Benidorm is a coastal city in the Valencian Community, Spain, known for its tall buildings, lively nightlife, and sandy beaches. It attracts tourists and families and offers solid infrastructure for remote workers. The vibe is touristy but comfortable.
Food options include local paella, seafood, and tapas plus international restaurants like British, Italian, Chinese, and Indian. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Many places serve late into the night.
Nightlife is lively with pubs, nightclubs, and cabarets. English Square is a hotspot for late-night bars and clubs.
There are traditional Spanish cafes and some specialty coffee shops, but coffee culture is modest.
Tipping is appreciated but not required. Rounding up fares or giving 5-10% in restaurants is common.
SIM cards available at Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar stores. ID is required. eSIM is becoming more common depending on provider and device.
The city is generally clean, especially in tourist areas, with regular street cleaning and recycling options.
Many bars and clubs open late. Some convenience stores and pharmacies operate 24/7 or have on-call hours.
Supermarkets like Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, and Consum sell international and local goods. Smaller shops and the municipal market offer fresh produce. Hours are typically 9am-9pm, closed or reduced on Sundays.
Most places accept cards, but carry some cash for small shops and markets.
ATMs are common around the city, especially near banks like CaixaBank, Santander, and BBVA. Some charge fees, so use major bank ATMs if possible.
Local Spanish schools are available. The British School of Benidorm provides education in English. Early application is recommended for international schools.
Benidorm has a small digital nomad scene compared to bigger cities. Remote workers find cafes but few meetups.
Parks like Parque de Elche and Parque de la Aigüera provide green spots. Sierra Helada nearby offers more nature access.
Running routes include beachfront promenades and natural park trails; safety and air quality are generally good.
Several gym and sports facilities are available.
Tennis and padel courts are available at clubs and hotels, with bookings and some rentals.
Padel courts exist alongside tennis options with coaching available.
Yoga studios and wellness centers offer classes and spa services, often with English instruction.
Karate, Taekwondo, and boxing gyms are present. Access to specific gyms like BJJ or Muay Thai is limited nearby.
No skiing nearby; nearest resorts are hours away.
Jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing are common along the beaches.
Surfing is limited due to the sheltered bay. Waves are small and inconsistent.
Diving and snorkeling around Benidorm Island are popular with good visibility and marine life.
Benidorm has good healthcare with English-speaking staff at Hospital Clínica Benidorm and other centers. Both public and private options are available.
Tap water is safe to drink, though some prefer bottled water due to taste.
Lots of family attractions, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. Baby supplies are easy to find.
Benidorm is welcoming to LGBTQ+ visitors, with dedicated bars, events, and good legal protections.
Pet-friendly spots and vet services are growing. Several parks and accommodations allow pets. Spain has strict pet entry rules.
Power supply is stable with rare outages.
Benidorm is known for its long sandy beaches with good facilities and easy access.
Mountains near the city offer hiking and nature experiences.
Be the first to share your experience at this place