This resort town in Valencia is a big hit with British tourists for its low-priced imported beers, award-winning beaches and easy access to one of the most incredible mountain ranges in the Med
This seaside Spanish resort town is rated by tourists for its pristine beaches and, surprisingly, its pubs. In fact, British tourists accounted for 45% of overnight stays in this city alone in 2024, totalling over 600,000 visitors.
Benidorm is the town in question, sitting in the middle of the Costa Blanca—Spain’s eastern coast. It has been named the second-best holiday destination for a pub experience, and it’s no surprise as to why. Benidorm has 32 British pubs, the majority of which stream live sports daily. Benidorm pubs are also notorious for their very low beer prices, with imported and domestic beers averaging £2.49 per bottle. These are better prices that you can find in London, to say the least.
For these reasons, searches in the UK for ‘British pub Benidorm’ have increased by 50% in the last 12 months. But Benidorm has so much more to offer, low price beer aside.
Benidorm is one of Costa Blanca’s biggest resort towns and has a bounty of beaches and coves to explore. And despite the crowds of British tourists that visit the town each summer, Benidorm has maintained its dedication to quality and sustainability. Benidorm beaches are maintained at a high standard and have been the recipient of numerous awards. Three Benidorm beaches have even received the celebrated Blue Flag award for their commitment to environmental protection and education, as well as superior water quality.
Here are a few of Benidorm’s best beaches and coves:
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Poniente Beach : this is the town’s largest beach at over 3 kilometres long. It is
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quieter than the nearby Levanate beach but has great beach facilities and is defined by fine golden sand. Poniente beach has held its Blue Flag status since 1987.
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Mal Pas Beach : nestled between Levante and Poniente, this small cove is an underrated gem. Mal Pas is just behind Benidorm Island and has maintained its Blue Flag status since 1987.
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Tio Ximo Cove : sitting at the foot of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, this quiet cove is an ideal sport for snorkellers to explore the area’s rocky seabeds. The cove is also a great escape from the busier Cala del Tío Ximo beach.
While the pubs, beaches and resorts offer much to enjoy already, it would be a shame not to explore the Sierra Helada mountain range which separates Benidorm from the other coastal resort of Albir. Set within a 5,600 hectare natural park—Valencia’s first marine and terrestrial park, in fact—the mountain’s seven peaks are laden with hiking trails of varying difficulties.
If you’re looking for an easier route, try one of the cove circuits beginning at Levante beach. And if hiking is really not your forte, simply stroll along the seafront promenade and soak in the sun while shopping.
