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In Benidorm’s Tapas Alley there is no better place to illustrate the wisdom of an old Spanish proverb, ‘La comida entra por los ojos (Food enters through the eyes)’.
As you meander along Calle Santo Domingo, the glorious multitude of tapas and montaditos on display is all that is required to immediately whet one’s appetite and, a little later, to enhance the taste of each carefully selected dish.
Tapas Alley Display
Like most things in Spain there is a story behind an idea.
The various ”origins” of tapas have a different story depending on who you’re talking to!
According to one of the tales, tapas began in Andalucía during the 13th century when King Alfonso X of Castile recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small portions of food between his main meals.
Impressed by this recuperative combination, he decreed that taverns could not serve wine unless accompanied by a small snack – typically placed on top of the glass as a ‘cover’ to keep flies out.
And as the Spanish word ‘tapa’ literally means ‘cover’ or ‘lid’, so tapas was born.
Another tale suggests that tavern owners noticed strong-smelling cheese could mask the taste of poor-quality wine, so they began offering free cheese slices with each drink!
Whatever the true origin, by the late 19th century, the custom of serving small portions of food with drinks had spread throughout Spain, evolving from a practical necessity into a beloved cultural institution.
Tapas Together
So, for Spaniards, tapas represents far more than just food; it embodies a nation’s social philosophy.
The act of ‘ir de tapa‘ (going for tapas) is central to Spanish social life – it’s about conversation, connection, and community.
And unlike formal dining where you might remain at one table for hours, tapas culture encourages movement, exploration, and spontaneity. Spaniards rarely eat tapas alone; they’re designed for sharing, creating a natural opportunity for interaction, inclusivity and togetherness.
Benidorm’s transformation from a small fishing village to one of Spain’s premier tourist destinations in the 1960s and 70s brought dramatic changes to the coastal landscape, but the Old Town remained relatively untouched.
Calle Santo Domingo (pre-Tapas Alley days) and its surrounding streets had always housed taverns and small eateries serving local fishermen and residents.
And as tourism boomed, Mayor Pedro Zaragoza Orts (the visionary behind modern Benidorm) recognised the need to preserve authentic Spanish culture alongside the developing beach tourism.
The Old Town, with its traditional architecture and narrow streets, became a protected cultural area.
During the 1980s, several family-run restaurants along Santo Domingo began specializing in tapas to showcase Spanish cuisine to visitors.
What began as scattered establishments gradually coalesced into a gastronomic corridor now known as Tapas Alley.
Calle Santo Domingo
By the 1990s, it had gained a level of fame even among Spanish tourists as a place where traditional tapas culture flourished despite the resort’s international character.
Today, you could say that Tapas Alley stands as a testament to Benidorm’s success in balancing innovation with tradition.
While the beaches and nightlife attract millions, this culinary corner offers something different – a chance to experience the Spain of small moments, friendly conversations, and flavours passed down through generations.
And this ‘Real Spain’ feel is precisely why it has become one of Benidorm’s must-visit destinations, loved by everyone seeking experiences beyond the sun lounger and hotel buffet!
La Antigua Sidrería
OK, some will say Tapas Alley has evolved into a tourist trap but this would be unfair.
The ‘alley’ and the small enclave surrounding it have proudly held onto that original essence and continue to bring people together – locals and visitors alike – in celebration of Spain’s time-honoured tradition of breaking bread, sharing stories, and savouring life, one small plate at a time.
We have come across many a mystified tourist searching for Tapas Alley with no success, even with the assistance of Google!
The best thing to do is head for Plaza de la Constitución, Benidorm’s main Old Town square which intersects with a few delightful streets that together create the tapas experience.
Once you arrive here, you will see Hotel Queens, Bar 69 and Oliver’s Bar.
Plaza de la Constitución
And directly opposite this triumvirate you will notice the most famous tapas bar in Benidorm, La Cava Aragonesa and the start of Tapas Alley.
La Cava Aragonesa
It’s important to remember that you have many Old Town streets converging with Calle Santo Domingo to create an expanded Tapas Zone with Tapas Alley its beating heart.
Street names to look out for include Calles de Martinez Oriola, del Rosari, Santa Faz and Sant Miguel.
Together they form a labyrinth of foodie heaven, with a charming surprise appearing at every turn.
The hotchpotch of buildings, often cascading with bougainvillea, and providing an occasional glimpse of the Mediterranean, create an atmosphere so different from the beachfront promenade just minutes away.
Calle del Rosari
it's about conversation, connection, and community
The beauty of tapas is the shareability, tasting something for the first time that a friend had ordered.
Yet you are invariably drawn to the dish or dishes that made you originally fall in love with tapas.
Here’s a few of our own:
Fresh prawns sizzling in garlic-infused olive oil and a touch of chilli, typically served in a traditional clay pot that keeps the oil bubbling hot.
Don’t forget the bread for that all important dipping!
These creamy béchamel fritters come with various fillings, but the jamón and wild mushroom versions seal the deal every time.
Small green peppers fried and sprinkled with sea salt. Approximately one in ten peppers is spicy, adding an element of chance to each serving!
Lunchtime in the Alley
Simply calling this dish spicy meatballs doesn’t come close to defining a particular favourite of ours.
An infusion of white wine, parsley, smoked paprika, garlic, cumin and black pepper elevates the humble meatball to an altogether different level.
A simple yet classic ‘omelette’ that only the Spanish can conjure from an egg, onion and potato. If you find the right place with the right tortilla, you’ll keep on returning for something that can taste sublime on a good day!
Anchovy fillets drenched in olive oil, vinegar and garlic. Bread and aioli on the side and a dry fine Manzanilla sherry to accompany a dish that shouts out Spain!
Took a while to get a taste for Jamón but then we encountered a quality cut and were forever hooked on this monumental slice of Spain. Now happy to dig a little deeper and pay that little bit more for the best.
Northern Europeans, especially the Brits (we include ourselves here) just can’t seem to get the hang of enjoying the tapas experience Spanish-style.
Sharing stuff doesn’t really play a part in our culture (unless a wedding buffet counts!) and skipping from one bar to the next we associate with a bar crawl, not a tapas crawl.
But, to get you in the mood for your first or next visit to Tapas Alley, let’s appreciate how the locals Do Tapas:
Rather than settling in one location, visit multiple establishments, having one or two small plates at each. This approach allows you to sample different specialties and experience various atmospheres.
Spaniards eat late. The ideal time for tapas is between 1:30-3:00 PM for lunch or after 8:30 PM for dinner. Arrive earlier, and you’ll be dining among tourists or on your own; come at Spanish hours, and you’ll be surrounded by locals.
El Rincón del Ribera before the rush!
In traditional places, you’ll point to what looks good behind the glass counter. In more modern establishments, you’ll order from a menu. Don’t be shy to ask for recommendations – “¿Qué me recomiendas?” will usually prompt enthusiastic suggestions.
Tapas are meant to be shared. Order several plates for the table rather than individual portions. This communal approach enhances the social experience and allows everyone to taste more varieties. And yes, sometimes you might have to share your favourite!
In most places, you’ll pay before leaving even if you are ordering and eating at the bar. Some traditional establishments still use the charming system of marking your bill in chalk on the bar, tallying it up when you’re ready to move on!
Fresh prawns sizzling in garlic-infused olive oil and a touch of chilli
Benidorm Old Town is an awesome place.
Made better by the creation and development of Tapas Alley.
If you’ve never been, it’s an absolute must-do.
If you’ve been before, time to go again.
Benidorm, like no other!
