Benidorm belongs to the province of Alicante, more specifically to the area of the Marina Baixa, with a population of around 55.000.

History: It is said that the first civilization in Benidorm was probably settled in the Tossal de la Cala, an archaeological complex, internationally important, from where the Venus Baquica comes from, which can be seen today in the Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante. The origins of the city are usually related to the Arabian Age, and was later reaffirmed with the arrival of the Christians. Benidorm was born on the 8th May, 1325, when Bernat de Sarriá, sir of the Polop barony, granted this town with the Carta de Poblamiento. During the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, the importance of Benidorm was reduced by the incursions of Argelian pirates, Berbers and the centuries-old lack of water. Due to this fact, the castle of this town was abandoned. By the end of the 18th century the population reached 2400 people. It was in this century when two relevant religious events happened: the works in the parroquia de San Jaime were started, and the image of the Virgen del Sufragio was found in 1740, the Patron of Benidorm. It is by this time when the fishermen in this town acquired an international prestige, as they were ordered to install nearly the totality of the almadrabas in the Mediterranean Sea (a difficult tuna fishing art in which is used complicated system of nets). From that moment, Benidorm begins to experience a remarkable growth, and it is expanded with the creation of new streets, which today constitute the picturesque image of the old part of the town. It is with the Napoleonic wars that the castle is reconstructed, acquiring the present shape, but still keeping in some places parts of the old walls. The first half of the 19th century was a new period of expansion, the city already had 4502 inhabitants and, apart from the almadraba fishing and agriculture, a new commercial activity appears, the sabotage, which will lead population towards a bigger dependence on the civil navy. It is in the 50’s when Benidorm starts to develop an intense and effective policy in urban planning and promotion of its natural conditions, which resulted in the creation of today’s Benidorm. From the beginning of the 60’s, the tourist development begins in Benidorm, reaching the most spectacular results at the end of that decade, with the construction of a lot of hotels and services. Nowadays, nearly 4 million annual visitors, with more than 50 million overnight stays, turn Benidorm into the most important tourist municipality in the Mediterranean coast.

Culture and Art: The most emblematic places in the city are the following: Canalejas Square, where the Town Hall is located. Next to the Town Hall is one of the most traditional streets in the old part of the area, el Carrer dels Gats, an example of urban design in the sailor’s Benidorm. Saint Jame’s Church, which dates back from the 18th century, where the image of the Virgen del Sufragio, Patron of the city, is kept. One of the most interesting places of the city is El Castillo-Mirador. In the big rock that divides the two beaches, there was a defense fortress for the incursions of Argelian and Berber pirates, in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Afterwards, the castle was abandoned, and today there are just a few remains of the walls, which are standing over the rocks of the mirador, known as the balcony of the Mediterranean. The big green lung in Benidorm is l'Agüera Park, a great piece of the urban architecture, designed by Ricardo Bofill, with spacious green areas, a central promenade and two auditoriums, where most of the artistic and cultural exhibitions are celebrated, among which outstands the Festival de la Cancion de Benidorm.

Gastronomy: The traditional dishes in this city are the paella, arroz caldoso, habichuelas y nabos, arroz a banda, el pebrot, ali oli and coca rellena: among desserts, the pastelitos de boniato and the bollo de San Blas.

Climate: Benidorm has a microclimate that can be enjoyed specially in spring, winter and autumn. Temperatures are slightly higher than in the rest of the littoral, and the sea water temperature allows baths during the whole year. The annual humidity average in the atmosphere ranges between the 60% and the 70%. In summer, the average is 31,7ºC in the atmosphere and 26ºC in the sea water, whereas in winter is 18,7ºC in the atmosphere and 15,5ºC in the sea.

Festivals: The most important are celebrated in honour of the Virgen del Sufragio and San Jaime Apóstol. From the second Saturday of the month of November till the following Wednesday, they experience 5 days of intense festive activity. The most outstanding acts are the staging of the Virgin’s discovery, the ofrenda de flores, the desfile del humor, the desfile de carrozas and the bonfires on Wednesday, on the last day. The commemoration of the discovery of the Virgen del Sufragio is celebrated on the 16 March, the same day of the celebration of the Valencian Fiestas par excellence – las Fallas-. They are set up in different quarters, and the processions, the flower offering to the Virgin and the pasacalles are the most significant acts of a party that is finished with the Cremà, on the 19th. Carnivals are celebrated in Benidorm with parades, fancy dresses competitions and the sardine’s funeral, which amuse the streets during that days. The fiesta de la Cruz is one of the most traditional fiestas in the city, and it takes place on the 1st May. During the last weekend of September, Benidorm celebrates de Moors and Christians.

Communications: Capital of the Marina Baixa, it can be reached via the N-332 and the Autopista A-7. It is 41km away from Alicante. By train, RENFE connects Alicante with all the national and international rail lines. The remaining distance between Alicante-Benidorm can be covered through a suburban train (FEVE) or bus. Alicante Airport is 50km away, and connects Benidorm through the A7 motorway. The majority of National and European bus companies offer direct trips to Benidorm.

BEACHES OF BENIDORM:

Playa Levante: Between Punta Pinet and Punta Canfali there is a bay of more than 2km, with an urban beach that is, without any doubt, one of the most lively and popular ones in the Mediterranean coast. Thanks to its orientation, it is possible to sunbathe in the early evenings in summer, and until the sunset in winters. Its sand is thin and golden, with crystal waters and surrounded by palm trees, which give a very attractive appearance to this beach. It is delimited by a seafront with restaurants, cafés and pubs. This beach is suitable for disabled people, and because of this and other services, it was awarded with a Blue Flag.

Playa Poniente: From the marina to the Cabezo del Tosal, there is a 3km beach, with crystal waters, thin, golden sand, and palm trees. Both beach and seafront in there give a lively image to this beach at any time of the day. A Blue Flag certifies the suitability of its waters and services.

Cala Mal Pas: This small cove of thin, golden sand is separating the crowded beaches of Levante and Poniente. Opposite Mal Pas is Benidorm Island, which shelters an immersed platform known as La Llosa, an important Sea Reserve with interesting sea bottoms. Awarded with a Blue Flag.

Cala Ti Ximo: In the last end between Punta de La Escaleta and Punta Pinet appear a series of small coves of sand and rocks, with beautiful, rocky sea bottoms very suitable for diving.

Playa La Almadrava: It is a natural cove, with thin sand and pebbles, located in a rustic environment, at the side of Sierra Helada. The crystal waters and rocky bottom attract those keen on scuba diving.