There are so many things to do in Benidorm that you are unlikely to ever be bored - however, if you fancy a change of scenery and want to go somewhere else why not take a day trip out of Benidorm and go on a boat ride. You have several options - pop to Benidorm Island, the rock jutting out of the sea directly infront of Levante beach, the Island of Tabarca - up towards Alicante or how about a mini cruise to Calpe. The water trip is a far better option in the Summer when traffic and parking is really difficult, so instead let the boat take the strain! Alternatively, you can take the tram, but be aware that the station is some distance from the town. There is usually a bus that coincides with the timetable arrivals and departures just outside the station or you can take a taxi - it will probably be a good 20-30 minute brisk walk. If driving from Benidorm go along the N332 and take the Calpe turning and head towards the Penon de Ifach - signposted Port. As the rock gets bigger you know that you're going in the right direction!
Mini cruise from Benidorm
The boat departs from Benidorm port, which is in the Old Town, between Dove Park and Mal Pas beach every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11.30am. The pleasant and scenic journey takes an hour to reach Calpe and it costs 22.50€ for adults and 15€ for children. The boat travels along the coast line taking in views of the Sierra Helada mountain range, Albir, Altea then docking in the Peñon de Ifach in Calpe, right under the huge rock of Calpe - often referred to as the Gibraltar of the Costa Blanca. It is a site which you rarely get to see, as you are normally looking out to sea rather than the reverse.
Seafood lovers paradise
As you disembark from the boat the fish restaurants are directly in front of you one after the other. To be honest they are all similar serving almost identical menus ,but its great fun walking up and down inspecting the displays and getting enticed with free sangria! You can go top end and go to town with platters of gambas, langostines and other exotic seafood. Alternatively stick with a very reasonably priced 3 course menu plus wine at 10€, dubbed the "anti-crisis menu" or plump for something in between. If you like lenguado (sole) you will not believe your eyes at the size .... it comes on a platter and is aprox 16 inches long served with chips and a small salad. (bet that you're all getting a ruler out now to see how long 16 inches is!!!) If you opt for this size fish on a menu you also get a starter - for instance calamari, prawn cocktail, bread and ali oli, dessert plus half a bottle of wine for 15€ - a bargain I would say!
Looky Looky men - just like in Benidorm
Don't worry if you don't speak much Spanish as the waiters all speak English - but the displays in the refrigerators all have prices on, so you can just point to whatever takes your fancy! It certainly beats the fish counter at the local supermarket! You will also be entertained throughout your meal by the "looky looky men" trying to sell you anything from a fake gucci handbag, designer sunglasses and watches, table-clothes and even fishing rods and power tools .... yep, just come out for a meal and Im likely to want a drill! Well I suppose that someone must buy them because they've been touting them for the last 10 years, that is when the local police aren´t chasing them, which I have witnessed several times.
Don´t miss the boat back to Benidorm!
The boat leaves Calpe at 4:30pm, giving you ample time for a superb fish lunch. For those that enjoy walking or climbing, you can go to the top of the Peñon de Ifach - it is probably one of the most unusual and beautiful natural features of the Costa Blanca. It takes about 2 hours and it stands at 332 metres high - although I would think that you would be pushed for time if you came by boat. There is an information centre at the base, which is open daily from 9am until 2:30pm until the end of September.
