A 3-day itinerary is the perfect amount of time to get a true taste of Benidorm, balancing relaxation, cultural exploration, and the city’s famous energy.

Here is a detailed, balanced 3-Day itinerary designed to cover the best of the city and its surroundings.

🗓️ Your 3-Day Benidorm Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to give you a mix of beach time, exploration, and the city’s best entertainment.

🗺️ Day 1: The Heart of Benidorm (Coast, Culture & Cuisine)

The first day is all about immersing yourself in the classic Benidorm experience.

Morning: The Energy of Levante Beach

• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: After checking in, head straight to Playa de Levante. Rent a sunbed and an umbrella and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere. The beach is perfect for swimming, and the promenade offers easy access to coffee and refreshments.

Lunch & Old Town Exploration

• 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch: Grab a casual bite at one of the countless cafes along the Levante promenade.
• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Old Town Sights: Walk towards the city center and delve into the narrow streets of the Old Town.
  • Find the Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana, the beautiful blue-domed church.
  • Walk over to the iconic El Balcón del Mediterráneo (The Balcony of the Mediterranean). Take some time here to appreciate the panoramic views across the two bays—it’s the perfect spot for photos.

Evening: Tapas Alley Dinner

• 6:00 PM onwards: Head to Calle Santo Domingo (Tapas Alley). This is a must-do Benidorm experience.
  • The Plan: Engage in tapeo (tapas hopping). Start at one bar, order a drink (caña or a glass of wine), and enjoy their specialty tapa. Then, move to the next.
  • Must-Try: Look for local specialties like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or quality jamón (cured ham).
• Post-Dinner: If you still have energy, walk along the quieter Poniente Promenade to take in the evening sea air.

🎢 Day 2: Action, Views, and The Strip

Day two offers a choice between an adrenaline-fueled day or a more active, scenic nature experience, capped by the city’s legendary entertainment.

Morning: Choose Your Adventure

• Option A: Theme Park Thrills: Spend the day at Terra Mítica, Spain’s premier theme park. Focus on the signature roller coasters and major rides based on ancient Mediterranean history. Plan to arrive right at opening to beat the crowds.
• Option B: Nature and Views: Head to the eastern edge of the city and begin the hike up to La Cruz (The Cross) in the Serra Gelada Natural Park. This short, rewarding climb offers the absolute best views of the Benidorm skyline.

Lunch & Afternoon Relaxation

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Lunch: If you chose the theme park, eat there. If you chose the hike, grab a well-deserved lunch near the Mal Pas Beach or the port area.
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Poniente Chill: Settle on Playa de Poniente. Its modern promenade and calmer vibe make it a perfect place to unwind after a busy morning.

Evening: Benidorm’s Famous Nightlife

• 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Dinner: Enjoy an international meal in the Rincón de Loix area, preparing for the evening’s excitement.
• 9:00 PM onwards: Entertainment:
  • Cabaret Show: For a spectacular, professional show, book tickets for a dinner or drink-and-show package at the famous Benidorm Palace.
  • The Strip: Alternatively, immerse yourself in the high-energy British nightlife along the Calle Gerona strip, stopping at various bars for live music, comedy acts, and late-night karaoke.

⛵ Day 3: Water Fun and Coastal Charm

The final day balances aquatic fun with a relaxing exploration of a nearby coastal jewel.

Morning: Splash into a Water Park

• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Dedicate your final morning to one of Benidorm’s renowned water parks to cool off:
  • Aqualandia: Famous for its exhilarating slides, including the towering Verti-Go.
  • Aqua Natura: A more compact park that focuses on marine environments and has a fantastic wave pool.

Afternoon: Day Trip to Altea

• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch: Have a quick lunch near your hotel or the bus station.
• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Explore Altea: Take a short, inexpensive local bus or TRAM ride north to Altea (about 15 minutes).
  • This town is Benidorm’s beautiful opposite: quiet, bohemian, and preserved.
  • Wander up the steep, cobbled streets to the picturesque Old Town (Casco Antiguo).
  • The centerpiece is the blue-domed Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Browse the art galleries and craft shops along the square before heading back to Benidorm.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

• 7:00 PM onwards: Return to Benidorm for your last meal.
• Recommendation: Treat yourself to a traditional Paella or Arroz a banda at a restaurant near the port or on the Poniente promenade. It’s the perfect way to cap off your Valencian coast adventure.

📝 Pro-Tip: Add on a Hidden Cove

If you find yourself with an extra few hours, consider heading to Cala Tío Ximo or Cala Almadrava (located behind the Rincón de Loix area). These smaller, rocky coves are perfect for a quiet swim or some snorkeling and offer a stunning, natural escape from the city beaches.

Planning Summary of 3-Day Trip

• Pace: This itinerary is intentionally packed to show you the diversity of Benidorm. If you prefer a slower pace, dedicate an entire day to either the theme parks or an extended hike/boat trip to Benidorm Island.
• Transport: For local travel within Benidorm (to theme parks or the start of the Serra Gelada hike), taxis/VTCs are affordable and efficient, especially when split among a group.
• Culture Shock: Be prepared for the contrast. Day 1 moves from the British vibrancy of Levante to the Spanish calm of the Old Town. This is Benidorm’s signature charm.
• Timing Tip: Everything in Spain runs later. Lunch starts around 1:30 PM, dinner at 8:30 PM, and nightlife peaks well past midnight. Adjust your internal clock!

Photos of Benidorm Trip Suggestion