The Picturesque Allure of Benidorm Old Town

Benidorm Old Town is a picturesque maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, tiled plaza squares, and whitewashed houses. Traditional Spanish architecture is prevalent among the residences, shops and restaurants lining the streets. This is characterized by whitewashed stucco walls, arched doorways, low-pitched, shingle roofs, and small balconies with wrought iron railings. Houses and establishments are no more than four storeys high, and the higher floors feature windows or doors that open onto a balcony looking out into the street. Many of these balconies are adorned with potted plants and flowers, with some even crawling with pretty vines.

LIFESTYLE AND ACTIVITIES

Unlike other areas of Benidorm such as the city centre and the famous Rincón de Loix, the Old Town is a peaceful place with a dated yet charming atmosphere. It sits on the coast, near beaches and a natural park, and close to a wide array of amenities and services within the city. Furthermore, while the Old Town has its share of bars and cafés, Levante—with its abundance of nightlife activities from casinos to dinner shows—can easily be reached in only a few minutes by foot.

Living in Benidorm Old Town provides one with the ease and convenience of being close to a lot of important establishments and leisure facilities; all the while residing in an environment that is unlike the rest Benidorm. In addition, many parts of the Old Town do not permit vehicles and are therefore more tranquil than other areas. The place is a quaint, peaceful and historic haven where residents and visitors can breathe the authentic air of a traditional Spanish town, while still being able to enjoy the amenities, services and sights of the big city.

ATTRACTIONS

Balcón del Mediterráneo

At the edge of Punta del Canfali—the promontory in which the Old Town lies—is Balcón del Mediterráneo, a large observation plazza and platform looking out onto the sea. The area is a gigantic balcony in the shape of a pentagon, situated at the base of white-stone steps leading down from Mirador del Castell. From here, people can see and truly appreciate the splendor of the Mediterranean as far as the horizon stretches. Since Punta del Canfali separates the two beaches of Poniente and Levante, the Balcón also offers views of both beaches, as well as the rows of skyscrapers that make up Benidorm’s skyline.

Mirador del Castell

The Balcón del Mediterréneo actually sits on the base of the rocky remains of a centuries-old castle fortress. Known as Mirador del Castell, the area features a long flight of white-stone stairs leading up to a spacious outdoor deck with tiled floors and intricately designed stone pillars. The Mirador offers a piece of history, as well as gorgeous views of Benidorm and the Mediterranean Sea. There are benches for those who want to relax, take photos or just take in the fresh sea breeze and ocean scenery. Though it has been developed, some of the castle’s remains still stand.

Plaza de Santa Ana

Plaza de Santa Ana is a large, tiled plaza square with panoramic views of Benidorm and the Mediterranean Sea. It can be reached as one ascends to the Mirador del Castell. Here you will find 4 iron cannons each pointing to a cardinal point. These cannons are part of what remains of the old castle fortress when it was destroyed in the 19th century, and have since been preserved to represent a piece of the town’s history.

The Church of Saint James and Saint Anne (Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Anna)

This church is a testament to Old Town’s rich and long-standing history. Built in the 1700’s, Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Anna is a beautiful hilltop church featuring neoclassical architecture, with whitewashed walls and shiny, blue domes typical in Mediterranean structures. Inside is a statue of the Virgen del Sufragio, the patron saint of Benidorm, encased in her own small chapel. The statue is a wooden sculpture that was said to have been found adrift on the high seas bearing no significant damage despite being in the water.

Elx Park (Parque de Elche)

Situated between Old Town and Mas Pas Beach, Parque de Elche is a spacious public park popular for the large pool-like fountain in the center. Lots of towering palm trees occupy the fountain’s surrounding area. Benches are positioned under the palm fronds, and are ideal for people who want to relax in the shade. Flocks of doves visit the park, and visitors are even encouraged to bring nuts or bread to feed the gentle and friendly birds. At night, the fountain is beautifully-lit, and on some evenings, bands or dancers will perform for the public.

Mal Pas Beach (Cala del Mal Pas)

With the most visited and well-known beaches in Benidorm being Levante and Poniente, this beach is often overlooked, making it a relatively ‘hidden gem’. Cala del Mal Pas is located between Playa Levante and Playa Poniente, nestled between Punta Canfali and Benidorm Port. With a shore length of only 120 meters and a width of 30 meters, it offers a quieter and more secluded atmosphere. Though small, the beach-cove has been a constant recipient of the Blue Flag since 1987, and features fine, golden sand and sparkling blue waters with gentle waves.

Across the beach is Benidorm Island which is home to La Llosa, a submerged platform and marine reserve. Scuba divers enjoy exploring the island and its underwater splendor. For those who prefer to relax, the Mal Pas offers sunbeds for rent. Other facilities include foot showers, restrooms and a First Aid station.

Benidorm Marina (Puerto Deportivo de Benidorm)

Benidorm’s spacious marina serves as not only a port for sailboats and yachts, but also a scenic setting for visitors to unwind and enjoy the port atmosphere. Fronting the marina are numerous bars, cafés and restaurants offering outdoor seating facing the water. Patrons can dine or enjoy cold beverage while appreciating the fresh sea breeze and lovely views, especially during sunsets.

At night the marina comes alive, with waterfront bars featuring live music and dancing.

Club Náutico de Benidorm

Situated on the Benidorm Marina, Club Náutico de Benidorm is a yacht club with an in-house restaurant featuring indoor and roof terrace seating. No membership is required to enter, and visitors are welcome to relax and enjoy the views. Club Náutico also offers rental packages for yacht and boat hire which include a skipper and some drinks to be enjoyed while cruising on the water.

Plaza Mayor

Located in Paseo de la Alameda, along Calle Gambo and Calle Mayor, Plaza Mayor features a large square with tiled floors and multiple archways. Within the square are outdoor tables belonging to the restaurants and cafés. Shops and services are found on the second floor and feature a wrap-around terrace with white balustrades and small hanging lamps. Plaza Mayor is home to many lovely cafés and shops selling handmade crafts and local goods.

BEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS IN OLD TOWN

Much of Old Town’s gastronomic options are tavern-style restaurants along the narrow cobblestone streets, and open-air cafés in the squares or on the seafront. The following are a selection of recommended restaurants, cafés and bars in Benidorm Old Town:

D-vora Gastrobar – modern Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine; floor-to-ceiling glass windows and balcony with ocean views

Bar Mal Pas – Mediterranean restaurant with two sections: seafood and steak, serving freshly prepared, home-cooked meals

Taberna Saltoki – modern Spanish restaurant with a buffet option; known for their paellas in large servings good for groups

Italian Twist –stylish and cozy Italian restaurant run by the owners; known for their wide array of pasta dishes freshly made with authentic Italian ingredients

Restaurante Marisquería Córdoba – seafood restaurant known for their special seafood paellas served in large portions good for groups

Restaurante Son De Mar – luxurious restaurant on the waterfront with large glass windows offering views of the sea, and ample outdoor seating; serves authentic Spanish cuisine dishes and seafood plates

Mandolino Beach – cozy and modern Italian restaurant on the beachfront; has an in-house bar with a large selection of cocktails, wines and beers

O’Maras Benidorm – English pub that serves a wide variety of cocktails and beers along with a variety of British cuisine

BENIDORM OLD TOWN MARKET

Much like Benidorm’s Town Centre, Old Town has an outdoor market popular with many locals and tourists. The market is located on the upper end of Old Town, and is open every Wednesday morning. Here one can find a wide array of stalls selling everything from fresh local produce and fish, to cured meat, bargain clothes, accessories and handmade leather goods.

SHOPPING AT BENIDORM OLD TOWN

Passeig de la Carretera on the northern end of Old Town is the area’s main shopping district. Both sides of the long avenue are lined with clothing and shoe stores, and shops selling sporting goods, house décor, jewelry, and other items. This main avenue also branches off into smaller streets where a variety of shops and stalls can be found. A few cafés, restaurants and hotels are situated along Passeig de la Carretera as well, making it an ideal place to stay when visiting Old Town.

TYPES OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE AND RENT IN BENIDORM OLD TOWN

Residential properties in Benidorm Old Town mostly consist of apartments that are patterned after the area’s iconic architecture—with stucco walls, low-pitched shingle roofs, and casement windows opening onto small balconies. Many apartments feature a quaint and traditional-Spanish façade, with modern interiors and furnishings that provide a cozy home to their occupants. Residents will enjoy the balconies with ornate iron railings, as they look out into the charming cobblestone streets and plazas of the Old Town.

You are near to lovely outdoor cafés, tapas bars, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and the beach is only a stroll or bicycle ride away. Here you can take advantage of a more peaceful atmosphere and convenient location with picturesque surroundings.