Benidorm Old Town
Tapas, little streets, sea views and a completely different side of Benidorm
Benidorm might be famous for high-rise hotels, beaches and nightlife, but wander into the Old Town and the atmosphere soon starts to change.
Here you'll find narrow streets, little squares, shops, tapas bars and restaurants, with the Balcón del Mediterráneo sitting above the coastline between Levante and Poniente.
We've always enjoyed spending a few hours around this part of Benidorm. You can wander without much of a plan, stop somewhere for tapas or a drink and eventually make your way towards the viewpoint and sea.
If you've only ever seen the livelier side of Benidorm, make time for the Old Town. It's one of the easiest ways to discover that there's much more to the resort than the Strip.
Visit the Balcón del Mediterráneo
One of the best views in Benidorm – right in the heart of the Old Town
The Balcón del Mediterráneo is one of those places we never get tired of visiting. Sitting high above the sea between Levante and Poniente, it's a great spot to stop for a while and take in the views along Benidorm's coastline.
The white balustrades, blue-and-white tiled viewpoint and Mediterranean backdrop make it one of the most recognisable places in Benidorm – and naturally, one of the most photographed.
Take your time wandering around rather than just grabbing a quick photo and leaving. The surrounding Old Town streets and squares are part of the experience, and there are plenty of places nearby to stop for a drink or something to eat.
We particularly like coming up here later in the day when the temperature drops and Benidorm starts lighting up for the evening. It's a completely different view from the Benidorm you see at beach level.
Eat Your Way Along Tapas Alley
Small plates, busy bars and a taste of the Spanish side of Benidorm
You can't really explore Benidorm Old Town without stopping for something to eat, and the area commonly known as Tapas Alley is a great place to start.
You'll find tapas bars packed along and around Calle Santo Domingo, where you can order a drink, choose a few small dishes and then move on somewhere else if you fancy trying another place.
We prefer not to plan this part too much. Have a wander, look for somewhere with a good atmosphere and see what takes your fancy. Half the fun is trying a couple of places rather than sitting down for one big meal.
It can get busy in the evening, so if you prefer things a little quieter, try visiting earlier in the day or around lunchtime.
Get Lost in the Old Town Streets
Little squares, independent shops and plenty of places worth stopping at
One of the nicest things to do in Benidorm Old Town is simply have a wander without worrying too much about where you're going.
Away from the main beachfront you'll find narrow pedestrian streets, little squares, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants tucked around corners. It's compact enough that getting slightly lost is usually part of the fun rather than a problem.
Take your time and look down the smaller side streets instead of sticking to the busiest routes. Stop for a coffee, browse the shops or find a table outside somewhere and watch the world go by.
This is the Benidorm we think some first-time visitors miss. You can be surrounded by the bright lights and high-rise hotels one minute and wandering through streets with a completely different atmosphere the next.
Take a Break at Mal Pas Beach
A little beach tucked between the Old Town and Benidorm's main coastline
You don't have to walk far from the Old Town to find somewhere to put your feet in the Mediterranean. Mal Pas Beach sits below the historic centre, between Benidorm's two much larger beaches.
It's only a small beach, which gives it a completely different feel from Levante and Poniente. It's particularly handy if you're exploring the Old Town and fancy stopping by the sea for an hour or two.
Because of its size it can feel busy when Benidorm is packed, but its location makes it well worth a look while you're in this part of town.
If you're planning a proper beach day, have a look at our Benidorm Beaches guide where we compare Mal Pas with Levante, Poniente and Benidorm's smaller coves.
Enjoy the Old Town After Dark
Tapas, drinks and a more relaxed alternative to the Strip
The Old Town is well worth coming back to after the sun goes down. Restaurants and little bars fill up, the streets come alive and there's a completely different atmosphere from the nightlife around the Strip and English Square.
You can start with tapas, find somewhere for a few drinks or simply wander between the little streets and squares and see where looks good.
It's particularly nice if you want an evening out without heading straight into Benidorm's busiest nightlife areas. And if you do fancy something livelier afterwards, you're never too far away from the action.
For more ideas on where to go after dark, have a look at our Benidorm Nightlife guide.
Have a Browse Around the Shops
Souvenirs, fashion and plenty to discover between the little streets
The Old Town is also one of our favourite parts of Benidorm for having a wander around the shops. You'll find everything from clothes and shoes to gifts, souvenirs and little independent stores dotted through the pedestrian streets.
You don't necessarily need to be looking for anything. Half the enjoyment is having a browse while you're exploring, stopping for a coffee or a drink along the way and carrying on when you're ready.
It's particularly handy when you fancy a break from the beach – or when you suddenly remember you're supposed to take something home for everyone!
Old Town or New Town – What's the Difference?
Two very different sides of Benidorm, and you don't have to choose between them
Benidorm Old Town
Choose the Old Town when you fancy narrow streets, tapas bars, restaurants, shopping and a more traditional Spanish atmosphere. It's also where you'll find the Balcón del Mediterráneo and easy access to little Mal Pas Beach.
Benidorm New Town
Head towards the Levante side when you want the livelier Benidorm experience, with British bars, live entertainment, the Strip and English Square. It's the side many visitors associate with Benidorm's famous nightlife.
The good thing is that you don't really need to pick one. Benidorm is easy to explore, so you can spend the afternoon wandering around the Old Town and end the evening enjoying the livelier side of town.
We'd recommend experiencing both, particularly if it's your first visit. They feel very different, and together they're a big part of what makes Benidorm Benidorm.
Our Favourite Way to Enjoy the Old Town
No itinerary needed – just give yourself a few hours and have a wander
We don't think the Old Town needs much of a plan. We'd rather start with a wander through the streets, stop somewhere for a drink or a few tapas and slowly make our way towards the Balcón del Mediterráneo.
It's one of our favourite places to slow things down for a while, particularly after spending time around the busier Levante side of Benidorm.
If you can, stay around until later in the day. Watching the light change over the Mediterranean from around the Balcón before finding somewhere for an evening drink is a simple way to spend a few hours – but it's one we never seem to get bored of.
That's really the appeal of the Old Town for us. You don't need a list of ten things to tick off. Just wander, stop when somewhere takes your fancy and enjoy a different side of Benidorm.
Discover a Different Side of Benidorm
Make time for the Old Town – even if you're staying at the other end of Benidorm
Whether you're staying near Levante, Poniente or somewhere in between, we'd make time for at least one wander around Benidorm Old Town.
Come for the views from the Balcón del Mediterráneo, stay for some tapas, browse the shops and see where the little streets take you. You can easily spend a couple of hours here or turn it into an afternoon that carries on well into the evening.
Benidorm has plenty of different sides to it, and the Old Town is one we'd definitely recommend experiencing for yourself.
