DWVC’s Vacation Review: Benidorm, a Seafaring Nature

Benidorm is situated on Spain's east coast (Costa Blanca), on the shores of the Mediterranean sea, and is protected on three sides from most adverse weather, by the mountains of Sierra Helada to the east, Aitana to the north and Tussal de la Cala to the west, with Benidorm's fourth side dominated by two deeply curved bays which keep the sea tranquil, and ensure that sunbathers and swimmers remain in a safe and warm environment for most of the year.

Situated approx 40 minutes from Alicante airport, Benidorm is rated as Spain's top holiday destination, due mainly to its year round temperatures, which average between 12 degrees in winter and 28 degrees in summer, and its three Blue Flag natural golden beaches.

There is an abundance of activities to be found here, for those that require the thrill a minute type holiday, with water sports that include jet skiing, kayaks, water skiing (try the cable ski off the Rincon de L'oix, at the northern end of Levante beach), parascending, scuba diving (three actual professional/amateur clubs) and snorkelling. You can also hire boats or organise fishing trips and scuba diving trips to Peacock Island, where you can swim with an extravaganza of marine life.

For the fresh water enthusiasts, there is Aqualandia with its waterfalls, zigzags, rapids, cascades, lakes, kamikaze rides, black hole wave swimming pool, or for those that don't want the "gimmicks", there is an Olympic swimming pool in Foietes sports complex and a swimming school Lope de Vega.

For those without webbed feet, there is Foietes sports complex, with athletics of various diversities on offer including several bowling alleys, bowls clubs, billiard clubs, go-karts, horse riding, tennis, golf, paintball, trekking, quad biking and adventure expeditions.

If this isn't your idea of a holiday, why not just relax, soak up the sun, on one of the three beaches Benidorm has to offer. To the north there is Levante (sunrise) beach, nestled below the Old Town is Mal Pas cove and to the south is Poniente (sunset) beach, so you can sunbathe from sunrise to sunset on these golden beaches.

Levante Beach is generally the most populated beach area, where it is ideal for the snorkelling beginner, as there are some smooth rocks on the seabed, a home for many fish, without the swimmer getting out of his/her depth.
On this beach it is only a short walk from the waters edge to a nearby bar, cafe or restaurant, where, if your feeling in need of exercise, order a pint instead of a half, and watch the muscles in your arm work out.

Mal Pas cove is a small bay adjacent to the marina, where tranquil water laps onto the golden sands, with a natural wind-break of the Old Town cliffs behind you, an ideal spot for the sun worshipper. This is also an ideal spot for the snorkelling beginner, as the water is calm and fairly shallow.

Poniente beach is arguably the best beach in Benidorm, and it is also the longest, less crowded of the beaches, but be aware, you have slightly longer to walk for a drink or something to eat, so maybe take a picnic with you.

Benidorm does not close down in winter, like other holiday destinations in Spain and still attracts visitors all year long, due to its average temperatures and entertainment on offer. With between 800 and 1300 bars (depending on which write up you read), it's easy to see why so many Hen and Stag parties are staged here.

There is also an extensive and varied entertainment schedule on offer, with places like Benidorm Palace, which has their extravaganza evenings with full show, 3 course meal, drinks and dancing for 40 euros.

In Villajoyosa there is Casino Mediterraneano with its Buffet dinner (3 course),wine and show for 24 euros, plus a flutter at the tables or on the bandits if you desire it.

Molino Benidorm offers a multitude of different bars offering a variety of entertainment shows consisting of singers, comedians, karaoke etc, plus a vast assortment of Disco, R&B, House music clubs such as Cafe Benidorm, Hippodrome, Loch Ness and Champions to name but a few.

For the party animal, Benidorm is probably the "Mecca de Espana", with its main Spanish rival possibly being Ibiza and described by some as a Spanish Blackpool but with a different culture, more sun and better beaches.

This is not all that Benidorm has to offer, for with its all year round diverse entertainment for singles, couples or families, young and old alike, this is truly a holiday experience not to be missed.

Benidorm has rich and varied list of activities for families with children of all ages, amongst the best are: Terra Mitica, Terra Natura, Mundomar, Aqualandia and Desafio Medieval (medieval show, with knights jousting etc, plus dinner) all can be found on the internet for more detailed information.

It is a good idea to hire a car, to enable you to explore the beautiful villages and towns outside of Benidorm, and with all the major car hire companies along Avenida del Mediterraneo, just off Levante beach, such as Hertz, Avis, Europa and Centauro, so you can shop around for the best deal or book in advance through your account manager at Timelinx’s reservations office.

Most hotels organise some sort of excursion package which you can take, but there are also five free sightseeing trips on offer, taking you to the markets at Altea, through 7 Spanish villages, Guadelest, Botanical Gardens or the wine making valley of Jalon (where you can taste the merchandise).

Benidorm was officially born in 1325, when the lord of the Baronia de Polop awarded it a town charter to establish its own identity within Spain. The locals are fiercely proud of their heritage, mainly of a seafaring nature, where for over 200 years they have had the majority of the Mediterranean tuna fishing industry. Since the 19th century, Benidorm has provided most of Spain's sea captains and crew members.

Take a stroll through the old town and see St. James church which was built in the 18th century, and many other interesting buildings along the narrow cobbled streets and plazas. You can also take all this in doing a "Tapas and Vino" crawl, along two designated routes through the Old Town, which is much more civilised than the usual pub crawl.

Benidorm has everything your taste buds desire, from Italian, French, Indian, German, English and of course Spanish cuisines. There are too many to list, without upsetting the rest, so go on a cuisine cruise, and go back on the diet when you get home.

This is definitely a place where you can shop till you drop, from cheap clothes shops to more expensive ones, try Plaza del Mar shopping centre in Finestrat. Best buys probably leather coats and jackets, and of course get your cheaper spirit and cigarettes for home.

In conclusion, Benidorm is a diverse city, where you can have a fun-packed holiday or a quiet and relaxed cultural holiday, with something for everyone, but to do Benidorm full justice, you will just have to come and see it for yourselves.

Members of Designer Way Vacation Club (DWVC) can get a weeks full board stay in February for two in the Agua Azul Hotel (Resort code: T08615) for just £237 or all inclusive for £311!

The Hotel Agua Azul is located in the centre of Benidorm. Just 400 metres from the Levante beach and the back of the hotel faces L'Aiguera Park. The hotel offers a prime location in the centre of Benidorm. Close by, guests can find windsurfing, sailing, diving, horse riding and a golf course.

Central location and a friendly atmosphere make Agua Azul Hotel an ideal place for vacations in Benidorm. The hotel facilities include reception, car parking, games room, laundry services and currency exchange. The restaurant overlooks the pool area. The hotel offers a Buffet service were guests can enjoy a selection of hot and cold dishes, with excellent national and international choices.

The hotel has 132 double rooms and 13 single rooms that are elegantly decorated, having some of them designated as non smoking. Facilities include air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, safety deposit box and a terrace.

The hotel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by an attractive garden area, a sun terrace, outdoor summer beach bar and children's play area. The hotel also organizes entertainment programmes for adults and children.

If you have never visited Benidorm before then it is somewhere you should give a try, if you have already holidayed in Benidorm then no doubt it would take little encouragement to go again. Whichever boat you’re in, the discount available as a member of DWVC should give you all the excuse you need to treat yourself to a holiday in beautiful Benidorm.

Should you want to book this resort contact your account manager at Timelinx’s reservations office on 0870 738 0080, alternatively log onto www.dwvc.com.

Written by: Keith Martin (03/01/08)

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