Best Beaches in Benidorm
From lively Levante to little hidden coves – find your favourite spot by the Mediterranean
For all the nightlife, hotels and attractions, sometimes the best thing to do in Benidorm is the simplest – head down to the beach, find your spot and enjoy the Mediterranean.
Levante and Poniente are the two big names, but they're far from your only choices. There's little Mal Pas tucked beside the Old Town, along with the smaller coves of Tío Ximo and Almadrava when you fancy seeing a different side of the coastline.
We've spent plenty of time around Benidorm's beaches over the years, and they each have their own feel. This guide will help you decide where to lay your towel first – although we'd recommend trying more than one while you're here.
Levante Beach
Benidorm's lively beachfront – perfect if you like being close to the action
Levante is probably the beach most people picture when they think of Benidorm. Stretching for more than two kilometres, it's backed by the promenade with bars, restaurants and plenty going on from morning until night.
This is the beach we'd choose when we want to be right in the middle of things. You can spend a few hours on the sand, wander along the promenade for something to eat or simply find somewhere for a cold drink with a view of the Mediterranean.
It can get busy, particularly during the main holiday periods, but that's part of Levante's character. If you like a lively beach with plenty within easy reach, it's hard to beat.
Good for: Lively beach days • Groups • Couples • Being close to bars & restaurants
Poniente Beach
More space, a relaxed atmosphere and one of Benidorm's best promenades
If Levante feels a little too lively for the kind of beach day you have in mind, head over to Poniente. It's longer, generally more relaxed and has plenty of space for settling down for a few hours by the Mediterranean.
The colourful promenade is one of our favourite places for a walk, particularly later in the day when the temperature starts to drop. You'll still find places to eat and drink nearby, but the overall feel is noticeably different from the busier Levante side.
Poniente is a particularly good choice for families, couples or anyone who wants a slower-paced beach day. If you're staying in Benidorm for a week, we'd definitely spend some time on both main beaches rather than automatically sticking to the one nearest your hotel.
Good for: Families • Couples • Relaxed beach days • Long walks
Mal Pas Beach
Small, sheltered and tucked between Benidorm's two main beaches
Mal Pas is easy to overlook when you're thinking about Benidorm's beaches, but that's part of its appeal. Tucked beside the Old Town between Levante and Poniente, it's much smaller than the two main beaches and has a completely different feel.
It's a lovely option when you fancy a few hours by the sea without committing to a full day on one of the bigger beaches. Its location also makes it easy to combine some beach time with a wander around the Old Town, the harbour or the Balcón del Mediterráneo.
Being small means space can feel more limited when Benidorm is busy, so don't expect a hidden beach all to yourself. But if you haven't seen Mal Pas before, it's definitely worth wandering down for a look.
Good for: Couples • Families • Old Town visits • A shorter beach stop
Cala Tío Ximo
A small cove when you fancy seeing a quieter side of Benidorm's coastline
If you want a change from Benidorm's long sandy beaches, Cala Tío Ximo offers something completely different. Sitting beneath the Sierra Helada at the eastern end of Benidorm, this little cove feels a world away from the busy Levante promenade.
Don't arrive expecting another big sandy beach. It's a small, more natural spot where the clear water and rocky surroundings are a big part of the appeal.
It's worth wearing suitable footwear and travelling light, particularly if you're planning to explore around the cove. If you enjoy discovering the less built-up side of Benidorm's coastline, Tío Ximo is well worth knowing about.
Good for: Clear water • Smaller coves • A change from the main beaches • Coastal scenery
Cala Almadrava
A small natural cove away from Benidorm's main beachfront
Cala Almadrava is another option when you want to swap Benidorm's long promenades and busy beaches for somewhere smaller and more natural.
Set beneath the Sierra Helada, the cove has a much less built-up feel than Levante or Poniente. It's the sort of place to consider if clear water, rocky scenery and a quieter stretch of coastline appeal more than rows of beachfront bars.
As with Tío Ximo, don't expect the facilities or easy-going sandy-beach experience you'll find on Benidorm's main beaches. Come prepared, wear suitable footwear and enjoy it for what it is – a very different side of Benidorm.
Good for: Smaller coves • Clear water • Natural scenery • Getting away from the main beachfront
Which Benidorm Beach Is Right for You?
Lively, relaxed or somewhere a little smaller?
For the Lively Benidorm Feel
Levante Beach
Choose Levante if you want a big sandy beach with the promenade, bars, restaurants and plenty of Benidorm atmosphere right on your doorstep.
For a More Relaxed Beach Day
Poniente Beach
Poniente is our pick when you want more space and a slower pace. It's particularly good for families, couples and anyone who enjoys a long walk along the seafront.
For Something Smaller
Mal Pas, Tío Ximo & Almadrava
Try Mal Pas for a small beach beside the Old Town, or head towards Tío Ximo and Almadrava when you fancy a more natural cove away from Benidorm's main beachfront.
Accessible Beaches in Benidorm
Adapted beach points are available on Levante and Poniente
Benidorm has accessible beach points designed to help people with reduced mobility enjoy the beach and sea.
You'll find an accessible point on Levante Beach and two on Poniente Beach, with adapted facilities and assistance available during operating periods.
If you or someone you're travelling with needs these facilities, we'd recommend checking Benidorm City Council's latest accessibility information before your beach day. Services, opening periods and conditions can change, so it's better to check the current details rather than rely on old information.
A Few Tips for Your Benidorm Beach Day
Simple things that can make a day by the Mediterranean even better
The Spanish sun can be stronger than it feels, particularly when there's a breeze coming off the sea. Take sun protection, drink plenty of water and don't wait until you're already burnt before looking for some shade.
Pay attention to the beach flags and follow the advice of lifeguards. Sea conditions can change, even when the water looks inviting from the shore.
Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid taking unnecessary valuables onto the beach. If everyone wants to go for a swim, don't leave phones, wallets and bags sitting unattended.
If you're heading to Tío Ximo or Almadrava, suitable footwear is a good idea. They're very different from the easy sandy stretches of Levante and Poniente.
And finally, don't feel like you need to spend the entire day on the sand. One of our favourite things about Benidorm is how easy it is to combine a couple of hours on the beach with lunch, a walk along the promenade or a drink overlooking the Mediterranean.
Find Your Favourite Benidorm Beach
The only difficult bit is deciding which one to try first
You don't really have to choose between Levante and Poniente – one of the advantages of a Benidorm holiday is being able to enjoy both.
Spend a lively afternoon around Levante, slow things down on Poniente, wander down to Mal Pas while you're exploring the Old Town and, if you fancy something different, discover the smaller coves around the Sierra Helada.
Our advice is simple: don't automatically stick to the beach nearest your hotel. Have a wander and find the part of Benidorm's coastline that feels right for you.