From Sunrise Mountain to the Neon Strip: Is Benidorm Actually Worth Visiting?

This past May, Darren, our friends, and I decided to swap the British grey for the neon glow of Benidorm. It turned out to be a brilliant week packed with non-stop dancing, a few too many drinks, and even a surprise dash of culture.

But what can you actually expect if you book a trip to this infamous seaside resort? In this post, I’m breaking down the essential dos and don’ts, sharing a few highlights from our own trip, and giving you the ultimate tips for surviving Benidorm.

What to Expect on Arrival

Benidorm is nothing if not vibrant. The famous Strip is a kaleidoscope of neon lights, promising endless energy and world-class entertainment.

Visiting in May is a bit of a sweet spot. Temperatures hover around 23°C, meaning it’s perfectly hot for sunbathing but comfortable enough for exploring. You’ll only need a light jacket for the evenings, unless, of course, you’re already wearing a thick "beer jacket"!

As for the crowd? Expect stag and hen dos in absolute abundance, a constant chorus of laughter, and brilliant tribute acts catering to every musical taste under the sun.

Mothermonster tribute act @ RockerFellas Cabaret Bar

Our Experience: The Rio Park Hotel

We pitched up at the Medplaya Hotel Rio Park. While it was recently renovated, it still retained a few… unique quirks.

For instance, the pool ladders were all incredibly loose and rickety. Now, this would normally just be a minor annoyance, but it became a high-stakes sport when the threat was falling backward into an icy, unheated pool!

That quirk aside, the hotel was clean, the staff were friendly, and it was generally great value for money. Would I give it a full four stars? Probably closer to a 3.5, but it absolutely did the job.

Top Tips for Your Benidorm Adventure

1. Stay Alert, But Don't Panic

We loved the nightlife along the Strip. Before we left, we’d been warned about aggressive pickpockets and street dealers offering "Charlie" on every corner. Honestly? I didn't see or hear any of that. I felt perfectly safe with our group. Even when the Strip was packed, it felt like we were moving with a steady, happy flow of people, rather than being a salmon fighting to swim upstream.

2. Guard Against the "Benidorm Bug"

If there is one piece of advice you take from this, let it be this: dose up on your vitamins before and during your trip. The infamous "Benidorm Bug" is very real. We noticed a lot of people coughing around us, and I came home feeling absolutely rough (and no, it wasn’t just a hangover, thank you very much!).

3. Conquer the Cross (But Bring Water!)

If you’re feeling adventurous and fancy a hike, you have to venture up to The Cross (La Cruz), which sits at the top of what looks like a very daunting mountain.

It is a steep hill. Learn from our mistake and do not forget to take water. While Google Maps might claim it only takes an hour, I'd budget at least two. You'll want to take regular breaks to catch your breath and admire the gorgeous viewpoints on the way up. We made the trek for sunrise, and when we finally reached the summit, we had the place entirely to ourselves. The view of the waking city was fantastic, but the sense of achievement was even better.

The Verdict: Should You Go?

So, is Benidorm worth the trip? If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, probably not. But if you want guaranteed sunshine, cheap drinks, laughs that make your stomach hurt, and an atmosphere that doesn't take itself too seriously, then absolutely yes.

While we’ve ticked it off our bucket list and probably won't rush back anytime soon, we left with brilliant memories. If you've never been, pack your vitamins, grab your friends, and experience the madness at least once!

Until next time.