Levante is livelier with more bars and nightlife; Poniente, right by the hotel, is wider and quieter — most visitors end up using both.
Discover Authentic Benidorm: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Benidorm, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Algar Springs, the coves of Serra Gelada and the tapas bars of Los Vascos, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Benidorm
Playa de Levante
Benidorm's most famous beach — a long stretch of golden sand backed by a lively promenade of bars, shops and restaurants. It's the busier, more built-up of the city's two main beaches, and where most of the nightlife energy spills out onto the sand.
Playa de Poniente
A 3km beach on the quieter western side of the city, wider than Levante and popular with a more local crowd. Better for a long walk or an unhurried afternoon than for people-watching.
Balcón del Mediterráneo
A white stone viewpoint in the Old Town, perched between Levante and Poniente, giving you a panoramic look at both beaches and the Benidorm Island skyline at once. It's a short stop but one of the best photo spots in the city.
Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
Narrow streets, whitewashed houses and small squares on the rocky headland between the two beaches. Calle Santo Domingo — nicknamed Tapas Alley — is the place to graze on Valencian tapas and fresh seafood.
Benidorm Island boat trip
A glass-bottom boat from the port takes you out to the protected nature reserve just offshore — a straightforward half-day activity if you want a break from the beach towel.
Explore Benidorm's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Benidorm
We've mapped local spots around Benidorm, beyond the beaches and skyscrapers.
Nature & viewpoints
Coves and Serra Gelada
North of the city, the quiet coves of Tío Ximo and Almadrava are made for a swim. In Serra Gelada Natural Park, 300-metre cliffs line the path to the Albir lighthouse.
North Benidorm · Coves and natural park · Perfect for swimming and hiking
Fonts de l'Algar
Sixteen kilometres away in Callosa d'en Sarrià, a chain of waterfalls and pools. The water's colder than the sea – and worth the plunge. Open all year.
Callosa d'en Sarrià, 16 km away · Waterfalls · Made for a refreshing swim
Mirador del Castell
On the site of an old fortress, one of Benidorm's most emblematic viewpoints over the Mediterranean.
Old town · Viewpoint · Great for sea views
Benidorm Old Town
Cobbled streets, stairways and sea breezes, with shops, bars and the city's oldest monuments – far from the skyscrapers.
Old town · Neighbourhood · Perfect for a stroll
Mirador de la Cruz
Sweeping coastal views: La Cruz for sunrise, El Castillo for sunset. Which will you choose?
Viewpoints · Ideal for sunrise and sunset
Cala Almadrava
A small, quiet cove on the most hidden stretch of Benidorm's coast. Mask on, dive in.
Cove · Perfect for a quiet swim
Serra Gelada cliff route
One of the area's most spectacular walks, along cliffs with Mediterranean views and strange rock formations.
Serra Gelada · Hike · Great for views
Benidorm Island marine reserve
Several dive sites of colourful fish, rock formations and posidonia meadows.
Benidorm Island · Diving · Made for divers
Playa de Poniente
A long golden beach lined with beach bars – grab a drink by the sea as the sun goes down.
Poniente · Beach · Perfect for sunset drinks
Food, wine & crafts
Los Vascos
In the historic quarter, a little cluster of bars and restaurants serving northern Spanish tapas, pintxos and wine, their terraces melting into one. Hop from table to table.
Old town · Tapas area · Ideal for an evening out
Bodegas Enrique Mendoza
In l'Alfàs del Pi, carrying on an Alicante winemaking tradition that goes back to the 6th century BC. Tours cover every stage, ending with tastings straight from the barrel.
L'Alfàs del Pi · Winery · Made for wine lovers
Agost ceramics
Agost's pottery workshops pass their craft down the generations. The local white clay keeps water cool – take home a jug.
Agost · Craft workshops · Great for souvenirs
Day trips
Villajoyosa chocolate
A coastal town nearby, famous for chocolate and turrón factories dating back to the 18th century, with tours.
Villajoyosa · Chocolate factories · Perfect for chocolate lovers
Guadalest
One of Spain's most beautiful villages, 23 km away, with a ruined castle perched on a rock above the old quarter.
Guadalest · Village · Ideal for a day trip
Altea
Twenty minutes away, the 'cultural capital' of the Valencia region: white houses between mountains and sea.
Altea · Village · Made for culture
La Nucía
Twelve kilometres away: hidden trails and the Font de la Favara spring, with its 5-metre waterfall.
La Nucía · Nature · Great for walking
Finestrat
The 'window to the sea', with coastal views and a fine historic quarter, 20 minutes away.
Finestrat · Village · Perfect for views
Calpe
Beaches, trails and history beneath the towering Peñón de Ifach, 25 km away.
Calpe · Town · Ideal for a day by the sea
FAQ
Compact and whitewashed, with the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint and Tapas Alley on Calle Santo Domingo as the main draws, sitting on the headland between the two main beaches.
About 15 minutes on foot, with Playa de Poniente right next to the hotel itself.
Yes. The coves of Tío Ximo and Almadrava, north of the city, and the coastline of Serra Gelada Natural Park are much calmer than the main beaches.
A chain of waterfalls and freshwater pools 16 km from Benidorm in Callosa d'en Sarrià, open all year.
Head to Los Vascos in the old town, a cluster of bars serving tapas, pintxos and wine.
Where to Sleep in Benidorm
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Benidorm