Benidorm Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do, Beaches & Practical Tips

Quick Take

Port Type

Beach Resort & Town Hybrid

Best For

Beach days, people-watching, lively waterfront bars, families wanting easy sand and sun

Avoid If

You want culture, history, or a quiet Spanish village experience — Benidorm is not that

Walkability

High once you're in town — beaches, old town, and the main strip are all walkable from each other, but the pier dock requires a short transfer into the center

Budget Fit

Very good — food, drinks, and beaches are cheap by Mediterranean standards

Good For Short Calls?

Yes — Benidorm rewards a half day; a full day is only worth it if you're committed to beach time or water sports

Port Overview

Benidorm sits on Spain's Costa Blanca and is one of the most recognizable resort towns in the Mediterranean — famous for its improbable cluster of high-rises rising behind two sweeping sandy bays. It is not a historic port city. It is a purpose-built holiday machine, and it delivers exactly that: good beaches, cheap food and drink, and a lively atmosphere that is unapologetically touristy.

Ships calling at Benidorm typically dock at the pier at the Port of Benidorm, which sits just south of the town center. The port itself is compact and functional. You'll need a short taxi ride or local bus to reach the beaches and old town — it's not a walk-off-the-ship-onto-the-sand situation, but the transfer is quick and inexpensive.

The honest pitch: if you want sun, sand, cold beer, and easy Spanish coastal energy without spending much money, Benidorm delivers. If you're hoping for cobblestoned plazas, museums, or authentic Valencian village life, you'll be disappointed — save that for Alicante or Valencia on another port day. Benidorm knows what it is and does it well.

Is It Safe?

Benidorm is a very safe port for cruisers. The tourist areas around both beaches and the old town are heavily trafficked and well-policed. Petty theft — bag snatching, pickpocketing in crowded areas — is the main risk, as with any busy Mediterranean resort. Keep bags zipped and don't leave valuables unattended on the beach.

The main strip at night can be rowdy given Benidorm's reputation as a party destination, but during cruise ship hours (daytime) this is a non-issue. Use standard common sense and you'll have no problems.

Accessibility & Walkability

The beachfront promenade along Playa de Levante is flat and well-maintained, making it one of the more accessible beach destinations in this region. Wheelchair users can reach the waterfront and much of the town center without major obstacles. The old town involves an uphill section with steps, which is not wheelchair-friendly, though the view from the belvedere is reachable via an alternative gentler path — ask locally. Taxis are the easiest transport option for mobility-limited passengers.

Outside the Terminal

The port area is functional rather than charming. Expect a small terminal building, a parking area, and possibly a few souvenir stalls near the exit. The beach and town are not immediately visible from the pier, so don't be put off — a quick taxi or bus ride deposits you into the resort proper within minutes. Taxis are usually staged at the port gate waiting for cruise arrivals.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

Benidorm's food scene is a paradox — it's one of the most British-feeling resort towns in Spain, yet genuine Spanish eating is easy to find if you look half a block off the main strip. The old town has solid tapas bars serving proper Valencian food at fair prices. Look for arròs a banda (rice cooked in fish stock), fresh grilled fish, and cold gazpacho in summer.

The main boulevard and beachfront strips are lined with burger joints, English breakfast cafes, and chain restaurants — fine for a quick beer but not why you came to Spain. A menu del día (set lunch) at a local restaurant typically runs $10-15 USD and includes a starter, main, dessert, and drink. That's your best value move.

For a quick beach snack, the chiringuitos (beach bars) on both Levante and Poniente serve cold drinks, fresh fruit, and simple grilled food at reasonable prices.

Shopping

Benidorm has the full range of resort shopping — souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, leather goods, and a covered market that runs most mornings near the old town. If you're after Spanish ceramics, fans, or Lladró-style figurines, you'll find plenty of options, though quality varies. The main shopping drag (Avenida de Martínez Alejos and surrounding streets) is pedestrianized and easy to browse. Don't expect high-end boutiques or anything you couldn't find at other Spanish resort ports.

Money & Currency

Currency

Euro (EUR)

USD Accepted?

No

Card Payments

High — cards accepted widely in restaurants, shops, and hotels. Contactless is common.

ATMs

Plentiful throughout the town center and near both beaches. Use bank ATMs over standalone machines to avoid high fees.

Tipping

Not obligatory in Spain but rounding up or leaving 5-10% at sit-down restaurants is appreciated.

Notes

Benidorm is cheaper than many Mediterranean ports. Budget $30-60 USD for a comfortable half-day including transport, food, and one beach activity.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

May, June, September, October — warm, sunny, and less crowded than peak summer

Avoid

July and August are peak season — beaches are packed and temperatures hit 35°C+

Temperature

22-32°C (72-90°F)

Notes

Benidorm averages over 300 sunny days per year. Rain is rare during cruise season. The sea is swimmable from May through October.

Airport Information

Airport

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)

Distance

55 km

Getting there

Taxi direct to port ($50-70 USD, about 45 minutes); ALSA bus to Benidorm bus station then local transfer; car rental available at airport

Notes

A practical pre- or post-cruise airport. If you're flying in the day before, Benidorm has good hotel options at fair prices.