Levante Beach: for Staying in the Heart of the Action
Levante is the image most people associate with Benidorm: a long urban beach, high-rise buildings, terraces, restaurants, and a city that keeps going until fairly late.
It is a very convenient location for anyone who wants to step outside their accommodation and immediately find atmosphere, beach and a huge choice of entertainment. It is also practical for short trips, when you want plenty of options close at hand without spending too much time getting around.
Its main drawback is exactly what attracts many travellers: there is a lot going on.
Depending on the street and the accommodation, nighttime noise can be considerable. Anyone imagining a quiet Mediterranean holiday should pay close attention to the exact location of the hotel or apartment rather than simply checking that it is “near Levante”.
Levante is particularly well suited to couples, groups of friends and travellers who want to combine beach time, restaurants and nightlife.
For people who are very sensitive to noise or families looking for especially quiet nights, there are better options.
Poniente Beach: a More Relaxed Alternative
On the other side of the Old Town, Benidorm feels different.
Poniente Beach retains the city’s urban character but generally has a more relaxed atmosphere. Its long stretch of sand and seafront promenade make it possible to enjoy the coast without necessarily being in the middle of the busiest nightlife areas.
It is one of the most balanced options for families, couples and travellers who want the beach without giving up a certain degree of peace and quiet.
It also has one simple but important advantage: it is still Benidorm. You do not need to isolate yourself from restaurants, services or pleasant walks in order to find a slightly calmer atmosphere.
The downside depends on exactly where the accommodation is located. Poniente is extensive, and the farther you stay from the Old Town, the less convenient it may be to walk back after spending the evening in the centre.
Old Town: Benidorm at Its Most Characterful
Between Levante and Poniente lies what is probably the most atmospheric part of the city.
Here, the scale changes. Broad avenues give way to narrower streets, small squares, white façades, bars and corners where the Mediterranean appears between the buildings.
Staying in the Old Town allows you to discover a side of Benidorm that is sometimes overshadowed by its reputation as a major holiday resort.
It is particularly appealing for couples and travellers who enjoy walking out for dinner, taking an evening stroll after sunset and having both of the city’s main beaches within relatively easy reach.
But there are some limitations to keep in mind. Certain streets remain lively until late, access by car can be less convenient, and some accommodation is located in buildings where the experience is very different from that of a large modern hotel.
A Good Choice for a First Visit
For anyone who wants to experience several sides of Benidorm in just a few days, the Old Town offers a strategic location. You can walk to Levante, Poniente and much of the city centre without constantly having to organise transport.
Rincón de Loix: Entertainment, Beach and an International Atmosphere
At the eastern end of Levante lies Rincón de Loix, one of the best-known areas among international visitors.
There are plenty of hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars and venues geared towards tourism. It is convenient for travellers looking for entertainment and wanting to stay close to Levante Beach.
However, it is worth checking the exact street before booking.
Within the same neighbourhood, relatively quiet accommodation can sit close to properties near streets with intense nightlife. Two hotels just a few minutes’ walk apart can offer very different holiday experiences.
If peace and quiet matter to you, an attractive price should not be your only criterion.
La Cala and the Finestrat Area: for Slowing Down
Heading west beyond Poniente, the urban landscape starts to feel different.
The La Cala area can be a good option for families, couples and travellers who prefer to stay slightly removed from Benidorm’s more intense side. The atmosphere tends to be more residential, making it easier to combine beach time with a slower-paced stay.
In return, you lose some of the convenience of having the city centre immediately outside your door.
For a holiday focused on relaxing by the sea, that may be an advantage. For someone planning to spend every evening in central Benidorm, it may not be.
Sierra Helada and Elevated Areas: Magnificent Views, Less Practical Location
Some accommodation is located in elevated areas where Benidorm can be seen from a completely different perspective: the blue Mediterranean below, the line of buildings stretching along the coast, and the mountains framing the horizon.
The views can be spectacular.
But there is one issue that hotel booking photos do not always convey very well: the hills.
Accommodation that looks relatively close to the beach on a map may feel much less convenient when you have to walk uphill in the summer heat.
People with reduced mobility, families with pushchairs, or travellers who simply want to get around on foot should check the terrain carefully before booking.
Which Areas Should You Avoid in Benidorm?
It would not be fair to label large parts of Benidorm as places that should automatically be avoided. It is far more useful to think in terms of locations that may be unsuitable for certain types of traveller.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, avoid booking without first checking what kind of nightlife or entertainment is located around the accommodation, especially in areas with heavy evening activity.
If you have mobility difficulties, pay attention to elevated areas and steep streets.
If you are travelling by car, check parking options before choosing accommodation in the most central districts.
And if you want to do almost everything on foot, a cheap hotel on the outskirts may turn out to be less convenient than it first appeared.
Do You Need a Car When Staying in Benidorm?
For a holiday focused mainly on Benidorm itself, having a car is not necessarily an advantage.
Much of the city can be explored on foot, and public transport is available for many journeys. Having a car also means having to think about parking, which is particularly relevant in the busiest areas.
The situation changes if you plan to use Benidorm as a base for exploring other parts of the Costa Blanca and the inland areas of Alicante province. In that case, a car can provide far more freedom, especially for day trips beyond the main public transport routes.
Where to Stay in Benidorm by Type of Traveller
For families: Poniente usually offers one of the best balances between beach access, services and a relatively peaceful atmosphere.
For couples: the Old Town works particularly well if you are looking for walks, restaurants and a slightly more intimate atmosphere.
For nightlife: Levante and certain parts of Rincón de Loix put you close to much of the city’s entertainment.
For relaxation: Poniente, La Cala and some residential areas away from nightlife streets are more suitable choices.
For a first visit without a car: the Old Town and the areas close to Levante or Poniente make getting around on foot much easier.
The Most Common Mistake When Choosing Accommodation in Benidorm
Looking only at the distance to the beach.
In Benidorm, noise, hills, the orientation of the accommodation and the actual distance to the places where you will spend your evenings matter too.
Five hundred metres on a map can mean a pleasant walk beside the Mediterranean or an uncomfortable uphill climb after a full day at the beach.
That is why, before booking, it is better to think less about which is “the best area in Benidorm” and more about which area suits the way you like to travel.
Levante has energy. Poniente is more laid-back. The Old Town has character. Rincón de Loix concentrates much of the entertainment. La Cala gives you a little more distance from the bustle.
Benidorm does not change its personality to suit the traveller. The smart choice is to stay in the part of the city whose personality most closely matches the kind of holiday you want.
