in Benidorm that prove the best experiences in life really are free.
OK, you might have to dip into your purse or wallet to buy the occasional beverage and a bite to eat (but everything else is gratis).
Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside! I do like to be beside the sea! Oh I do like to stroll along the Prom, Prom, Prom! Where the brass bands play, “Tiddely-om-pom-pom!”
OK, there’s no British brass band but Benidorm defines itself by being beside the seaside and it won’t cost you a penny.
Stretch out on 2 kilometres of golden sand at Benidorm’s most famous beach.
With Blue Flag status and perfect facilities, including superb accessibility platforms, libraries, chess tables and medical huts, this Mediterranean paradise offers world-class beach experiences without the price tag.
The gentle waves and clean waters make it ideal for families and beach lovers alike.
Lay out your holiday towel, maybe even take your own deckchair and parasol, and ignore the urge to rent the Benidorm Blue sunloungers for the day.
Beautiful and Free, Levante Beach
Escape the crowds at this equally stunning but quieter western beach, our favourite.
The wider shoreline provides more space to spread out, while the gentle slope into the sea makes it perfect for swimming (or paddling).
On hot summer days take comfort in the shade of an oasis of palms while, as dusk sets in, watch magnificent sunsets paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks.
And Relax … Poniente Beach
Discover Benidorm’s hidden gem nestled between the two main beaches.
This small, secluded cove offers crystal-clear waters and a more intimate beach experience.
The rocky surroundings create natural privacy, making it feel like your own private Mediterranean retreat.
If you’ve yet to visit pencil it in when planning your next Benidorm holiday.
Benidorm’s little beach – Mal Pas
Sitting at the foot of Sierra Helada, both Ximo and Almadraba are secluded coves a world away from the main beaches of Benidorm.
Rocky and pebbly you may not wish to spend a whole day here but for those who enjoy a spot of naturism (nudity allowed) and snorkelling in the translucent waters of the Med, both these little gems hit the perfect notes.
Although there is a car park at the top of the headland it is often difficult to bag a space so walking from Benidorm is the best option – remember to take some water, a bite to eat and maybe a parasol to help keep you shaded if staying for a while.
But for something different (and free), it might just be one of those days that makes your holiday so much more memorable.
Tio Ximo Cove
Spain's most vibrant resort destination offers incredible experiences that won't cost you a single euro
Benidorm is often viewed as a monolithic beach city where each and every plot of land is invaded by a skyscraper.
And frequently besmirched as a concrete jungle while other destinations from Miami to Dubai are celebrated for the very same attribute!
However, there is a beauty to Benidorm that those same critics overlook; that early morning stroll along the Poniente promenade, the serenity and sanctuary of L’Aigüera Park, the majestic views from the top of Sierra Helada and the iconic Balcón del Mediterráneo.
A lot of walking takes place in Benidorm; it is after all a rather large resort spanning several kilometres in length and a couple in depth.
Levante’s promenade runs from the far end of the Rincón to the Old Town headland, stretching out for over 2 kilometres.
A gentle stroll in either direction is a delight, offering up constant views of the Med and a host of establishments to refresh those weary legs.
We think there is no better place to get your Daily Step Count up!
Levante Promenade
The walk along Poniente beachfront promenade might just be one of our favourite things to do in Benidorm.
Starting from the Old Town/Port there is just over 3km to enjoy if you intend to reach the other end where you have the Mirador de la Música.
Along the way you not only have the brilliant views of a sparkling Mediterranean Sea but the sporadic pieces of outdoor artwork that line the route.
And don’t forget to admire the wave-like, organic nature of the promenade itself, redesigned in 2009 and something all Benilovers are proud of.
Benidorm Swans, Poniente Promenade
The Old Town helps cement Benidorm as a great, as opposed to a good, holiday destination.
The network of streets, criss-crossing and interweaving, allows you to lose yourself in the moment.
A mix of British pubs and Spanish tapas bars, family-run shops and gay-filled clubs all add to the enchantment of the place.
Our advice is to simply roam the narrow lanes and get lost for a time, discover things you never really set out to find.
Benidorm Old Town is a heady blend of local Spain and the international vibe that has percolated the resort for decades.
And when you do get lost, remember, just head for the sea to find yourself again!
Benidorm Old Town
Challenge yourself with the climb to Benidorm’s giant hilltop cross.
This steep but rewarding hike offers incredible 360-degree views over the resort, mountains, and coastline.
The cross itself is an impressive landmark visible throughout the city.
Walk up at night and the view back down to a shimmering Benidorm is something to behold!
The view as you ascend towards La Cruz
Make your way to the farthest end of Poniente Beach where you will find one of the great sea-level viewing points to take in the full sweep of Benidorm.
Mirador de la Música pays homage to all of the winners of Benidorm Fest, previously the Benidorm International Song Festival which was famously won by Julio Iglesias in 1968.
It is a tranquil spot, with fabulous views out towards the whole resort – Poniente, Old Town and in the far distance, Levante.
Get yourself there, you won’t regret it!
Mirador de la Música
The perfect place for that early morning walk, ideal for a springtime picnic or simply an area of solitude to decompress from the high octane nature of Benidorm.
Lodged between the Old Town and Centro sectors of the town, this green space has been serving the residents and tourists of Benidorm for over 30 years.
As well as the palm-lined boulevards you also have the Julio Iglesias and Óscar Esplá auditoria which provide outdoor concerts during the summer months, including the hosting of Benifest where Spain’s choice of Eurovision contestant is selected.
L’Aigüera Park
For all the right reasons Benidorm is well known for being rather raucous!
But as our 30 Free Things To Do in Benidorm guide quite clearly reveal, there is much more to Benidorm than the noise.
And one of our most enjoyable endeavours is to wander up to the end of Levante, still on Avenida de Madrid, and take a pew.
A couple of deep intakes of breath, maybe the phone at the ready to capture the view, and RELAX.
Even on a cloudy day, this is the Benidorm we have come to cherish.
Bench With A View
The castle square perched on the Old Town headland is one of the must-visit viewing spots in Benidorm.
Visually stunning with a Spanish/Moorish vibe and spectacular views of the Levante and Poniente beaches, this has to be on your ‘To Do’ list when on your Benidorm holiday.
With a handful of bars and restaurants, it might also be one of those locations where you spend some time relaxing with a drink while posting your pics to Social Media.
Mirador del Castillo
Perched on a rocky outcrop between Poniente and La Cala de Finestrat, this charming 18th-century chapel offers one of Benidorm’s most picturesque viewpoints.
The Ermita Virgen del Mar, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Sea, is a peaceful sanctuary that contrasts with the bustling resort atmosphere Benidorm is renowned for.
The humble chapel, with its distinctive cross rising from the roof, provides a serene spot for contemplation and spectacular panoramic views across the Mediterranean coastline.
A scenic walkway leads to the hermitage, passing through landscaped gardens adorned with colourful tiles depicting maritime scenes.
Ermita Virgen del Mar
The site holds special significance during the annual November festival when locals celebrate their patron saint with processions and festivities.
So whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility, capturing Instagram-worthy photographs, or simply enjoying breathtaking coastal vistas, this historic chapel rewards visitors with a glimpse of Benidorm’s traditional heritage.
Famous for the white birds that flock to the shade of the trees and the cool pools of water, Parque de Elche abuts the Old Town, Poniente Beach and the road that leads to Benidorm Marina.
A comforting place to stroll or take a seat, watch the kids play on a climbing frame or simply to grab a slice of green amongst the sun, sand and sea.
Dove Park
More than any other location, Benidorm’s Mediterranean Balcony is arguably the standout.
Steps descend from the old castle platform, taking you down into the Mediterranean itself where you can view both sides of this spectacular resort.
If you are going to do just one FREE thing on your Benidorm holiday this is it.
And if you are going to take just one photo, well…this is the place, too!
Balcón del Mediterráneo
Tamarind Park sits at the far end of Poniente, just off of the beach and snuggled into a cosy corner.
The lush overhanging trees provide a cooling shade during the height of a Spanish summer.
And if you feel particularly fit after your lengthy walk to get there, you can engage with some of the outdoor exercise machines are dotted around the park.
Parque de Tamarindos
roam the narrow lanes and get lost for a time, discover things you never really set out to find
It’s fair to say that Benidorm gets its share of negative press.
And it seems to be the skyline more than anything that comes in for a bit of a shellacking.
Benidorm Rooftops
But where critics sharpen their pencils, here at Benidorm and Beyond we rejoice in the architectural glory that allows Benidorm to stand out from the crowd.
Spend half a day taking in some of the iconic residential apartments, hotels and views from a multitude of rooftop bars.
Perched at the highest point of Benidorm’s Old Town the majestic 18th Century Church of Saint James and Saint Anne is an unmissable landmark building, especially when its iconic blue dome sparkles in the Mediterranean sunshine.
A core part of Benidorm’s identity, a place of faith and tradition; it is a focal point for many local fiestas that take place throughout the year.
Inside lies Our Lady of Suffrage, a patron saint of the town and a symbolic representation of Benidorm’s past.
Church of Saint James and Saint Anne
Europe’s largest residential building (for now, as construction of an even taller apartment block is underway), Benidorm’s Intempo has become quite a talking point over the years.
We love it. Plenty don’t!
From afar it’s an incredible feat of architecture but up close and personal you soon realise the size and scale of Intempo.
Plus it’s a grand way to spend a couple of hours!
Intempo Sky Resort
Hotel spotting is one our favourite Benidorm pastimes.
Suppose it’s all part of the job!
A bit like the Scottish Munros you can tick each one off as you go.
It also helps to get to know your way around the resort as well as checking out where you might stay on your next Benidorm holiday.
Gastrotel RH Canfali
Benidorm soon caught up with the rooftop bars and swimming pools craze that is now prevalent in almost any city around the world.
And we love them!
A bit like hotel hunting, marking off each roof terrace you visit is quite the challenge.
At least you can enjoy some refreshments during the task – but don’t forget to take that memorable holiday snap, even if just to prove you were there.
Rooftop Terrace #6
We are talking window shopping here – no spending, just looking.
A mix of Benidorm Markets and a myriad of shops throughout the Old Town, combined with flashy retail outlets along Mediterranean Avenue, provide ample scope to while away an early morning.
Ditch the hubby and go with your bestie!
An abundance of stalls fill the large concrete space just along from the Pueblo and Helios hotels.
On each Wednesday and Sunday, the famous Benidorm Outdoor Market gets going at about 9AM and runs up until two in the afternoon.
Outdoor Market – ‘Pueblo’
Benidorm’s Indoor Market is virtually an institution.
Sitting on the corner of Calle Gerona and Avenida Ametlla de Mar it is firmly located in the ‘British’ area of the resort.
And over the decades the Brits have taken it to their hearts.
Although frequented by the Spanish and all Benidorm visitors it often feels like a small indoor market in a provincial UK town.
Either way, it’s a marvellous place to browse, listen to the sounds and chatter of different languages while feeling content that you’ve found an iconic piece of Benidorm.
Benidorm Indoor Market
Whether meandering around the narrow lanes of the Old Town or looking in every window along Avenida del Mediterráneo; going a little bit tacky down in the Rincón or searching out that little place you just know will be a favourite in years to come, Benidorm serves up hundreds of gems.
And after your FREE day of just looking you can pop back some other time to spend a few holiday euros.
Mmmm Cookies!
To Ale-Hop or Ale-Hop-ing, as we like to call it, simply means making sure you’ve popped into all of the Ale-Hop shops in Benidorm during your stay.
Sounds a bit mad but who doesn’t love an Ale-Hop.
Top Tip – take a pic of each of the black and white cows standing at the entrance to every store – we do!
The Poniente Promenade one
its iconic blue dome sparkles in the Mediterranean sunshine
For all its Clubs and Pubs, Stags and Hens, Benidorm is really an outdoor paradise.
With the nature reserve of Sierra Helada at one end and Tossal de la Cala at the other you ally are spoilt for choice when it comes to taking advantage of things to do outside in Benidorm – for free.
Mosey along Poniente’s glorious promenade and you are more than likely to bump into a get-fit dance class moving in rhythm to a neat little salsa beat.
Operating outside of the really hot summer months, it’s the ideal environment to work off those excess holiday pounds while looking out to the glistening Med.
What’s not to like?
Get Fit – The Benidorm Way
You will find volleyball nets on stretches of Poniente Beach where families or groups can engage in a little bit of competitive fun.
Alternatively, keep an eye out for the more professional competitions that take place, allowing you to find a spot in the shade and watch in ‘relaxed’ mode.
Beach Volleyball
This French-influenced sport is played throughout Spain and is the perfect way to shake off the cobwebs from a heavy night!
It’s also a marvellous way to make some new friends, get that dormant competitor spirit in you fired up, while beginning to truly appreciate why Benidorm beaches are so much more than sunbathing zones.
Petanca, Levante Beach
Benidorm is renowned for its sunsets and one of the most incredible things to do as the sun begins to go down is to find a spot and simply watch.
The colours change each day as the sky fragments into a shimmer of blue and orange, purple and mustard.
The sun is big in the sky.
And like most other things you come across in Benidorm you just don’t get this sort of thing back home!
Benidorm Sunset
“Si no pierdes la cabeza, no estás de fiesta” meaning if you don’t lose your head you’re not partying!
The Spanish love a fiesta, the Valencians even more.
And in Benidorm you will have the opportunity to feel the vibe, hear the noise and smile at the pure joy shared by the locals as they celebrate anything and everything at the drop of a hat.
Watch out for November Fiestas, San Juan Festival, Easter, Fallas and Moros i Cristianos but don’t be surprised if you end up walking into the middle of some party somewhere in Benidorm – lose yourself (maybe not your head), enjoy it – it’s free!
So yes, there is plenty to discover in Benidorm where you don’t have to spend euros to have an enjoyable experience.
That’s what makes it such a superb holiday destination.
Some people come to Benidorm to lose themselves for a week or two, but most come to relax and find themselves after a hectic schedule back at home.
A bit like Tai-Chi Guy who sets the example when looking to Zen out in The Dorm!
Tai-Chi Guy
For more things to get you excited when coming to Benidorm check out our DO Guide.
