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Poniente Beach

Every year foreign holidaymakers, including a million plus Brits, arrive in Benidorm looking for a quite different slice of Spain.

But while the Levante end of the resort buzzes with an unstoppable party atmosphere and is home to many British bars and restaurants, the Poniente side offers a more relaxed, sophisticated experience.

It encapsulates the brilliance of Benidorm; blending together an incredible beach, award-winning promenade and majestic scenery.

Mix in a real Spanish vibe and Poniente begins to cast its spell.

Poniente Beach, Benidorm

Poniente – ©Visit Benidorm

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Poniente Beach stretches from Benidorm Old Town to the Tossal de la Cala headland separating Benidorm from La Cala de Finestrat.

Just over 2 miles in length it is our favourite Benidorm beach and a place we always choose to stay when we visit Benidorm.

Popular with the Spanish who come from all across Spain, especially the Madrileños, desperate to spend time in their holiday home by the sea.

It is this merger of Spain and international holidaymakers which helps shape Poniente, underscoring the vitality and cosmopolitan makeup of this magnificent part of the resort.

Poniente Beach

Blue-flagged in 1987, Poniente Beach is made for those lazy days in the sun.

Unbelievably clean, like all Benidorm beaches, with a wide expanse of sand and a gentle, welcoming Mediterranean Sea.

And although busy in the summer, it’s not as intense as the jam-packed Levante Beach.

Poniente Beach and promenade, Benidorm.

Poniente Beach – Summer ©Visit Benidorm

And out of season you can enjoy Poniente Beach almost all to yourself.

Pull up a chair, get out a book, take in the view and enjoy an hour or so relaxing under a blue sky and a warm Spring Sun.

Palm Trees, Poniente Beach, Benidorm.

Poniente Beach – Spring Day

Poniente Promenade

The construction of the new Paseo Maritimo de la Playa de Poniente was completed in 2009.

And the contemporary design and the multicoloured wave-like form has been nothing less than transformative for Poniente.

We now have a spectacular promenade, elevating the whole area and offering a sublime urban space to walk, jog, cycle, or to just take a breath and soak it all up.

Bicycle, Poniente Beach, Benidorm.

Bike with a View, Poniente Promenade

A café culture of sorts has now emerged, as well as a good number of quality restaurants.

People will often ask Why Poniente?

The wonderful Poniente promenade is one of many reasons why deciding to stay on this side of Benidorm will always be a good idea.

Paseo Maritimo de Playa de Poniente, Benidorm.

Multicoloured Paseo Maritimo de Playa de Poniente

Beachfront Activities

It will come as no surprise that like most other sun, sand and sea destinations, the beachfront takes centre stage in Benidorm.

During the summer season you have your typical range of water-based activities, from jet-ski, pedalo and boat hire to an inflatable aqua park anchored just offshore.

In the cooler months bike hire is fun, whether traditional or electric.

Alternatively, join in with one of the regular get-fit dance classes where the music always sounds better in the sunshine.

Get-Fit Dance Class, Poniente Beachfront, Benidorm.

Dance Class – Poniente Style

Intempo And The Development of Poniente

A tumultuous story lies behind the building of the European Union’s tallest residential apartment block.

Begun in 2007 the construction was almost immediately hit by a global economic crisis followed soon after by the developer going bust.

And it wasn’t until mid-2021 that Intempo was officially introduced to the world, some 14 years after the first spade had started to dig down into the earth.

Now this 47-storey, 192m high landmark is synonymous with Benidorm and the resort’s own sky high story through the decades.

Intempo Sky Resort, Benidorm.

Intempo Residential Sky Resort

Like it or loathe it, it truly is an iconic piece of architecture, in keeping with Benidorm’s DNA.

It has also led to the redevelopment of the Poniente area bringing in further quality residential apartments such as Sunset Waves.

Sunset Waves Residential Apartments, Benidorm.

Sunset Waves Residential Apartments

But our favourite has to be El Delfin which has a cute design, fabulous location on the beachfront and is just one of those places you might just like to buy if your numbers come up!

El Delfin Residential Apartments, Benidorm.

El Delfin

If you are in Benidorm, it really is worthwhile getting up close and personal with Intempo and the new buildings that are appearing at a rate of knots.

It is simply breathtaking.

Tamarind Park

Parque de Tamarindos is located right at the end of Poniente Beach, the furthest point from Benidorm Old Town.

A tranquil oasis, especially during the hot summer days, where you can find a seat and a little shade.

Or maybe burn off some holiday excess with the fitness equipment thoughtfully positioned out of direct sunlight.

Tamarind Park, Benidorm.

Tamarind Park

Poniente Street Art

One of the attractive features of a stroll along Poniente promenade is the collection of outdoor art that is on display, from modern sculpture to road signs.

They serve to elevate this seafront boulevard, enhancing the natural beauty of both the organic and man-made surroundings.

Benidorm Swans.

Hung Galaxy

The most famous of Poniente’s street art must surely be the work of Taiwanese artist Hung-Yi. His two amorous swans are adored by both tourists and residents, becoming a firm favourite for that all important Insta post.

Make sure to capture yourself, family and friends alongside the divine swans as someday they might end up in an altogether different location.

Sculpture on Poniente Promenade, Benidorm.

Consciousness by Jorge Enrique Jiménez Deredia

Costa Rican artist Jorge Enrique Jiménez Deredia has six of his ‘Journey of Life’ series of sculptures dotted in various places along the Paseo, adding huge interest and fun to what is fast becoming Benidorm’s cultural hotspot for outdoor artwork.

Shopping

Poniente is certainly not a shopper’s paradise, however, you will come across the ubiquitous Ale-Hop which has two cows standing guard outside this famous Spanish emporium.

One of which is installed on the roof, purveying all who enter.

Ale-Hop Shop, Poniente Beach, Benidorm.

Our favourite Ale-Hop

If you head away from the beachfront, a few lines back and you’ll come across the odd independent boutique shop and artisan store.

When we can, we’ll mosey on up to L’Atelier de David to get our hands on some of the finest cakes, perfect to take back to the room to accompany an afternoon tea.

Bakery Shop, Benidorm.

L’Atelier de David, Bakery Shop

Elche Park

Nestled up towards the Old Town Parque de Elche, more familiarly known as Dove Park, is a common meeting point, a place to watch the world go by and a cooling sanctuary from a fierce summer sun.

It runs parallel to Poniente Beach for a few hundred metres, has pop-up shops at certain times of the year and mini-market stalls during Fiestas.

Water Fountain, Dove Park, Benidorm.

Parque de Elche

The wonderful Poniente promenade is one of many reasons why deciding to stay on this side of Benidorm will always be a good idea

STAY

There are far fewer hotels and apartments in the Poniente area of Benidorm compared with Levante.

But this is what gives Poniente its appeal, less people means a little more space!

Most properties are situated nearer the Old Town whereas Airbnb-type accommodation is spread out over a much wider area.

Hotel Montemar

Three generations of the one family have guided Hotel Montemar through the decades.

From fishing village to one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations, you might say they’ve seen it all!

Located in one of the great Benidorm streets, Calle San Pedro, the stupendous views take in Poniente Beach, Dove Park and Benidorm Port.

The rooftop bar is cosy, not many better places in this part of town to enjoy a sundowner.

Hotel Montemar, Benidorm.

Hotel Montemar, Calle San Pedro

Hotel Torre Dorada

Part of the impressive portfolio of hotels belonging to Servigroup the Torre Dorada has that classic, Old School feel.

Something you might see in the pages of a 1970s holiday brochure – remember them!

Tucked away in a quiet area of Poniente it’s a perfect hideaway spot for those whose idea of holiday bliss is a little bit of quiet, a little bit of relaxation and a little bit of nostalgia for those glorious early days of the Package Holiday.

Lovely pool, close to the beach, gorgeous views and just around the corner from La Cala de Finestrat.

Hotel Torre Dorada, Benidorm.

Hotel Torre Dorada

Hotel H10 Porto Poniente

Arguably one of the best hotels in the Poniente area, close enough to the Old Town while sitting just over the road from Poniente Beach.

The H10 Porto Poniente makes you feel a bit special with its nautical-inspired interior and gobsmacking views from the rooftop terrace and pool area.

It’s a place for adults more than anything, with a soothing spa, quality dining options and the fabulous Marea Alta rooftop bar.

Hotel H10 Porto Poniente Rooftop Terrace and Pool, Benidorm.

H10 Porto Poniente Rooftop Terrace and Pool

Hotel Poseidon Playa

The Hotel Poseidon Playa is ideally located midway along the seafront, so that if you hang a left you’ll be heading for the Old Town while right takes you to the quieter ‘La Cala’ zone of Poniente.

Best of both worlds.

The sea views from the hotel are top draw and you will also have the luxury of an outdoor pool and garden area which is quite a rarity for Poniente.

Hotel Poseidon Playa, Benidorm.

Hotel Poseidon Playa

Dine

So many good restaurants populate the Poniente area, from the smaller and more intimate ones closer to the Old Town and the roomier, Spanish-orientated collection as you travel towards the farthest end of the beachfront.

New York 3

We adore the interior of New York 3. And the location. And the food.

Equipped for out of season with their glass doors keeping you warm while still providing views across to the beach.

And in the summer, the doors open and the sun filters through, helping to top up your tan while you eat.

Whether stopping by for a hearty lunch, a glass or two of something bubbly or a salted caramel ice cream, when we’re in Poniente we’re in New York!

New York 3 restaurant, Benidorm.

New York 3

Localolita

If Street Food ticks the box for you make a beeline for Localolita.

Life for this place began in a Food Truck before Paula and Quique opened the doors to their establishment just off of Poniente Beach.

Specialising in Burgers and Hot Dogs, they smash it – including some of the burgers!

Also an awesome view of El Delfin residential apartments as you enter the restaurant – what more could we ask for.

Localolita Street Food restaurant, Benidorm.

Localolita Street Food

Restaurante Ulia

For over 40 years Restaurante Ulia has been serving the residents and tourists of Benidorm.

They’ve got to be doing something right.

Excelling in seafood dishes, a lunchtime paella and a shared bottle of a chilled Marina Alta gets us somewhere close to heaven.

Part of the Poniente and Benidorm narrative for all those decades, Ulia has always aimed to convey a touch of class.

And, for us, they always succeed.

Restaurante Ulia, Poniente Beach, Benidorm.

Restaurante Ulia

Dove Park is a place to watch the world go by and a cooling sanctuary from a fierce summer sun

Drink

Considerably less raucous than the Levante side of Benidorm, maybe not genteel but certainly a little more, how shall we say this … refined.

Stopping off for a cooling drink or a morning coffee is one of life’s sweet pleasures, especially when on holiday.

And Poniente is the sort of place where it all makes sense – your holiday, your life.

We love it.

Refuel Bar & Terrace

Overlooking Dove Park and Benidorm Port, Refuel Bar & Terrace is the perfect somewhere to chill with a beverage sort of place.

Friendly staff, top location. And awesome food options if feeling peckish.

So as you leave the Old Town and walk along Calle San Pedro look out for the Refuel terrace, maybe one of the great spots in Benidorm for a relaxing holiday drink.

Refuel Bar and Terrace, Benidorm.

Lunch at Refuel Bar & Terrace

Los Lobos Drinks & More

We come across many people who say Los Lobos is their favourite Benidorm bar.

But we encounter thousands more who have never heard of it.

To be fair, you might just miss it as you stroll down Poniente’s promenade.

Set back a little from the front, this Dutch bolthole knocks up a juicy jug of sangria as well as the most scrumptious apple pie.

Los Lobos Drinks & More, Benidorm.

Los Lobos Drinks & More

Pachuli Bar

Right next door to Hotel Villa del Mar, Pachuli Bar is a small chiringuito-type bar serving up the most exquisite cocktails.

A friendly owner, the beach across the road and some chilled music in the background.

It’s enough to make you want to book into the Villa del Mar and make this gem of a place your local for the duration of your stay!

Pachuli Bar, Benidorm.

Pachuli Bar – Chiringuito

Baden Baden

When we decide to spend the day on the beach we invariably head for a spot on Poniente at the ‘La Cala‘ end.

Quieter, more Spanish, which we like.

But more importantly we are seconds away from Baden Baden, one of Benidorm’s best kept secrets.

Reminiscent of a time gone by, this tapas bar is the perfect antidote to the blasting furnace of an August sun, offering up ice cold drinks, tapas for lunch and a glorious selection of ice cream for later in the afternoon.

Baden-Baden Tapas Bar, Benidorm.

Baden Baden Tapas Bar

So, if you are a Benidorm regular but have yet to get yourself over to Poniente, you can see there is plenty to discover.

It’s a different sort of holiday to Levante and the New Town. While you still have access to the buzz of the Old Town, you also have the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that permeates Poniente.

So whether you decide to STAY, DINE or simply enjoy a DRINK, check out our guides to find the best places to help make your Poniente Beach dream a reality!

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