Although many may not believe it because of its modern and cosmopolitan image, Benidorm is a town that has a long historical legacy. The New York of the Mediterranean, is known worldwide for its skyscrapers, but some archaeological sites such as Tossal de La Cala or an old town that still preserves the flavour of yesteryear give us the opportunity to travel to the past and get to know the essence of the Benidorm of yesterday. when this great town was just a small fishing town.
The old town of Benidorm is the true nerve centre of the town. Delimited by the sea, the Elche Park (dove park) and the Plaza de la Hispanidad - known as the Plaza Triangular -, the historic old town was born around the church of Saint James and is home to the oldest buildings and the most charismatic streets of the area.
Discover the old town of Benidorm by visiting its 7 essential sites!
Did you know that Benidorm has a castle? Or rather, had. At the exact point where Benidorm enters the sea, known as Punta Canfali, hundreds of years ago an old fortress stood to defend the locals against the constant attack of Berber pirates.
Thanks to the most recent excavations, it is now known that that small castle was built around the 14th century and that it was demolished around 1812 when the French Invasion took place.
Currently, although everyone in Benidorm knows this area as “the Castle”, you can find a small square with some areas of glass paving that reveal the archaeological remains of the ancient walls. A very interesting place surrounded by the spectacular panoramic views of the beaches of Benidorm.
So much so that during the summer this square hosts "Les Nits al Castell", evenings in which different craft stalls, street artists and live music are set up that fill the old town of Benidorm with joy.
If there is an emblematic image of the town of Benidorm (not counting its skyline, of course), it is that of the Balcón del Mediterráneo (Mediterranean Balcony). A beautiful viewpoint that rises above the sea connected to the Plaza del Castillo by a white staircase that exudes Mediterranean flair.
Any visitor worth their salt has to take a photo at this iconic place! The viewpoint has a pentagonal shape and is surrounded by a beautiful balustrade. In the centre is a huge compass rose (or wind rose) that evokes old navigation charts. Without a doubt, it is a most picturesque corner.
In 1986, what was the first artificial geyser in all of Spain was installed right in front of the viewpoint. The water emanating from this particular fountain reached 100 meters high and made up a unique image with the Island of Benidorm (Peacock Island) in the background. Unfortunately, its difficult maintenance led the City Council to turn off this iconic jet forever. Will they ever bring it back?
Very close to the Plaza del Castillo is the charming Church of Saint James and Saint Anna. The temple was built in 1740 when the image of the Virgin of Suffrage, patron saint of Benidorm, miraculously appeared.
The exterior appearance of the church is simple with a traditional Mediterranean style, crowned by the classic blue ceramic domes that can be found in most towns and cities in the area. A hallmark of identity. As for the interior, its neoclassical style ornamentation and the side chapel where the statue of the Virgin is located stand out, and which receives hundreds of visits from believers every day.
When you visit the old town there are some streets that you should walk through. These are the most famous!
The Paseo de la Carretera is the main artery of the old town and is also known as Calle del… oopsss! (Ask someone from Benidorm). Around this pedestrian avenue there are different areas to visit depending on what you feel like doing at each moment of your visit to Benidorm.
The streets adjacent to the Paseo de la Carretera are known as “Los Vascos” and are an ideal area to go for tapas and enjoy the lively atmosphere all around you. A few meters further on, around Alicante Street, there are numerous LGTBIQ+ venues that fill the town with partying on Pride dates. Also very close is Los Gatos Street, also called El Callejón, full of party venues. And, a little further on, don't miss the Gambo Street, which is the most important shopping street in Benidorm, where you can find international brands and local shops ideal for buying a special souvenir.
Which is your favourite?
Sheltered from the old town, the town of Benidorm has a small marina, the heir to the old fishing dock that existed in this place until the end of the last century.
Nowadays, it is worth visiting this area to walk the elevated promenade that separates the dock from the open sea until you reach the lighthouse. Its views and marine atmosphere are quite an attraction.
In addition, boats leave from this point every day to visit the Island of Benidorm or the Island of Tabarca, excursions that are very interesting if you are going to spend a few days on vacation in the town.
Few know that the town of Benidorm, in addition to its well-known Levante and Poniente beaches, has the picturesque Cala del Mal Pas, located just below the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, from which it can be accessed by a staircase.
You can also reach it from the port, and it is a quiet and family-friendly alternative to the town’s large beaches.
Mal Pas Beach has all the quality recognitions, such as the prestigious Blue Flag, which year after year is awarded, in recognition for the services and maintenance of its 120 meters of sand and crystal-clear waters.
This palm grove next to the sea is the meeting point par excellence for the inhabitants of Benidorm, since it was the first park in the town and has seen generations of Benidorm residents grow up.
The park owes its name to the Alicante city of Elche, the municipality with the most palm trees on the entire European continent, and at the entrance there is a statue of the Lady of Elche, an icon of said municipality.
This park is always full of life with people doing sports, children playing and adults practicing chess or gathering to enjoy the a cappella choral singing that is so popular in this area every morning.
As an anecdote, it is worth noting that the much-missed mayor of the town, Mr. Pedro Zaragoza, promoter of the transformation of Benidorm into a tourist town in the 1960s, installed a small stone in the park's fountain with the inscription “You should live with illusion.” as a response to so many wrong voices that did not trust in his successful initiatives that made Benidorm today a town known throughout the world.
Visiting the old town of Benidorm is very easy from anywhere in the town. Whichever hotel you choose to enjoy your holiday, you will always be able to reach this place that is the heart of the town in just a few minutes. Don't miss it on your next visit to the town!
Do you want to know the most beautiful town in the province of Alicante? If you travel to Benidorm, you will have no excuse to miss it. And it is that less than half an hour from your hotel you can enjoy this little corner of unsurpassed beauty: Guadalest.
The picturesque old town full of attractive museums, a beautiful castle and a spectacular reservoir surrounded by unspoiled nature are just some of the reasons why it will steal your heart. An immense lake with turquoise waters ideal for walking and even taking a bath.
