By Irena Bodnarec

Benidorm is the top European holiday destination for Brits – and it´s not hard to understand why.  Its success is based on two main attractions – long stretches of white sandy beaches and a micro climate that guarantees almost year round sunshine.

The ITV Benidorm series has certainly bought the resort to the forefront of peoples minds, but has perhaps left them with a slightly distorted image of what it is really like. Many people that have a negative impression of the resort, base their opinions solely on watching the series – which is a tongue in cheek poke at stereotypical working class people taking their annual holiday. They imagine the resort over run with drunken Brits and Stag & Hen parties, as it has become synonymous as a destination of cheap booze and all day English fry ups – but that is just one tiny area, probably no more than half a square kilometer. Benidorm is seeped in history, culture and tradition and non more apparent then during fiesta time!

Venture up to the Old Town and it´s like stepping back in time – full of narrow cobbled streets adorned with white washed houses and an abundance of boutiques, bars and restaurants on every corner. Head towards the distinctive blue doomed roof of the San Jaime church and you will arrive at the ´Mirador´- where you will have a breathtaking view of both bays. The Old Town is where you will find Tapas Alley, which as the name suggests is a street full of tapas bars. If you want a gastronomic experience of real Spanish food then head to Calle Domingo – it´s like eating a work of art.

Top of the list why people choose Benidorm for their holidays is the miles of golden sandy beaches – and Benidorm is blessed not with one but three! Each has its own individual character; Levante – vibrant, loud, full of life and popular with young party going Brits; Poniente – which includes Mal Pas, sedate and tranquil and popular with the Spanish and lastly La Cala – a sheltered sandy cove and particularly popular with families. There are also several hidden secluded coves dotted around such as Almadrava and Tio Ximo.

If you are a bargain hunter then you have certainly come to the right place. One of the things that remain unchanged in Spain are the weekly street markets, which remain popular and virtually every town and village has one. There are a great deal along the Costa Blanca, but one of the biggest has to be in Benidorm, which is held twice a week due to its popularity – every Sunday and Wednesday. You will find everything there from fresh locally grown fruit and veg to bags, nik naks, jewelry and counterfeit designer goods…. But the golden rule is barter – especially with the ´look alike products´!

During the day you are spoilt for choice activity wise – Benidorm has a staggering 5 theme parks to choose from. Aqualandia is the biggest waterpark in Spain and Mundomar, a marine animal park, are located in the Rincon de Loix end of the resort and next door to each other.  Terra Mitica theme park, with its exciting rides and shows is suitable for the entire family and not far away you will find Terra Natura, a wildlife park and Aqua Natura, a smaller waterpark more suited for younger children.  For any golfers, the magnificent Villaitana golf course offers two 18 hole courses with a magnificent view of the Benidorm skyline.

The nightlife is just as exciting. For a first class night out you cannot beat Benidorm Palace – voted Europe´s best cabaret theatre and nightclub, even beating the likes of Moulin Rounge in Paris! A spectacular show incorporating a troup of dancers with the most amazing costumes you are ever likely to see – an unforgettable experience and well worth seeing. The Rincon, or New Town is where you will find all the cabaret bars and nightclubs, which are open well into the early hours. Most offer free entertainment and you can hear and watch a huge variety of singers, tribute groups and comedians catering to all tastes.

There are some wonderful fiestas throughout the year – culture and traditions are very important to the Spaniards and it is wonderful to be able to join in the party atmosphere and witness such events – there really isn´t anything comparable in the UK. A summary of the main ones by month are

February – Carnival, March  – The Burning of the Fallas, June – San Juan, September – Moors & Christians, November – fiesta time. 

The Moors and Christians parade is probably the most spectacular visually, with a simply stunning and elaborate array of costumes and certainly worth trying to see.

There is something for everyone in Benidorm – and the best bit is that it´s only a few hours flight away from the UK.

For more information on what´s going on in and around Benidorm go to http://www.BenidormAllYearRound.com

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