A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Benidorm: The Manhattan of the Mediterranean

Introduction

Benidorm, located in the province of Valencia, Spain, is a coastal city that has earned the nickname "The Manhattan of the Mediterranean" due to its impressive skyline of skyscrapers. Known for its golden sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and warm climate all year round, Benidorm attracts millions of tourists each year.

Beaches

Benidorm is famous for its two main beaches: Levante Beach and Poniente Beach. Levante Beach, with its lively promenade, is popular among tourists seeking a festive atmosphere, while Poniente Beach is quieter and more family-friendly. Both beaches are of fine golden sand and are flanked by the city's impressive skyline of skyscrapers.

Skyscrapers

Benidorm has the highest concentration of skyscrapers per inhabitant in the world, surpassed only by New York. The tallest of them is the Gran Hotel Bali, which at 186 meters high, is the tallest habitable building in all of Europe outside of Russia. The view from its viewpoint on the 45th floor is simply spectacular.

Theme Parks

Benidorm is also home to several theme parks. Terra Mítica, one of the largest theme parks in Spain, offers a variety of attractions based on the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean. Aqualandia, a huge water park, and Mundomar, a marine park with dolphins and other marine animals, are also great attractions for families.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Benidorm is vibrant and varied, with something for everyone. From quiet, cozy bars to bustling nightclubs, the city is full of life after dark. The area known as "The Square" is particularly popular for its concentration of bars and clubs.

Natural Environment

Beyond the beaches and skyscrapers, Benidorm is surrounded by natural beauty. The Sierra Helada Natural Park, to the east of the city, offers stunning sea views and trails for walking or cycling. The Peñón de Ifach, a huge rock rising from the sea in nearby Calpe, is another popular destination for nature lovers.

Cuisine

The cuisine in Benidorm is as varied as its visitors. From authentic Spanish dishes like paella to international cuisine, there is something for every taste. The city is also famous for its tapas, and many bars offer "tapas tours" for visitors to sample a variety of these small Spanish dishes.

Gastronomic Products of Benidorm

• Rices

  Benidorm, like the rest of the Valencian Community, is famous for its rice dishes. The most well-known is paella, but you can also find other varieties such as arroz a banda, black rice, or baked rice. All of them are cooked with fresh and local ingredients, giving them a unique and delicious flavor.

• Fish and Seafood

  Given its location on the coast, Benidorm offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. Local restaurants usually have dishes such as dorada, sole, prawns, or crayfish on their menu. In addition, many of them offer the possibility to choose the fish or seafood you prefer directly from the fishmonger to be cooked at the moment.

• Alicante Nougat

  Although nougat is a typical Christmas sweet throughout Spain, in the province of Alicante, where Benidorm is located, one of the country's most famous nougats is produced. Alicante nougat is a hard sweet made with almonds, honey, and egg white. It is a product with Protected Designation of Origin, which guarantees its quality and authenticity.

• Mistela

  Mistela is a sweet wine typical of the Valencian Community that is usually taken as an aperitif or after meals. It is made from muscatel grapes and its sweet and smooth flavor makes it highly appreciated by both locals and visitors.

Sports Activities in Benidorm

Cycling

Benidorm is a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts, with a large number of routes offering stunning views of the coast and surrounding mountains. There are also numerous companies that offer bike rentals and guided tours.

Hiking

The area around Benidorm is ideal for hiking, with a variety of routes that vary in difficulty. The Sierra Helada Natural Park is a particularly popular place to explore on foot.

Water Sports

Thanks to its location on the coast, Benidorm offers a wide range of water sports. You can try surfing, paddle surfing, diving, water skiing, paragliding and much more.

Golf

Benidorm boasts several high-quality golf courses, making it a popular destination for lovers of this sport. The courses offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the impressive mountainous landscape.

Places near Benidorm

If you are in Benidorm and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Altea, a gem of the Costa Blanca in Spain, enchants with its cobblestone streets, white houses and sea views. Its rich Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes such as paella and fresh fish, attracts lovers of good food.

Calpe, a gem of the Costa Blanca in Spain, offers stunning beaches, the iconic Peñón de Ifach and a rich Mediterranean cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and the famous paella. A perfect destination for food and sun lovers.