If there’s one thing that surprised me the first time I visited Benidorm, it was how incredibly diverse the city feels depending on where you stay. Some areas are packed with nightlife and beach bars, others are peaceful and family-oriented, and a few still preserve traces of the old fishing village Benidorm once was.
The best areas to stay in Benidorm are Levante Beach, the Old Town and City Centre, Poniente Beach, Rincón de Loix, and Cala Mal Pas. Each neighbourhood has its own personality, atmosphere, and advantages depending on the kind of trip you’re planning.
At first glance, Benidorm feels a bit like a Spanish version of Miami. Towering skyscrapers rise directly beside the Mediterranean Sea, creating one of the most unique skylines in Europe. In fact, Benidorm has one of the highest concentrations of skyscrapers in the world per square metre.
But beyond the high-rise hotels and busy beaches, there’s much more to the city than many travellers expect.
Benidorm sits on the Costa Blanca in the Marina Baixa region of Alicante and stretches along more than 6 kilometres of coastline. While it’s famous for its lively tourism scene, the city also offers natural landscapes, scenic viewpoints, quiet coves, and mountain trails just minutes from the beach.
One of my favourite things about Benidorm is how easy it is to combine beach days with nature. To the east lies the beautiful Sierra Helada Natural Park, perfect for hiking and panoramic sea views, while the mountains surrounding the city create an impressive backdrop that you don’t usually associate with a beach destination.
Getting to Benidorm is also very straightforward. The city is well connected by road through the AP-7 motorway, and there are frequent buses and trains linking Benidorm with Alicante, home to the nearest international airport.
Where to Stay in Benidorm: Best Areas and Hotels
For a city with fewer than 70,000 permanent residents, Benidorm has an astonishing number of accommodation options. During the summer months, especially in July and August, the population can swell to nearly 400,000 people.
That means you’ll find absolutely everything here: luxury beachfront hotels, all-inclusive resorts, budget apartments, holiday rentals, villas, campsites, hostels, and family-run guesthouses.
One thing I quickly realised while staying in Benidorm is that choosing the right area makes a huge difference. Some neighbourhoods are ideal if you want nightlife and entertainment until sunrise, while others are much quieter and better suited for families or couples looking to relax.
The good news is that, thanks to the city’s size and transport connections, nowhere ever feels too far away. Even if you stay in one of the quieter districts, you’re usually only a short walk, bus ride, or taxi trip from the beaches, restaurants, and nightlife areas.
1. Levante Beach, the Best Area in Benidorm for Nightlife and Beach Atmosphere
If you ask me where the real heartbeat of Benidorm is, I’d say Levante Beach without hesitation. This is the city at its liveliest: endless sunshine, packed terraces, beach bars, neon lights, and a promenade that never really seems to sleep.
Levante is one of the busiest and most famous beaches on the Costa Blanca, stretching from the Balcony of the Mediterranean in the west all the way to Rincón de Loix and the foothills of Sierra Helada in the east.
The neighbourhood behind the beach, known simply as Levante, is where many visitors choose to stay thanks to its unbeatable location and energetic atmosphere.
I’ve always found Levante ideal if you want to be in the centre of the action. Hotels, apartments, bars, restaurants, and shops are everywhere, and getting around is incredibly easy thanks to Avenida del Mediterráneo, the area’s main avenue.
Of course, the beach itself is the star attraction. Levante Beach offers more than 2 kilometres of golden sand, calm waters, and plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.
The long promenade is always full of life, with cafés, ice cream shops, and terraces overlooking the sea.
One thing I really like about Levante is that it works for almost every kind of traveller. Families will appreciate the relaxed beach conditions and attractions like Festilandia, a small amusement park for children located near Avenida del Mediterráneo.
If you enjoy shopping, you’ll find plenty of souvenir stores and fashion shops around Avenida Madrid and Avenida del Mediterráneo. For something more local and authentic, though, I’d still recommend wandering into the Old Town nearby.
One of the most curious parts of Levante is the area around Gerona Street and Lepanto Street, often nicknamed the “guiri zone” by locals because of its strong British atmosphere. Walking through the pubs and bars here almost feels like stepping into a seaside town somewhere in England — except with palm trees and Mediterranean weather.
Food is another big part of the Levante experience. There’s no shortage of restaurants, whether you’re craving traditional Spanish dishes, burgers, steaks, seafood, or international cuisine.
I personally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Las Gaviotas, a classic family-run restaurant, while Tony Roma’s is always busy with visitors looking for ribs and American-style comfort food. But let’s be honest: most people stay in Levante for the nightlife.
This is easily the most vibrant nightlife area in Benidorm and one of the liveliest spots anywhere on the Mediterranean coast. The atmosphere starts early in the evening and often continues until sunrise.
Along the beachfront, places like Daytona Rock attract crowds looking for drinks and live music, while Penélope Beach Club is one of the city’s trendiest late-night venues right on the promenade.
Further inland, especially around Gerona Street, you’ll find endless British pubs, karaoke bars, live music venues, and clubs. Places like Rockstar Benidorm and Jail Rock Music and Cabaret Bar are especially popular for live performances and entertainment.
If you want a holiday filled with beach days, lively evenings, international atmosphere, and everything within walking distance, Levante Beach is probably the best area to stay in Benidorm.
Accommodation options here are endless, from budget apartments to modern beachfront hotels with sea views. Prices can vary depending on the season, but overall there’s something for every type of traveller.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LEVANTE BEACH
2. Old Town and Benidorm City Centre, the Best Area for Atmosphere and Local Charm
While Levante Beach is all about energy and nightlife, the Old Town of Benidorm offers a completely different side of the city, one that feels more authentic, relaxed, and full of character.
This is actually the part of Benidorm that surprised me the most during my first visit. Hidden between the modern skyscrapers and tourist resorts is a charming old quarter filled with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, tapas bars, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea.
The Old Town sits between Levante Beach and Poniente Beach, while the modern city centre extends further north with wider avenues, shops, hotels, and better road access.
If you’re travelling by car, staying slightly outside the old quarter itself is usually more practical since many streets in the historic centre are pedestrian-only.
It’s one of the best areas if you want to combine beaches, culture, food, and nightlife without relying too much on transport.
Historically, this is where Benidorm began as a small fishing village, and you can still feel traces of that past today.
One of the landmarks you should visit is the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, an 18th-century church dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the Virgen del Sufragio. The church sits on higher ground and adds a lot of character to the skyline of the Old Town.
Just a short walk away is the famous Punta Canfali Viewpoint, built on the rocky outcrop that separates Levante and Poniente beaches. From here, the views over the coastline are spectacular.
And then there’s the iconic Balcony of the Mediterranean, probably the most photographed place in Benidorm. Standing there at sunset, with the sea on both sides and skyscrapers rising in the distance, is one of those moments that completely changes many people’s perception of the city.
The area also has a more cultural side, with places like the Boca del Calvari Museum and the large L’Aigüera Park, which hosts events and local celebrations throughout the year.
For shopping, this is probably my favourite area in Benidorm. Streets like Gambo and Martínez Alejos are packed with boutiques, local stores, perfumeries, and souvenir shops.
I also loved wandering through the Municipal Market, especially in the morning when locals come to buy fresh fish, fruit, and traditional products. Food is another major reason to stay here.
The Old Town is packed with tapas bars and traditional restaurants, making it one of the best places in Benidorm for eating out. I still remember stopping at Tapería Aurrerá for pintxos and local wine before later ending up at La Cava Aragonesa, one of the city’s most famous tapas spots.
If you prefer dining with sea views, there are also restaurants facing the beach, while places like La Mejillonera are perfect for affordable seafood and casual meals.
At night, the atmosphere becomes lively without feeling quite as intense as Levante. There are plenty of pubs and bars around the Old Town, especially near Santa Faz Street, and several clubs nearby including La Posada and Portobello.
For me, this is the best area to stay in Benidorm if you want a bit of everything: beaches, nightlife, local atmosphere, history, shopping, and excellent food all within walking distance.
In terms of accommodation you’ll find boutique hotels, small guesthouses, apartments, and traditional stays mixed among local restaurants and cafés.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN OLD TOWN
- ($$$) RH Princesa Hotel & Spa 4* Sup
- ($$) Hotel Bristol 4 Sup
- ($) Hotel Iris
3. Poniente Beach, the Best Area in Benidorm for Families and Relaxed Holidays
If Levante Beach represents the energetic and party-loving side of Benidorm, then Poniente Beach is its calmer, more relaxed counterpart. After spending time in both areas, I completely understand why so many families and Spanish travellers prefer staying here.
Poniente has a very different atmosphere compared to Levante. The pace feels slower, the promenade is more peaceful, and the overall vibe is much more residential and laid-back. Even during the busiest summer months, it somehow manages to feel less chaotic.
The beach stretches west from the Balcony of the Mediterranean all the way to the area known as Benidorm Cove, near the hill of Tossal de la Cala, where you can still visit ancient Roman ruins overlooking the sea.
One of the things I liked most about Poniente is how spacious everything feels. The beach itself is actually longer than Levante, extending for around 3 kilometres, and in some sections it reaches nearly 100 metres in width. Even on busy days, it rarely feels overcrowded.
The recently renovated promenade is one of the nicest in Benidorm. It’s modern, clean, lined with palm trees, and perfect for long evening walks beside the Mediterranean. I found myself coming here almost every sunset just to enjoy the calmer atmosphere.
Unlike Levante, much of the area surrounding Poniente Beach is filled with modern residential buildings and quieter apartment complexes, especially around neighbourhoods like Las Lomas. The eastern side, closer to the Old Town, tends to have more hotels and tourist accommodation options.
Getting around from Poniente is very easy thanks to the Avenida de la Armada Española, which connects the beach with the rest of Benidorm by foot, bus, or car.
Another noticeable difference is the type of tourism you’ll find here. Poniente tends to attract more Spanish families and local visitors from Alicante, giving the area a more authentic and relaxed feel compared to some of the more international parts of Benidorm.
For me, one of the highlights was the small harbour located on the eastern side of the beach. There’s a yacht club here, along with opportunities to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and sailing equipment if you want to spend time on the water.
At the far western end of the beach, the Roman ruins of Tossal de la Cala are worth visiting, especially if you enjoy viewpoints and quieter corners away from the crowds.
Nearby, the Virgen del Mar Viewpoint offers some of the best panoramic views over the entire bay of Benidorm.
Shopping in Poniente is more relaxed than in the centre of the city. While the large La Marina Shopping Centre is located nearby, I personally preferred wandering along the promenade, where you’ll find smaller shops, cafés, and beachside terraces.
Food is another reason why I’d happily stay in Poniente again. The restaurant scene here feels slightly more local and less touristy, although there’s still plenty of international cuisine available.
Restaurants like Ongi Etorri are great for Basque food, while many of the seafront restaurants are ideal for long dinners with sea views and sunset drinks.
Most places along the promenade have outdoor terraces, and honestly, sitting there in the evening with the sound of the sea in the background is one of the best experiences Poniente offers.
Nightlife here is much quieter than in Levante or the Old Town, which is exactly why many people choose it. You’ll still find a few bars and beach clubs scattered around, including places like Maoi Beach Gastrolounge, but this is definitely not the area for all-night partying.
Poniente Beach is the best area to stay in Benidorm if you’re looking for a more peaceful holiday, family-friendly atmosphere, spacious beaches, and relaxing evenings by the sea without giving up easy access to the rest of the city.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PONIENTE BEACH
- ($$$) Hotel Villa del Mar
- ($$) Hotel Poseidon Playa
- ($) Hotel El Palmeral
4. Rincón de Loix, the Best Area in Benidorm for International Atmosphere and Nightlife
If there’s one area in Benidorm that truly never seems to slow down, it’s Rincón de Loix. Located at the eastern end of Levante Beach and stretching towards the foothills of Sierra Helada, this neighbourhood feels modern, lively, and incredibly international.
The first thing I noticed when staying here was the skyline. Rincón de Loix has some of the tallest buildings in Benidorm and one of the highest concentrations of skyscrapers in the city.
Towering hotels and apartment blocks dominate the landscape, giving the area a very distinctive urban beach atmosphere.
Despite how busy it can feel, getting around is surprisingly easy. The district is very well connected through Avenida del Mediterráneo and Ametlla del Mar, making it simple to reach other parts of Benidorm either on foot, by bus, or by taxi.
What I personally liked most about Rincón de Loix is that it offers much more than nightlife alone.
Even though the neighbourhood is lively and touristy, it’s also incredibly close to nature. If you walk uphill towards the edge of Sierra Helada, you’ll find quieter streets and scenic routes leading into the mountains.
One of the most rewarding walks is the route up to La Creu Viewpoint, where a large cross overlooks the city and coastline. The panoramic views from up there are absolutely worth the climb, especially at sunset when Benidorm’s skyline starts lighting up beside the sea.
Further south along the coast, I’d also recommend visiting Cala Tío Ximo, a small cove hidden between cliffs and crystal-clear water. It feels completely different from the busy atmosphere of Levante Beach and is one of the best places nearby if you want a quieter swim or a more natural setting.
Several hiking trails also begin around this part of Sierra Helada, making the area surprisingly good for travellers who enjoy mixing beaches with outdoor activities.
Another huge advantage of staying in Rincón de Loix is how close it is to two of Benidorm’s most famous attractions: Aqualandia and Mundomar. If you’re travelling with children or simply looking for a fun day away from the beach, both are extremely popular options.
Back in the centre of the neighbourhood, shopping is concentrated around Avenida del Mediterráneo and Ametlla del Mar, where you’ll find supermarkets, souvenir stores, fashion shops, and everything you might need during your stay.
The restaurant scene is also incredibly international, reflecting the mix of visitors staying in the area. One evening you can have traditional Spanish food at places like La Bahía, and the next you might end up trying Nepalese dishes at Tandoori Restaurant or Asian cuisine at China Garden.
But of course, nightlife is one of the biggest reasons people stay in Rincón de Loix. The area is packed with pubs, karaoke bars, cocktail terraces, casinos, and live entertainment venues that stay busy until late into the night.
There’s a very social atmosphere here, especially among British visitors, and it’s easy to see why so many travellers return year after year.
One of the most iconic places in the area is Benidorm Palace, famous for its live shows and cabaret performances. Meanwhile, pubs like Silver Dollar and Morgan Tavern are always lively, particularly during the evening entertainment hours.
If you prefer something more relaxed, I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Bikini Beach Bar, a beachfront cocktail bar with sea views and a terrace perfect for sunset drinks.
For me, Rincón de Loix is one of the best areas to stay in Benidorm if you’re looking for a holiday with nightlife, international atmosphere, modern hotels, entertainment, and easy access to both the beach and nature.
Accommodation options are everywhere here. You’ll find everything from budget apartments to modern high-rise hotels with swimming pools and sea views. Because of the popularity of the area, especially among international visitors, prices can sometimes be slightly higher than in quieter parts of the city.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN RINCON DE LOIX
5. Cala Mal Pas, the Quiet Hidden Gem in Benidorm
If there’s one place in Benidorm that feels completely different from the rest of the city, it’s Cala Mal Pas. Tucked away between the Balcony of the Mediterranean and the small harbour, this tiny cove is easy to miss — and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Even though it officially belongs to the Old Town, Cala Mal Pas feels like a peaceful pocket of calm in the middle of one of Spain’s busiest coastal cities.
Many people choose it for a quiet escape, a romantic stay, or a relaxed family break.
The beach is very small, just about 120 metres long and 20 metres wide, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere.
The water is usually calm, clear, and perfect for swimming, and despite its compact size, it proudly holds Blue Flag status, which says a lot about its cleanliness and quality.
One of the best things of Cala Mal Pas is how close you are to everything, while still feeling tucked away from the crowds. You can walk to the Old Town in just a few minutes, but once you’re on the beach, it feels like a completely different world.
It’s also a good spot for diving and snorkeling. Just offshore, the seabed becomes part of a fascinating underwater landscape that stretches towards Benidorm Island, including the submerged platform known as La Llosa.
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Cala Mal Pas is not isolated at all. Step away from the sand and you’re immediately in the heart of the Old Town, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, tapas bars, and small local shops just a short walk away.
It is very easy to combine a quiet beach morning with a relaxed lunch nearby or an evening stroll through the Old Town streets.
For drinks and casual evenings, there are a few laid-back spots right near the beach, such as the Mojito Bar, or the classic English pub Sherry, both perfect for a low-key end to the day without the noise of the main nightlife areas.
For me, Cala Mal Pas is the best hidden corner in Benidorm if you’re looking for something more peaceful, a place where you can still enjoy the sea, the Old Town charm, and easy access to everything, but without the crowds and intensity of the bigger beaches.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CALA MAL PAS
- ($$$) H10 Porto Poniente 4* Sup
- ($$) Hotel Villa España
- ($) Hotel Tanit