The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Travel on the Costa Blanca
If you’re looking for sunshine, beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unbeatable value for money, Benidorm remains one of Europe’s top destinations for cheap holidays. Known for its year-round warm climate, affordable accommodation, and wide range of activities, Benidorm offers everything from budget-friendly beach escapes to lively party breaks—all without breaking the bank.
This comprehensive guide will show you how to plan a cheap holiday to Benidorm, including when to travel, where to stay, how to save money, and what to do on a budget.
🌴 Why Choose Benidorm for a Cheap Holiday?
Benidorm has built its reputation as one of the most affordable Mediterranean destinations, especially for travelers from the UK and across Europe.
Key Reasons:
- Competitive flight prices
- Wide range of budget hotels and apartments
- Affordable food and drink options
- Free beaches and attractions
- Excellent public transport and walkability
Unlike many Spanish coastal resorts, Benidorm is designed for tourism—meaning value deals are everywhere.
✈️ Cheap Flights to Benidorm (Alicante Airport)
Benidorm doesn’t have its own airport. Visitors fly into Alicante Airport, located around 60 km away.
How to Get Cheap Flights:
- Book 6–8 weeks in advance
- Travel midweek (Tuesday–Thursday)
- Avoid school holidays
- Use flight comparison websites
- Be flexible with dates
Average Flight Prices:
- Low season: €30–€80 return
- High season: €100–€250 return
Budget airlines regularly offer deals, making Benidorm one of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe.
🚐 Getting from Alicante Airport to Benidorm
After landing, you’ll need to reach Benidorm.
Budget Options:
- Shuttle buses
- Private Airport Transfers for Groups
- Public transport
Best Value Option:
Private airport transfers offer:
- Fixed pricing
- No waiting time
- Direct hotel drop-off
This is especially useful for groups, as the cost per person becomes very low.
🏨 Cheap Accommodation in Benidorm
Benidorm is famous for its wide range of accommodation options, from budget apartments to all-inclusive hotels.
Budget Accommodation Types:
1. Apartments
- Ideal for groups
- Self-catering saves money
- Prices from €40–€80 per night
2. Budget Hotels
- 2–3 star hotels
- Central locations
- Prices from €50–€100 per night
3. All-Inclusive Deals
- Great for controlling spending
- Food and drinks included
- Often cheaper than eating out
📍 Best Areas to Stay Cheap
1. Levante Area
Near Playa de Levante
- Lively atmosphere
- Close to nightlife
- Budget hotels and apartments
2. Poniente Area
Near Playa de Poniente
- Quieter and more relaxed
- Often cheaper accommodation
- Great for families
3. Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
- Traditional charm
- Affordable guesthouses
- Close to major attractions
🍽️ Cheap Food & Drink in Benidorm
One of the biggest advantages of Benidorm is how affordable food and drink can be.
Budget Dining Tips:
✔ Menu del Día
- 3-course meal
- Includes drink
- €10–€15
✔ Tapas Bars
- Small plates
- Cheap and authentic
✔ British Cafés
- Full English breakfasts
- Budget-friendly options
✔ Supermarkets
- Ideal for self-catering
🍹 Cheap Drinks & Nightlife
Benidorm is famous for its nightlife—and it’s surprisingly affordable.
Typical Prices:
- Beer: €2–€3
- Cocktails: €5–€8
- Happy hour deals everywhere
Nightlife is concentrated around:
- Levante area
- The Strip
- Old Town bars
🏖️ Free & Cheap Things to Do
You don’t need to spend much to enjoy Benidorm.
1. Beaches (Free)
Both Levante and Poniente beaches offer:
- Clean sand
- Sunbathing
- Swimming
2. Visit the Old Town
Explore traditional streets and visit the famous
Balcón del Mediterráneo
3. Walk to La Cruz
Hike up to
La Cruz de Benidorm
- Free activity
- Incredible views
4. Benidorm Island Boat Trip
Visit
Benidorm Island
- Affordable excursions
- Great for a half-day trip
5. Promenade Walks
Walk along:
- Levante promenade
- Poniente promenade
Perfect for sunsets and people-watching.
🎢 Budget Attractions
While some attractions require tickets, deals are often available.
Popular Options:
- Water parks
- Theme parks
- Boat tours
👉 Tip: Book online in advance for discounts.
📅 Best Time for Cheap Holidays
Timing is everything when booking a budget trip.
Cheapest Months:
- January
- February
- November
Mid-Range Prices:
- March, April, October
Expensive Periods:
- July & August
- School holidays
👉 Best balance: May, June, September
💰 Money-Saving Tips
✔ Book Packages
Flight + hotel deals can be cheaper than separate bookings.
✔ Travel Off-Peak
Avoid peak tourist months.
✔ Share Accommodation
Split costs with friends or family.
✔ Use Public Transport
Cheap and reliable.
✔ Look for Deals
Many bars and restaurants offer promotions.
👨👩👧 Cheap Family Holidays
Benidorm is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Spain.
Why it’s great for families:
- Safe beaches
- Affordable attractions
- Family hotels
- Easy transport
Children’s entertainment is widely available, often included in hotel stays.
🎉 Cheap Party Holidays
Benidorm is famous for nightlife, making it ideal for budget party trips.
Why it’s popular:
- Cheap drinks
- Free entry bars
- Live entertainment
- British-style nightlife
🧳 Sample Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
4-Day Cheap Holiday Example:
- Flights: €60
- Accommodation: €120
- Food & drinks: €80
- Transfers: €20
- Activities: €40
Total:
👉 ~€320 per person
🌍 Why Benidorm is Still the Best Budget Destination
Compared to other European destinations:
| Destination | Cost Level |
|---|---|
| Ibiza | Expensive |
| Mallorca | Medium |
| Benidorm | Budget-friendly |
Benidorm offers more value for less money.
❤️ Final Thoughts
A cheap holiday to Benidorm doesn’t mean compromising on experience. In fact, it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy:
✔ Beautiful beaches
✔ Great weather
✔ Affordable food and drinks
✔ Exciting nightlife
✔ Family-friendly attractions
All at a price that suits almost any budget.
✈️ Plan Your Cheap Benidorm Holiday
To make the most of your trip:
- Book flights early
- Choose budget accommodation
- Use private transfers for convenience
- Explore free attractions
🏁 Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a short getaway, a family holiday, or a party trip, Benidorm remains one of the best-value destinations in Europe. With the right planning, you can enjoy an unforgettable Mediterranean holiday without overspending.
