| With an official registered population of around 67,000 people, it also attracts a large number of part-time residents who like to spend several month of the year her but still maintain their own homes in other parts of Europe and the world. On top of this, it welcomes an average four million holidaymakers per year, the majority of whom are regular visitors – some of them visiting several times each year.
Benidorm, which has often been compared to New York because of its tall buildings and sleek town centre, offers the formula for the perfect holiday – no matter what your age or what you are looking for. If you want to step back in time and relax in a quaint, typically Spanish atmosphere, a stroll along the headland between the two main beaches will be ideal; but if you prefer to be in the hub of activity and enjoy a lively night out with a wonderful selection of bars, clubs and discos, then you will also be able to choose from a great selection of venues.
For beach lovers, the town boasts some of the country’s cleanest coastline. Thee are two main beaches – the Levante and Poniente – both of which stretch for kilometres and offer beautiful white sand and the shade of exotic palm trees. Swimming from these two beaches is safe for the family as the water shelves gradually and undercurrents are rare. However, at some parts of the Levante beach, the bathers’ may encounter a layer of rock just off the shore. Both beaches offer hire of sun loungers, shades, pedal boats, etc. and there are lots of bars and restaurants along the seafronts to make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty.
If you prefer smaller covers and rocky bays, there are three other lesser known beaches – the Mal Pas at the foot of the headland next to the harbour, and the Ti Ximo and Almadrava at the northern end of the Levante beach towards neighbouring Albir.
These are wonderful spots for snorkelling but do watch out for the sea urchins whose spikes can be quite nasty.
For those looking for really solitary bathing, a trip to Peacock Island is well worth it. Boats – either a regular ferry or the marvellous glass-bottomed variety – leave every hour or so from the harbour. The island is a bird sanctuary and it is possible to walk up to the summit, after which you can enjoy the food and drink at the bar restaurant. Members from the local Poseidon diving club can often be seen exploring the sea around the rocks.
The old town is also well worth a wander round, with its narrow streets that still somehow manage to accommodate delivery vans and cars. The hustle and bustle of the shops and bars in the mornings and evening disappears in the heat of the afternoon as local residents take their siesta and a peaceful hush settles.
The modern part of the town centre, however, is where the discerning shoppers head for, with glamorous designer boutiques rubbing shoulders with cheap and cheerful 100 peseta shops and expensive jewellers share a pavement with value for money shoe shops.
For the more active, there are lots of energetic things to choose from, from water sports and adventure activities to family days out at one of the local attractions. Choose the thrilling rides of the Terra Mitica theme park, the animal antics at Terra Natura nature reserve, the splashing fun of the Aqualand water part or the marine wonders of Mundomar. All these parks make for a great day out and, in comparison to other parts of Europe, are great value, particularly if you ask about special offers.
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