“A tale of two cities”
(Or one town… and one regional capital…)
Two of the most well-known names for travellers across Europe, Benidorm and Alicante are linked in more ways than just the tram network that connects them.
One, infamous in the minds of many, the other, overlooked by most.
Only around 90 minutes from the resorts, set beside the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and boasting 2 blue flag beaches, Benidorm’s setting is extraordinarily beautiful.
Playa de Levante (sun rise beach) Playa de Poniente (sun set beach) and Playa de Mal Pas (the cove that connects the two) are some of the most popular beaches in the entire region.
Gazing across to the famous Benidorm island (previously home to a colony of peacocks!) the beach setting is both unmistakable and iconic: the backdrop to a million photographs, holidays and memories.
Famous for its free cabaret performances, today’s Benidorm is far removed from its former reputation of package holidays and drinking.
Restaurants spill out onto the street on every corner, the surroundings are clean and the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly.
Many streets throughout the town are named after countries around the world, reflecting the uniquely cosmopolitan nature, welcoming visitors and residents from across the globe – and seeing the population rise by more than 20 times in under a century!
Underpinning and controlling the rapid growth however, is an unique ordinance. Established by the long term mayor, Pedro Zaragoza Orts in 1954, Benidorm is the only town in Spain that requires leisure land for every building, avoiding overcrowding and overdevelopment and ensuring that today, Benidorm has the air of a boutique, upmarket, seaside town far removed from its former reputation.
The Balcón del Mediterráneo
The Balcón del Mediterráneo is perhaps the most famous representation of the town’s elegance and beauty. Set on Benidorm’s Cerro Canfali rock, the balcony is also known as Mirador del Castillo, and was once home to a fortress, which between the 14th and 17th Centuries, served to protect the city against regular pirate raids.
Today it is the most photographed spot in the town and provides a stunning outlook across the bay.
ALicante
Just 30 minutes away from Benidorm, connected by a tram network that runs at least every 30 minutes, Alicante is, unfortunately, a city that like Malaga in the South, has become overshadowed somewhat in the minds of many international visitors, by the airport that bears its name.
It is a wonderful city; from its magnificent port, to its wide boulevards and beautiful squares, Alicante is a place of endless variety, with a history stretching back into antiquity.
The 9th century Santa Bárbara Castle stands at the top of Mount Benacantil overlooking the city and offers extraordinary views across Alicante and the Mediterranean. Lifts run throughout the day, and it’s an experience not to be missed.
The famous boulevard that runs parallel to the beach, the Explanada de España has restaurants along its length, along with market stalls that open late into the evening. Alicante is an easily walkable city, compact and in many parts pedestrianised, with the boulevard separating the port and beach from the old town.
Famous for its Paella, Alicante’s restaurants are typically superb, offering not just traditional Valencian cuisine, but, in common with the international nature of Benidorm and the whole region, restaurants from across the world.
BodhiGreen is one of the most highly regarded vegetarian restaurants in the region, whilst the city also has superb Indian and Thai options.
Both Benidorm and Alicante are just an easy drive away from all of the resorts and are perfect for a day out, or a weekend away.
Safe, clean and cosmopolitan, they offer typical Spanish elegance alongside all the facilities and amenities you could wish for and are perfect to explore and enjoy.
