Mediterranean
Benidorm has a modern cruise terminal with direct pier access located in the heart of the city.
Benidorm is one of the Mediterranean’s most recognisable skylines — a cluster of high-rise towers rising dramatically from a sun-scorched coastline — yet most visitors never venture beyond the beach. As a cruise port, it punches well above its weight, offering everything from hidden mountain villages to world-class entertainment, all within easy reach of the pier.
Arriving by Ship
Benidorm itself doesn’t have a dedicated cruise terminal, so most ships calling here tender passengers ashore or dock at the nearby Port of Alicante, roughly 45 kilometres to the south, using it as the gateway to Benidorm. Some smaller vessels and expedition ships use the local marina directly. If your ship tenders, water taxis will ferry you to the waterfront promenade, dropping you within walking distance of both beaches and the old town. The whole process is typically smooth, though it’s worth checking your ship’s newsletter the night before for tender times, especially during peak summer months when traffic can slow things down.
Things to Do
Benidorm’s two sweeping beaches — Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente — are genuinely beautiful, and a morning spent on the sand is never wasted. But the real revelation lies inland. Just 20 minutes from the coast, the hilltop village of Guadalest is one of the most dramatic sights in the entire Valencia region: a medieval castle perched on a rocky needle above a turquoise reservoir, accessible only through a tunnel carved into the mountain. Combining Guadalest with the spectacular Algar Waterfalls makes for a perfect full-day excursion. 🎟 Book: Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls Tour from Alicante or Benidorm If you’d rather keep it lighter, the half-day trip that pairs Guadalest with the charming whitewashed village of Altea is equally rewarding. 🎟 Book: Guadalest and Altea Day Trip from Alicante or Benidorm
For families, Terra Natura Benidorm is an impressive wildlife park that blends a zoo with a water park, and three hours gives you a solid taste of both. 🎟 Book: Terra Natura Benidorm Entrance Ticket Back in town, the old quarter — Casco Antiguo — sits on a rocky promontory between the two beaches and rewards aimless wandering: narrow cobbled lanes, blue-domed churches, and panoramic viewpoints that put the skyscrapers into strange, beautiful perspective.
Local Food
Don’t let Benidorm’s reputation for fish and chips fool you — the local culinary scene is genuinely excellent if you know where to look. Head away from the main tourist strip and into the old town, where family-run tapas bars serve classic Valencian dishes. Arròs a banda, a saffron-laced rice dish cooked in fish stock (and served without the fish, which comes separately), is the regional speciality you absolutely must try. Fideuà — a paella-style dish made with noodles instead of rice — is another local favourite, particularly good when ordered fresh at a beachside chiringuito. Wash everything down with a glass of local Alicante wine, which tends to be robust, full-bodied, and very affordable.
Shopping
The old town and the streets behind Playa de Levante are lined with independent shops selling ceramics, leather goods, and esparto grass basketwork — traditional crafts from the Valencia region that make for genuinely distinctive souvenirs. The weekly market (held in the town centre on Wednesdays and Sundays) is worth timing your visit around if possible, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade jewellery. For bigger brands and air-conditioned relief on a scorching afternoon, the Puerto Marina shopping complex near the marina has a solid selection of Spanish fashion retailers alongside waterfront cafés perfect for a final coffee before tendering back to ship.
Practical Tips
Benidorm sits on the Costa Blanca and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, so sun protection is non-negotiable even in spring. The town is very walkable once you’re ashore, but taxis and ride-share apps are inexpensive if you want to venture further. Euros are the local currency, and most places accept cards, though smaller tapas bars in the old town often prefer cash. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but a few words of Spanish or Valencian will be warmly received. If you’re tendering, aim for an early tender to make the most of excursions — the mountain villages get busier through midday.
Cruises That Visit Benidorm Spain
Benidorm is most commonly featured on Western Mediterranean itineraries, with Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises among the most frequent visitors, often including the port as part of wider Spanish coastal sailings that also call at Barcelona, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca. These voyages typically run between seven and fourteen nights and depart from home ports including Barcelona, Genoa, Marseille, and Civitavecchia (Rome).
P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean occasionally feature Benidorm or Alicante on their Mediterranean programmes, particularly on cruises departing from Southampton or Barcelona. These sailings often range from ten to fourteen nights and attract a largely British clientele given the resort’s longstanding popularity with UK travellers.
River and boutique expedition lines operating smaller vessels sometimes dock directly at Benidorm’s marina during spring and autumn coastal cruises, offering a more intimate experience of the town than the larger ships allow. Sailings from Palma or Valencia are common for these vessels.
The best time to cruise here is late April through June or September through October, when temperatures hover between 22°C and 28°C, the beaches are uncrowded, and tender queues are far more manageable than in the peak summer months of July and August.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking
City center and beaches are within walking distance of the terminal
Taxi
Taxis available at terminal rank for airport, beaches, or attractions
Local Bus
EMT Benidorm buses run from near the terminal to all major areas
Organized Shore Excursion
Ship-organized tours to nearby attractions like Guadalest village or water parks
Top Things To Do
1
Benidorm Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Charming historic district with narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and traditional Spanish architecture. Features local restaurants, cafes, and a 16th-century church with stunning sea views.
Find shore excursions on Viator2
Playa de Levante Beach
Benidorm's most popular golden sand beach stretching over 1.5 km with excellent facilities including loungers, parasols, and beach bars. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing with clear Mediterranean waters.
Find shore excursions on Viator3
Guadalest Village
Picturesque mountain village perched on a hilltop 25 km inland featuring dramatic castle ruins, traditional architecture, and panoramic views of the Costa Blanca. A quintessential Spanish inland experience with craft shops and local restaurants.
Find shore excursions on Viator4
Aqualandia Water Park
Spain's largest water park with over 30 attractions including slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers suitable for all ages. Located just 3 km from the city center with plenty of dining and resting areas.
Find shore excursions on Viator5
Benidorm Island (Isla de Benidorm)
Small island reserve accessible by boat offering pristine coves, Mediterranean wildlife, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Home to seabirds and protected marine areas with crystal-clear water.
Find shore excursions on ViatorPractical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Most ships spend 8-12 hours in port; verify your ship's departure time as some afternoon/evening departures are common
- EUR is the currency; many vendors accept cards but carry cash for small purchases, taxis, and beach vendors
- Beach season runs May-October; April and November have pleasant weather but cooler water temperatures
- Public beaches are free but can get very crowded in peak season; arrive early or visit quieter Playa Poniente on the west side
- Restaurant prices in the old town are reasonable (u20ac8-15 for mains); avoid tourist trap restaurants directly by the terminal
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the cruise terminal is only 0.5 km from the city center. You can easily walk to the old town, beaches, and main attractions in 10-15 minutes. Most of Benidorm's major attractions are within walking distance.
Most cruise ships spend 8-12 hours in Benidorm, arriving early morning and departing late afternoon or evening. Some ships may have shorter or longer port days, so always check your specific itinerary.
For beach lovers, Playa de Levante offers excellent swimming and sunbathing with full amenities. For culture, explore the charming Old Town with its historic streets and local dining. If you have more time, an excursion to Guadalest village provides authentic Spanish mountain scenery or visit Aqualandia for family fun.
Yes, Benidorm is very safe for cruise passengers. The city is well-policed and tourist-friendly. As with any destination, use standard travel precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, keep valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
Yes, with limited port time. Alicante airport (50 km) offers connections to other cities. Valencia is about 150 km away by car/train. However, most cruise passengers stay local in Benidorm due to time constraints. Ship excursions to nearby Guadalest or water parks are more practical options.
Maximize your Benidorm port day with pre-booked activities and guaranteed return times to your ship—book your preferred excursions before you sail.
Compare sailings and book with no fees — best price guaranteed.
