Alicante
Alicante combines golden beaches, a hilltop castle, a walkable old town, and a brilliant food scene. Here is everything your family needs to know.
0 guides · Valencia & Costa BlancaExplore →
🇪🇸Benidorm
Benidorm on the Costa Blanca offers families Blue Flag beaches, Aqualandia, Terra Mítica, and a charming Old Town. Sun, fun, and great seafood await.
Your family guide
Benidorm with kids: beaches, water parks and Spanish sun
“Playa de Levante at sunset: golden sand stretching for miles, families everywhere, the water so calm toddlers can wade out to their knees. This is Benidorm stripped of the stereotype.”
— San & Jo
Benidorm has a reputation, and honestly, it earns it. This Costa Blanca resort town is loud, proud, and packed with things to do. But once you look past the high-rises and the neon, you find three stunning Blue Flag beaches, warm Mediterranean water, and a laid-back pace that makes it easy to just switch off and enjoy yourselves.
The beaches here are the real star of the show. Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente are long, wide, and well-organised, with calm water that is safe for little ones to splash around in. When you need a break from the sand, there is no shortage of things to do. Aqualandia, Terra Mítica, and Mundomar animal park are all within easy reach, and the Old Town offers a quieter, more traditional side of Spain that is well worth exploring.
Benidorm works brilliantly as a beach base. You can keep it simple and spend most of your days on the shore, or you can pack your itinerary with theme parks and day trips to nearby coves. Either way, your family is going to have a great time.
300+ sunny daysper year
3 Blue Flag beachessince 1987
Costa BlancaProvince of Alicante, Spain
Best things to do
Best things to do in Benidorm
Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente
These two sweeping Blue Flag beaches are the heart of Benidorm. Levante is the livelier of the two, while Poniente tends to feel a little calmer and less crowded. Both have soft golden sand, gentle waves, and plenty of sunbeds and beach bars to keep everyone happy for hours.
Poniente is a quieter choice for families with toddlers
Half day to full day
Aqualandia water park
Opened in 1985 as Spain's first water park, Aqualandia is one of the biggest in Europe and home to the continent's highest waterslide. There are wave pools, lazy rivers, and plenty of gentler slides for smaller kids alongside the thrill rides for older ones. Check the official website for current prices before you visit.
Arrive early to beat the queues in peak summer
Full day
Terra Mítica theme park
One of Spain's largest theme parks, Terra Mítica is divided into five themed worlds: Rome, Greece, Egypt, Iberia, and the Mediterranean Islands. There are roller coasters, water rides, and live performances spread across the park. It is a big, exciting day out for families who love a proper theme park experience.
Check the live show schedule when you arrive to plan your day
Full day
Mundomar animal park
Mundomar is an urban animal park right in Benidorm where your kids can get up close with sea lions, dolphins, parrots, and reptiles. There are interactive experiences including the chance to swim with sea lions and dolphins, which tend to be a huge hit with children. Book interaction experiences in advance as they fill up fast.
Dolphin and sea lion experiences need to be booked ahead
3-4 hours
Benidorm Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Tucked behind the beaches, the Old Town is a lovely contrast to the resort buzz. Wander the narrow, winding streets, browse the local shops, and stop at the Church of San Jaime with its striking blue dome. It is a great place to have lunch and let the kids explore at a slower pace.
Early morning is the best time to explore before it gets busy
2-3 hours
Balcón del Mediterráneo
This popular viewpoint sits right in the Old Town and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of both Playa Levante and Playa Poniente stretching out on either side. It is free to visit and makes for a brilliant photo stop. Kids love spotting landmarks from up high.
Visit at sunset for the most dramatic light
30 minutes
Sierra Helada Natural Park
Just on the edge of Benidorm, Sierra Helada is a natural park with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and beautiful underwater scenery. You can explore by boat or kayak, and there is a white lighthouse at the tip of the headland. It is a wonderful escape from the busy resort and a reminder of how wild this coastline can be.
Boat trips from the harbour are a fun way to see the cliffs
Half day
Cala de Finestrat
About 3 kilometres from the city centre, this charming cove has fine golden sand and clear water that is perfect for snorkelling. It is smaller and quieter than the main beaches, which makes it a lovely option for a half-day escape. Water sports are available for families who want a bit more action.
Great for snorkelling thanks to the clear, calm water
Half day
Our verdict
How Benidorm scores for families
Kids
Between the Blue Flag beaches, water parks, a theme park, and an animal park, Benidorm ranks among the most activity-rich family destinations on the Spanish coast. Activities span every age group.
Culture
The Old Town, the blue-domed churches, and the local food scene offer a real taste of Valencian culture. It is not a deep cultural destination, but there is more here than the resort reputation suggests.
Food
Fresh seafood, rice dishes, and traditional tapas sit alongside international restaurants on every corner. The local food is excellent if you seek it out, and there is no shortage of family-friendly options.
Nature
Sierra Helada Natural Park and the nearby coves are genuinely beautiful, but nature is not the main draw here. It is a bonus rather than a reason to visit.
Budget
Benidorm is famously affordable by Spanish resort standards. Accommodation, food, and entertainment are all reasonably priced, making it a solid choice for families watching their budget.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay in Benidorm?
3
3 days
Quick taste
Enough for the main beaches, the Old Town, and one big attraction like Aqualandia or Terra Mítica.
sweet spot
5
5 days
Sweet spot
Time to enjoy the beaches at a relaxed pace, visit two or three attractions, explore the Old Town, and take a half-day trip to Cala de Finestrat or Sierra Helada.
7
7 days
Full holiday
A week lets you do it all without rushing. Beaches in the morning, attractions on cooler days, and plenty of time to simply relax.
Fun facts
Things to know about Benidorm
Spain's tallest building (for a while)
The Gran Hotel Bali, opened in 2002, stands 186 metres tall and was the tallest skyscraper in Spain for five years. Your kids can spot it easily from the beach. It is hard to miss.
Europe's highest waterslide
Aqualandia is not just one of Europe's biggest water parks. It is also home to the highest waterslide on the continent. That is quite a claim to fame for a town on the Costa Blanca.
A case for UNESCO status
Sociologist Mario Gaviria has campaigned for Benidorm to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, arguing that around 250 million people have visited over the years and that it helped make a summer holiday accessible to everyone.
Taste Benidorm
What to eat with your family in Benidorm
Arroz a banda
Local favouriteRestaurante Ulia, Poniente Beach
Rice slow-cooked in a rich fish broth and served with alioli on the side. This is the local rice dish of the Valencia region and one of the most satisfying things you can eat in Benidorm. The kids may need some persuading, but most come round quickly.
Seafood paella
Must tryRestaurante Ulia, Poniente Beach
You are on the Costa Blanca. Paella is not optional. The local version is packed with fresh prawns, mussels, and squid and cooked to order. Look for restaurants that make it in big pans and ask you to wait. That is always a good sign.
Patatas bravas and tapas
Kids love itD·Vora Gastrobar, Old Town
The Old Town is the best place to graze on traditional tapas. Patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), and local pebrot (peppers with fish) are all easy wins for families. Order a few plates and share them around the table.
Coca rellena and local pastries
Daily treatLocal bakeries in the Casco Antiguo
Benidorm has its own sweet specialities worth tracking down. Coca rellena is a stuffed pastry that makes a great morning snack, and the sweet potato pastries are a local favourite. Pick them up from a bakery in the Old Town for a cheap and cheerful treat.
Fideuà
Safe choiceRestaurante Ulia, Poniente Beach
Think of fideuà as paella's noodle-based cousin. It is made with thin pasta instead of rice, cooked in a seafood broth until golden and slightly crispy at the edges. It is a Valencian classic and a great way to introduce kids to local flavours.
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