Over the years, Benidorm has become an iconic tourist destination, and not only as a coastal destination where you can enjoy a holiday retreat in the sun and on the beach. Discover a few little-known facts about Benidorm which will leave you eager to visit this town in Alicante on your next trip.
Little-known facts about Benidorm
Did you know that Benidorm is the city with the second highest number of skyscrapers over 150 metres in Spain, after Madrid? Or that it is the city with the third highest number of high-rise buildings in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona? This Costa Blanca town has a population of just 67,500, whereas the urban areas of the other two cities boast 6.5 million and 5.5 million inhabitants respectively.
But that’s not all. Benidorm has become the city with the third highest concentration of tall buildings in Europe, after London and Milan. In terms of high-rise building per capita, the average is among the highest in the world, along with Balneario Camboriú, in the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil, and Gurgaon, in the state of Haryana in India.
BeniYork, The New York of the Mediterranean or The Spanish Manhattan, to mention a few of its nicknames, was originally a fishing town, which began to receive a large number of tourists in the early 1980s, due to its privileged location, perfect climate and excellent beaches.
Gastronomy and nightlife
Benidorm is the ideal location for a romantic getaway, or even for a family holiday. You can reserve a hotel for children in Benidorm and treat your children to an unforgettable experience in a destination that offers endless possibilities.
For example, the city is full of amusement parks such as the well-known Terra Mitica, Aqualandia and Festilandia. There are also a range of leisure and outdoor sports options available to you, guaranteeing authentic adventures for the kids.
If you want to dive head first into local traditions of this region of Alicante, why not visit in November for the Patron Saint’s Day Festivities, worshipping the Virgen del Sufragio and Saint James. For five days , the city is filled to the brim with visitors, and the atmosphere is incredible.
The gastronomy in Benidorm is a prime example of the famous Mediterranean cuisine. The cuisine has been nurtured by numerous influences, making gastronomy another star attraction. Don’t leave without trying recipes such as cazuela de pescado al estilo pobre, a traditional fish casserole; arroz caldoso, a soup with rice; the well-known San Blas rolls or the ‘pastelitos de boniato’ sweet potato pasties.
Its hectic nightlife, wide cultural offering and these little-known facts about Benidorm combine to create one of the top tourist destinations in Spain. Pack your bags and enjoy everything it has to offer. Get stuck in!