Things to do and see in Benidorm – All the ingredients for family fun
Take a large helping of sand, sea and sun, spice it up with some exciting theme parks, mix in some familiar food and child friendly evening venues and you have the recipe for a perfect family holiday in Spain!
The really good news is that none of the ingredients are expensive and are all easy to find.
Family attractions in Benidorm, like theme parks, are all within reach of the Benidorm city centre, so take advantage of combination offers or one or two week family holiday tickets which are tremendous value for money.
Don’t forget the big Benidorm attraction that started it all – the long sandy beaches. In between hectic visits to theme parks take time out to enjoy Benidorm’s most important natural assets that transformed the former sleepy fishing village into the holiday haven it has become. Build a sandcastle, take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters and bask in the sun.
Levante, Poniente, and Malpas Beaches
The name Levante means sunrise, and this is the beach where all the action is. Most of the popular hotels are nearby and this is where most water sport activities take place. There are also many restaurants, bars and shops here, and it can get quite crowded in peak season.
If you have young children who have a tendency to wander off and get lost in a crowd ( like they do!) try the quieter Poniente (Sunset) beach, which is more favoured by locals and is separated from Levante by a rocky outcrop and Benidorm ‘Old Town’. Less “touristy” and having a beautiful new promenade, it is the perfect place to watch the sunset, hence the name.
Malpas can be loosely translated as “difficult to access” which it isn’t now, but still has that “private beach” feel – great if you have teenagers that want to work on their tan, but are not keen on too much action! Right next to the town centre, it makes a great place to chill out after a bout of shopping!
Alternative family activities in Benidorm
Benidorm is a place where boredom is strictly forbidden, even for teenagers! If watersports are not their thing, why not take them on a Jeep Safari? Off-road vehicles take you out of the city up into the mountains, through valleys, along a dried river bed, into remote villages for refreshments and for a refreshing dip under a beautiful waterfall. You can take a full or half day trip, or a Moonlight Safari with a barbeque in a quaint mountain village.
You could also try Paintballing for the over 12’s, in a private wood containing three “war zones”. The company supplies overalls, masks, semi-automatic weapons and ammo, all you need to do is to take suitable footwear for all that ducking, diving and running! With both activities, the company will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
Evenings out in Benidorm
In the evenings there are plenty of family friendly bar/restaurants that cater for the fussiest of eaters, or if they’re learning Spanish at school, give them a chance to practice in the “tapas alley” of the old town. One thing I noticed, back in the day when taking a siesta was the norm in Spain, was how late the children stayed up! Older kids might enjoy an evening at the one and only Benidorm Palace, especially if they are fans of the popular British sitcom! The decor is plush, the food is good and the show spectacular!
For younger ones, the Benidorm Circus is on once a week in the Big Top behind Benidorm Palace and no animals are involved but they will see some breathtaking acrobatics, mad clowns and appreciate the storyline of a youngster who dreams of joining a circus, and grows up to become ringmaster.
Pick’n’mix
One thing’s for sure in Benidorm – no activity is likely to be cancelled due to rain! If you have only one week, and your kids are theme park mad, it’s possible to visit all of the five most popular ones by planning ahead though allow a full day for the vast Aqualandia water park or the Rio Safari Elche which is 70km from Benidorm and the other side of Alicante.
If you are visiting for two weeks, why not alternate theme park trips with a day on the beach or a jeep safari into the mountains – you’ll still have time to revisit your favourite theme park too.
Theme Parks in Benidorm
You are spoilt for choice with the diversity and quality of theme parks in Benidorm and how many you decide to visit largely depends on the length of your stay and your family’s interests.
There are parks that cater for animal lovers, like Terra Natura, Rio Safari Elche and MundoMar whilst roller coaster fans will love Terra Mitica, and the “wet set” can enjoy the fabulous Aqualandia water park or Aqua Natura adjacent to Terra Natura.
The Spanish were quick to realise that even though visitors from cooler European countries were desperate for a holiday in the sun, they were inclined to start wilting in the heat once there, and have incorporated shady picnic areas and soaking opportunities into their thrill or animal based theme parks.
Terra Natura
Terra Natura is wildlife park spread over 320,000 sqm divided into four themed zones and designed to allow visitors to get close to the animals via walk through enclosures and the use of invisible barriers. Their natural habitats have been replicated using vegetation of the area and there are talks, shows, donkey rides and a 400 ft zip wire which gives an exciting overview of the park.
Aqua Natura
Aqua Natura is right next door to Terra Natura, so you can easily visit both on the same day if time is tight, or save money by buying combination tickets which give you entry to both parks on different days. Aqua Natura’s latest addition, La Cresta, is Europe’s first zero gravity water attraction – it has to be done! There are spiral flumes, parallel slides and a wave pool, sea lion shows, an aquarium and a watery playground for small children alongside one of the relaxation zones.
Terra Mitica
Thrill ride fans will not be disappointed when they visit the “land” of Rome in Terra Mitica which boasts Europe’s longest wooden roller coaster, Magnus Colossus, and Europe’s first ball coaster, Inferno, or “Greece”, which is home to all kinds of spinning, rocking and swinging things..
The area themed as Egypt has rides and play areas for smaller children, and a new bathing area with fountains and shady spots has been created.
There is also a 5D cinema, shows and street performers, themed restaurants and shops.
MundoMar
Synchronised swimmers and playful dolphins “dance” together in MundoMar’s spectacular dolphin show, and sea lions get their turn to show off too!
For a special holiday treat you can swim with dolphins and sea lions for around 80 euros, about half the price of Florida!.
There are performing parrots whilst exotic birds, turtles, penguins, monkeys and lemurs all reside in this park. There is also a giant aquarium and an underwater viewing area to watch dolphins at play, and if you’re around during feeding times you may get a chance to help the keepers out.
Aqualandia
Europe’s largest water park, Aqualandia, is next door to MundoMar and has a huge range of attractions catering for all age groups and for the lazy as well as the daring! Experience the high speed drop slides like Big Bang or Kamikaze; work out in the water gym; drift along the lazy river; bob about in the wave pool or just watch the little ones splash around in Adventureland.
Aqualandia is beautifully landscaped and has plenty of shady relaxation areas, lots of fast food outlets and all areas are well supervised.
Rio Safari Elche
Rio Safari Elche wildlife park is near Santa Pola, just outside Alicante and about 50 minutes drive from Benidorm.
An orchard of 4000 palm trees provides shelter for the animals, and you can take a guided train ride all around the park. There are sea lion shows and performing macaws, donkey and camel rides, as well as a children’s play area with go-carts, trampolines and a swimming pool with slides.
There is an opportunity to swim with sea lions or be a keeper for the day for a special holiday treat.
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