With golden-sand beaches rimmed by tall buildings, Benidorm is a bustling Mediterranean beach town on Spain’s eastern coast — the famed Costa Brava. At the Playa de Levante, one of Benidorm’s biggest draws, the beach descends gently into the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea, creating an exceptional site for swimming, jet skiing, and kayaking. A waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and cafes skirts the beach, providing convenient spots to grab a bite. In the evenings, Benidorm switches into nightlife mode, and the bars and clubs buzz with music until the early morning hours.

Benidorm’s central location on the Costa Blanca makes it easy to explore neighboring cities and attractions. Take a day excursion to Altea, a hillside port city overlooking the sea, for example, or drive up to the scenic mountain village of Guadalest.

If you’re flying into the Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), the airport that serves the Costa Blanca region, the 36-mile drive to Benidorm takes 45 minutes or so. You can rent a car at the airport terminal, or take a taxi to your villa in Benidorm. Alternatively, you can hop on the Alsa bus, which offers regular service from the airport to Benidorm throughout the day. Alicante is connected to major cities in Spain and France by railway, and if you’re arriving there by train, you can transfer to a Alicante Metropolitan tram line that goes directly to Benidorm. Local buses and taxis can ferry you around town, and a commuter line connects Benidorm to surrounding cities.

The Mediterranean climate of eastern Spain lends itself to lolling about the beach or wandering through Benidorm’s narrow streets all year round. That said, summer days can get hot and muggy, cooling off slightly in the evening, and you may want to wear a sun hat or at least sunglasses to protect against the bright Mediterranean light. If you are visiting the Costa Blanca in the winter, the weather is cooler and more overcast, and the beaches less crowded, but the temperatures rarely dip below freezing and the town celebrates some of its biggest festivities during that time. January 5, for example, is Three Kings Day, when many families in Spain exchange gifts and the city holds a parade and fireworks display. In February or March, Benidorm turns out for Carnival, and intricate costumes, dancing, and music animate the streets.

Benidorm Old Town

The old town of Benidorm is perched on a small hill between the city’s two main beaches and framed by the skyscrapers in surrounding neighborhoods. Here you’ll find a beautiful plaza, narrow streets lined with quaint cafes, some of Benidorm’s most beloved restaurants, and the picturesque Església de Sant Jaume i Santa Anna church.

Sierra Helada Natural Park

The Sierra Helada Natural Park, located to the northeast of town, will sweep you away from the city. A network of paths lead you up to cliffs that tower 1,300 feet above the water and to the Albir Lighthouse, as well down to secluded coves. Along the way, you’ll take in sweeping views of the Sierra Helda Mountains, the cityscape, and the Mediterranean.

Balcon del Mediterraneo

The Balcon del Mediterraneo is a dazzling white viewing platform that overlooks the sea. It is located on the site where an old fortress once guarded the city just south of Old Town. Stairs lead up to a platform adorned in Moorish style, with a dramatic black-and-white checkered floor, and to a ledge that offers sweeping views of Benidorm’s rocky coastline.