Benidorm Beaches

Overview

Benidorm is famous worldwide as a fantastic beach holiday destination, and for good reason. Its coastline is dominated by impressive stretches of fine, golden sand awarded Blue Flag status for their quality and cleanliness. The Mediterranean waters here are typically calm and clear, perfect for swimming and enjoying the Spanish sun. While known for its vibrant atmosphere, Benidorm offers diverse beach experiences suitable for everyone, from families seeking relaxation to couples and groups looking for lively fun.

The city boasts two magnificent main beaches separated by the charming Old Town and the iconic Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint. To the north lies Playa de Levante, the energetic heart of Benidorm's coast, buzzing with activity and close to countless bars and restaurants. To the south, Playa de Poniente offers a more relaxed and spacious environment, favoured by families and those wanting a quieter day by the sea. Tucked beneath the viewpoint is the picturesque cove of Playa Mal Pas, offering lovely views and a slightly more secluded feel right in the centre.

Beyond these famous stretches, Benidorm and its surroundings hide smaller, more intimate coves like Cala Tio Ximo and Cala Almadrava near the Sierra Helada natural park, offering a different, quieter experience often popular for snorkelling. For those willing to venture a bit further, the stunning beauty of coves like Platja Granadella makes for a memorable day trip along the Costa Blanca. Explore our full guide for even more beach options in and around Benidorm.

Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of Playa de Levante, the relaxed expanse of Playa de Poniente, or the charm of smaller coves, Benidorm delivers. The main beaches are connected by a long, scenic promenade perfect for strolling, and significant efforts have been made to ensure accessibility for visitors with mobility issues. Benidorm truly caters to all kinds of beach lovers.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Benidorm a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Benidorm is very well-known for its beach holidays. It boasts long, wide sandy beaches like Levante and Poniente, which have Blue Flag status, indicating high standards of cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. The beaches offer calm waters, extensive facilities, and a long promenade, making it a popular choice for many types of beachgoers.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Is Benidorm just for young partygoers, or is it suitable for families and older couples too?

While Benidorm has a lively nightlife scene, particularly around Levante beach, it caters to a diverse range of visitors. Poniente beach is generally quieter and more popular with families and older visitors. The resort offers numerous family-friendly attractions, accessible facilities, and varied entertainment options, making it suitable for all age groups.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

What's the main difference between Levante Beach and Poniente Beach?

Levante Beach is known for its lively, bustling atmosphere, proximity to bars and nightlife, and a younger crowd. Poniente Beach, located south of the Old Town, is generally longer, wider, quieter, and more popular with families and those seeking a more relaxed experience. Both are sandy and have excellent facilities.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Can you swim in the sea in Benidorm? What's the water like?

Yes, swimming in the sea is very popular in Benidorm. The water is generally calm, clear, and relatively warm, especially from June to October. The main beaches have gentle slopes into the sea, making them suitable for swimmers of varying abilities. Water quality is typically excellent, contributing to the beaches' Blue Flag status.

Which area is best to stay in for easy beach access in Benidorm?

For direct access to Levante beach and proximity to nightlife, staying in the 'New Town' is ideal. For easier access to the generally quieter Poniente beach, look for accommodation along its promenade or in the surrounding area. Staying near the Old Town provides good access to both main beaches and the smaller Mal Pas cove.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Playa Mal Pas

Are Benidorm beaches sandy?

Yes, Benidorm's main beaches, Levante and Poniente, are known for their fine, golden sand. Mal Pas beach, located between the two main beaches, is also sandy. This makes them ideal for sunbathing, walking, and playing.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Playa Mal Pas

How much does it cost to rent sunbeds and umbrellas on Benidorm beaches?

The cost for sunbeds and umbrellas can vary slightly but typically ranges from €5 to €7 per item (sunbed or umbrella) per day. You can usually rent them directly on the beach from designated vendors. Prices may fluctuate slightly depending on the season and specific beach location.

Are the main beaches in Benidorm usually very crowded?

Levante and Poniente beaches can get very busy, especially during peak season (July and August). Levante tends to be the most crowded due to its proximity to entertainment venues. Poniente, being larger, can sometimes feel less packed, particularly further away from the Old Town. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the biggest crowds.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Which beach is better for families in Benidorm?

Poniente Beach is often recommended as being more suitable for families. It's generally quieter than Levante, has more space, features children's play areas directly on the sand, and the sea often has calmer waves. However, Levante also has good facilities and shallow waters, making it viable for families too.

Playa de Poniente

Playa de Levante

Which beach is closer to the nightlife and bars?

Levante Beach is right next to the main area for nightlife, bars, and clubs in Benidorm's 'New Town'. The promenade along Levante is lined with numerous places to eat and drink, staying lively well into the evening.

Playa de Levante

Are Benidorm's beaches accessible for people with disabilities or mobility issues?

Yes, Benidorm has made significant efforts to ensure beach accessibility. Both Levante and Poniente beaches have designated accessible points with ramps, adapted toilets, shaded areas, and amphibious chairs available to help people with reduced mobility access the water, often with assistance available during specific hours in peak season.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Are there rules about drinking alcohol or smoking on the beaches in Benidorm?

Regulations can change, but generally, consuming alcohol directly on the sand may be subject to local ordinances and potentially fines, although it's common at beach bars along the promenade. Smoking restrictions have been implemented on many Spanish beaches, including potentially sections of Benidorm's beaches; look for signage indicating smoke-free zones ('playa sin humo'). It's best to check current local rules upon arrival.

Are there quieter beaches or coves near Benidorm away from the main crowds?

Yes, besides the main Levante and Poniente beaches, Benidorm has smaller coves like Mal Pas (between the two main beaches, can still be busy) and, slightly further out, Cala Tio Ximo and Cala Almadrava at the foot of the Sierra Helada natural park. These offer a different, more rugged and intimate beach experience, popular for snorkelling, though facilities are more limited.

Playa Mal Pas

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Platja de l'Almadrava

Is it easy to walk between the main beaches (Levante, Poniente) and the Old Town?

Yes, it's very easy to walk. The Old Town sits on a headland separating Levante and Poniente. A scenic promenade connects both beaches, running along their entire length and through the Old Town area (via Mal Pas beach and the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint). Walking the full length of both beaches is a popular activity.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Playa Mal Pas

Are there lifeguards and first aid facilities on Benidorm's main beaches?

Yes, during the main bathing season (typically from Easter/Spring through to Autumn), Benidorm's main beaches (Levante, Poniente, Mal Pas) have lifeguard services and first aid points. Look for the flags indicating bathing conditions and the presence of lifeguards.

Playa de Levante

Playa de Poniente

Playa Mal Pas