If you can´t find something you like in Benidorm then you won´t find it anywhere!
During the day you are spoilt for choice – go to one of the 5 theme parks on offer or simply relax on one of the beautiful sandy beaches... you can be as active or as lazy as you want! But come sunset, you will really see the resort come to life.
Aqualandia is the largest waterpark in Europe and one of Benidorm´s favourite attractions. The coloured waterslides of "Big Bang" are an iconic sight on the Benidorm skyline and for the real adrenalin junkies, "Vertigo" is the highest capsule slide in the world. There is a special segregated area for younger visitors, with plenty of age appropriate slides and shoots. You can take your own picnic into the park, however there are also facilities within the park.
Right next door to Aqualandia you will find Mundomar – a marine animal park, which also has exotic animals. There are plenty of shows on throughout the day and you can experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with the dolphins – but this needs to be pre-booked a minimum of 2 days beforehand.
Terra Mitica is a theme park with plenty of rides and shows to keeps all ages amused – including some great water rides to cool you down. They have also opened a swimming/Jacuzzi area, so remember to bring your swimwear if you want a dip. There is lots of walking so be prepared and wear sensible shoes – scooters are available at the reception for rental.
Terra Natura – not so much a zoo but more of a wildlife park. It is divided up into 3 zones – America, Asia and Europe housing animals native to those continents living in their natural environment, with shrubs and plants from these regions. They are not locked up in tiny cages but roam around and you can watch them being fed by an army of staff. The park runs a successful breeding program for endangered species – they have over 1500 animals with 200 different species, of which 50 are classified as endangered.
Aqua Natura is located next door to Terra Natura – the second water park in Benidorm. Although a lot smaller than Aqualandia, there is no shortage of slides, plumes and activities to keep you amused – this one is far better suited if you have younger children. An added bonus is that twice daily they have a free sea lion show and you can also pre-book to swim with them afterwards.
If you fancy a bit of a thrill, try Go-Karting. Choose either Karting Finestrat – just behind Carrefour hypermarket and the La Marina shopping centre or Karting Benidorm - a 10 minute walk from Levante beach.
For water babes there are plenty of activities. Try the Cable Ski at the end of the Levante beach in the Rincon de Loix. Instead of a boat you are pulled along by an overhead cable system or alternatively, have a go on the banana boat, pedalo for the energetic or jetski.
For an alternative way to see the resort take a Segway Tour - a fun and eco way to get around. The Segway originated in America but is now popular worldwide - and Benidorm is no exception. There is no brake or accelerator and the vehicle works on body balance, allowing you to literally float around the city! There is only one company which is authorised to give guided tours here and there are two routes available: City tour which covers the Old Town and the Rincon areas or the scenic Sierra Helada, where you see the Roman mines, watch tower and isolated coves.
Golfing - Benidorm is generally renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, but tucked away among the high-rise skyscrapers of Benidorm is an oasis of green and a golfers paradise. There are a selection of golf courses in the resort – but one of the most spectacular has to be the Villaitana Golf course, which has 2 amazing greens to choose from. The "Poniente" Executive PAR 62 or the "Levante" Championship PAR 72 – both overlooking the amazing Benidorm skyline. It is easily accessible from the centre of Benidorm - located almost opposite the Terra Mitica theme park. If you are on holiday or on a short break and fancy a game you can even hire a set of clubs here - so don´t worry about excess luggage charges and bringing your own.
The nightlife is what most come to Benidorm for and why it is famed for being the party capital of Europe. The variety of entertainment on offer is incredible and the Rincon is where you will find all the cabaret bars and nightclubs – which stay open well into the early hours. Head to the Calle Gerona and the immediate streets of it - this is where you will also find "The Square", although it is actually a street. You can come on a week's holiday and still not even see half of the acts on offer – you will be spoilt for choice. All the bars have boards outside telling you who is on and at what time – you can hear and watch singers, tribute groups and comedians to suit all tastes, from family friendly to adult only, such as the legendary Sticky Vicky! Drink is far cheaper here - 1 euro pints particularly during the day are commonplace and what attracts the younger ones here, especially the stag & hen groups.
However, its not all loud and brash – if you want something a little more subdued and cultured then head over to the Old Town. Here you will find narrow cobbled streets with small bars and restaurants on every corner and a completely different atmosphere. The Old Town is also where you will find the Gay Village – hugely popular with all. The Rich Bitch Show Bar and Kaffe Klee are two places to visit if you appreciate drag humour and the many gay bars make everyone feel very welcome and comfortable.
Things works differently here in Spain – it´s a lot more relaxed and laid back, with a "mañana" attitude to most things. Take a deep breath, slow down and you´ll have a great time. Here are some tips and information that you may find useful to make your holiday that bit more enjoyable.
Banks In Spain banks only open till lunchtime – normal opening times are 8:30am until 2:30pm and they do not open on Saturday. All banks have ATM´s with an option to change the language – press "cambio idioma"
Post Office Like banks only open for half a day. Weekdays 8:30am until 2:30pm and Saturday 9:30am until 1:00pm. Allow plenty of time – they are not renowned for their speedy service!
Chemist Here they are called "Farmacia" and there is a 24 hour one on the Avd Mediterraneo – the main road running through Benidorm. They are very knowledgeable and may be able to advise you instead of going to the doctor. In Spain you can only buy medicine from a farmacia, including asprin and paracetamol – supermarkets are not allowed to sell them like in the UK.
Taxi If you need a taxi you have to go to a taxi rank – you cannot stop one on the roadside. You can call and order one but the meter starts running the moment it leaves the taxi rank to collect you.
Parking Blue parking bays are "Pay & Display" zones which operate between 9:00am and 2:00pm then again from 4:00pm and 8:00pm. White bays are free – so use them if you can find one. If you get a parking ticket you can cancel it for 25 cents at the pay & display machine – really!
Driving Do NOT drive in flip flops or backless shoes otherwise you risk a 150€ on the spot fine if caught. Also children under the age of 12 or under 135cm are not allowed to sit in the front – massive 500€ fine. Approach and navigate roundabouts carefully – the Spanish never indicate and cut in front without warning.
Emergency 112 is the equivalent of 999 in the UK. All the operators speak English, French and German in addition to Spanish.
Doctor If you have your blue EHIC – European Health Insurance Card you can see a Social Security doctor free of charge in the case of an emergency, either at the "Centro de Salud" – health centre or at the social security hospital – "Hospital Marina Baixa", which is in Villa Joyosa. When using your card you will also need to present your passport as proof of ID.
Hospitals There are 2 hospitals in Benidorm – both private: IMED Levante and Hospital Clinica Benidorm. You will have to pay for any treatment or use your travel insurance if you are covered – the hospital usually checks with the insurance company before commencing treatment. The free Social Security hospital is in Vila Joyosa.
SATE :Foreign Tourist Assistance Office If you become the victim of any crime then this is where you should report it. White building located at the beginning of calle Gerona - opposite the Flash Hotel. They have interpreters available and use of a free telephone and computer should you need to contact relatives or your insurance company in the UK.
Consulate The British Consulate is in Alicante and open weekdays from 8:30am until 1:30pm. In an emergency contact 965 216 002. This is where you have to go if you have lost or had your passport stolen for an emergency travel document to get you back to the UK. They cost 121€ and you will need a passport size photo – they do not have photo facilities at the consulate.
Public Bus The most commonly used buses are the No 10, which goes all the way to Altea via Alfaz and Albir or the No 2, which goes to the Carrefour hypermarket and La Marina shopping centre. You pay the driver and the fare is 1.50€.
The tram goes to Alicante one way and Denia the other, but only once every hour. The main station is in the Old Town.
Benidorm is one of the most popular European destinations for Stag & Hen groups. With its close proximity to the UK and choice of "low cost" airlines to get here, it´s easy to see why - it is often cheaper to travel to Benidorm than to stay within the UK!
Magnet for Fun
The resort is a magnet for those wanting a good fun time, where the booze is cheap - a pint of San Miguel for only 1.50€ and the bars are plentiful. The majority of groups arrive on a Friday night and fly back Monday afternoon, perfectly feasible allowing 3 packed nights of revelry.
With the cost of weddings as high as they are it doesn't leave much for the pre-nup party, but in Benidorm you can certainly party on a budget and not feel you are missing out! There is no charge to get into the clubs here and promoters often hand out coupons for free cocktails or 2 for 1 offers - in any UK city you would pay £20 just to get in! The clubs all have security outside to ensure that there is no agro and to keep order – and the local police also patrol in the early hours.
Fancy Dress de-rigueur
No stag or hen do would be complete without themed outfits, from "Where´s Wally" to cartoon "Super Heroes". Benidorm has seen it all and the general rule applies that the more outrageous the better! You can either bring your own or just hire one here for the duration of your stay – so saving on luggage allowance.
Activities
There are plenty of activities to keep the groups amused throughout the day, which we can easily arrange for you.
Go Karting – Special package includes return stretch limo transfer from your hotel or accommodation for up to 16 people (second vehicle available if you have a bigger group). 20 minutes of karting, split into two 10-minute sessions and culminating in a timed race with a winner's podium presentation at the end. This is followed by a delicious 3 course lunch comprising of starter – sliced ham and cheese selection, salad and bread; main – BBQ meat selection which you can watch being cooked on the outside charcoal grill; dessert plus two drinks per person.
Set up on the mountainside with beautiful views of Benidorm, the 1km-asphalted track is designed with plenty of bends and curves to test your skill behind the wheel. You are provided with a helmet and safety instructions on how to drive before you wizz off – so don´t worry if you have never been before. In fact, you do not even need a driving license to be able to have a go!
Air Soft – the new Paint Balling! The range is located 15 minutes out of Benidorm, set in a ravine with plenty of bush and woodland for cover – free transport is provided from Benidorm. You get to use REAL riffles – obviously decommissioned which fire small plastic balls. You will receive a health & safety briefing with strict instructions on the use of the firearm. The compulsory eye and face mask MUST be worn at all times – anyone caught without it on will be sent back to the base. There is also an option of borrowing long sleeved protective clothing. Armed and dangerous, you will be split into 2 groups and head off into the acres of land to "play" – accompanied by an instructor.
Cocktail Making – A fun interactive experience and great way to spend an afternoon if you fancy doing something different. You´ll be able to impress your friends back home with something more ambitious than just a Gin & Tonic. A great group activity where you are shown how to make them then the best bit – you get to drink the results! Choose from classics such as Pina Colada or Mojitos or something a little more risqué such as Sex on the Beach. You get to make 4 cocktails of your choice and then the opportunity to sip them from a jacuzzi hot tub or on the beautiful sun terrace overlooking the Benidorm skyline.
Golfing – Benidorm is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, but tucked away among the high rise skyscrapers is an oasis of green – and a golfers paradise. You may think that golfing is the preserve of the rich but you´d be surprised at how reasonable it is to play here. The Villaitana Golf course has 2 amazing greens to choose from. The "Poniente" Executive PAR 62 and the "Levante" Championship PAR 72 course, which both overlook the breathtaking Benidorm skyline. We can organize golf club hire at very reasonable prices, so you don´t have to worry about bringing yours and we have special discounted green fees for group bookings. You can enjoy a well deserved drink on the terrace of the club house and admire the serene tranquil vista after your game.
Private Stripper – Once the preserve of boys, even the girls enjoy a bit of saucy entertainment and more and more groups are booking a stripper to get their evening off with a bang!
The strippers will make both the Stag and Hen feel extra special and participation with the routine is part of the fun – usually to the delight of the group, with cameras clicking away to capture the moment! We have both male and female strippers, which will certainly get the party started – and remember "What goes on in Benidorm, stays in Benidorm"!
Cruising – For a stylish send off, why not hire a private luxury yacht complete with crew for the day and live the dream. From the time you step on board she is yours – cruising the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Moored in Alicante, we will transport you from Benidorm by private transfer – max 10 passengers and you get to play king or queen of the sea. Beer and champagne are included as well as a buffet lunch and snacks throughout the day. You can try your hand at windsurfing, cast a fishing line, for the adrenalin junkies - take a spin on the jet ski, go snorkeling in the crystal waters or just relax and sunbathe... the choice is yours!
Jeep Safari, Jet Ski, Spa pamper session... the list is endless. You tell us what you want and we can arrange it!
