Pure mass tourism: Why Benidorm still attracts many tourists
Those who travel to Las Vegas expect a flashing, glittering city full of entertainment. Those who travel to New York look forward to impressive skyscrapers and a correspondingly impressive skyline. Those who travel to Spain don't really expect either, but Spain has all of these things – just in miniature.
On Spain's east coast lies the "Manhattan of the Mediterranean," as the city of Benidorm is called. It combines pretty much everything the aforementioned metropolises have to offer – with an authentic Spanish touch. One skyscraper is lined up next to the next, with the Mediterranean Sea glittering directly in front. Behind them towers the wild mountain landscape of the Costa Blanca. Big city feeling, nature, and sunshine – all in a very small space.
It could also be a close-up shot from New York, but shows Benidorm in Spain.
Source: imago images/IP3press
Despite, or perhaps because of, this mix, millions of people are drawn here every year. Benidorm is considered the epitome of mass tourism—and yet it's more successful than ever. Why is that? What makes this city so special that it captivates even travelers who otherwise tend to stay off the beaten track?
It's probably precisely this wild mix of high-rise atmosphere and quick access to Spain's nature that makes it so special. In 2018, the city became the world's first certified Smart Tourism destination. This year, Benidorm also holds the title of European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, an award presented by the European Commission in recognition of progress in sustainability, climate adaptation, and digitalization.
There's even a new anti-crowding program called the "Xato Cube": This is an AI-powered barrier system that collects real-time data from parks, beaches, and museums. Inside the cube, immersive screens and multilingual AI robots provide recommendations and report congestion zones.
This also directs visitors to less crowded areas and spreads out the crowds more effectively. The "Xato Cube" is currently just a pilot project and was only in place in front of City Hall until mid-July.
Through its high-rise buildings and the associated vertical construction, Benidorm has succeeded in creating a lot of space in a small area and creating a truly metropolitan atmosphere. This is important, as 61 percent of the area is reserved for nature conservation and is intended to remain so. This model also keeps distances short, which in turn reduces the impact on the environment.
Unlike many other Spanish cities, where protests against mass tourism have been taking place regularly since last year, Benidorm was planned as a tourist town from the outset. As early as the first half of the 20th century, those in charge focused on developing it as a tourism metropolis. The 1956 development plan already envisioned sufficiently wide streets, numerous hotels, and high-rise buildings to accommodate as many tourists as possible.
To this day, the city remains committed to development, and many locals are also employed in tourism. The city's direct or indirect dependence on travelers, as well as its smart layout, seem to keep at bay all the protests that are already a natural part of the high season in other parts of Spain.
Benidorm does not have problems with protests against tourism.
Source: imago images/IP3press
Furthermore, there are hardly any historically valuable buildings that could be threatened by tourism. This also means that Benidorm is not the right destination for you if you enjoy exploring lots of ancient ruins or magnificent churches. There is no magnificent old town here. However, the classic high-rise beach and party mile are confidently maintained.
But Benidorm's old town isn't entirely lacking either: Located on a small hill between the two large beaches, it even boasts a few quaint alleys, white houses, and a single, elegant church, the Església de Sant Jaume i Santa Anna. From the viewpoint El Mirador de la Punta del Canfali, you can enjoy the view of the coast.
The Mediterranean balcony is one of the main attractions in Benidorm.
Source: imago images/VWPics
You'll also find the so-called Mediterranean balcony, which you reach via a white staircase that also leads down to the sea. The real main attractions in Benidorm, however, are the beaches: Very close to the city center is Cala de Finestrat, with light, soft sand and a shallow entrance to the sea. Also popular is Playa del Levante, Benidorm's main beach.
The city's second largest beach is Playa de Poniente, located right in the city center. Here you can not only sunbathe but also take long strolls along the promenade.
If you need a break from the tourist metropolis, a visit to the Sierra Helada Natural Park is worthwhile. It boasts magnificent cliffs and numerous hiking trails. For example, you can start a coastal hike at the Benidorm Cross. The natural park features the Mirador de la Cruz viewpoint, which is especially worth seeing at sunrise and sunset.
Benidorm also has nature to offer, for example in the Sierra Helada.
Source: imago images/Depositphotos
There's even a small, uninhabited island just off the coast, Isla de Benidorm. Various boat tours depart from Puerto de Benidorm. Starting at 10:00 a.m., there are usually hourly departures, and the crossing only takes a good quarter of an hour—you can manage that even if you get seasick easily.
Benidorm is also known for its many theme parks. In addition to water parks and climbing parks, there are also the Terra Natura Zoo and Terra Mitica, one of the largest theme parks in Europe.
Terra Mitica is one of many theme parks in Benidorm.
Source: imago images/Depositphotos
Finally, Benidorm's nightlife shouldn't go unmentioned; after all, it's a main reason for many travelers to come to the city. Clubs line up one after the other, and there's a lively party going on everywhere. Whether you're looking to go to a concert, try your hand at karaoke, or attend a drag show, you'll find it all in Benidorm.
If you're planning your trip to Benidorm, you should look for flights to Alicante-Elche. There are numerous direct connections with low-cost airlines, and the flight takes between two and three hours, depending on the German departure airport.
From Alicante-Elche Airport, tram line 1 takes you directly to Benidorm; the journey takes 45 minutes. You can even take the Flixbus from Germany, but you'll need strong nerves. A journey from Berlin takes between 34 and 39 hours, and from Frankfurt it's 31 hours. A slightly faster, but not cheaper, train service via Strasbourg, Lyon, and Barcelona takes "only" 25 to 27 hours.
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .
travel reporter
reisereporter
