adminIntroduction (28 August – 5 September)
I never expected to be going back to Benidorm in 2025, but after getting the all-clear from the doctor, we decided to go for it. The only rules were to walk about on the plane every hour and avoid alcohol. The wife was straight on it, comparing packages versus booking the hotel and flights separately. Eventually, we found a good deal with On the Beach: flying out with Ryanair, returning with Jet2, and staying at our favourite hotel, the Madeira Centro. Once on site, we upgraded to a room with a balcony and were given a fantastic room with an amazing view.
Transfer
I’ve always hated the transfer from Alicante Airport to Benidorm—mainly because I don’t like waiting around. Luckily, our early flight meant we weren’t in a rush to arrive. The bus set off after about 30 minutes, which wasn’t too bad, but it stopped at practically every hotel on the way. It felt like a magical mystery tour of Benidorm. At one point, I thought we were heading towards the Madeira Centro, but we turned the opposite way! Eventually, I said, “We’ll get off here and walk.” So, we got off at Benidorm Centre and made the short walk to our hotel.
We noticed a few new bars along Eating Street. Why anyone would go all the way to Benidorm to sit in an Irish-themed bar is beyond me—but that’s the beauty of Benidorm: it caters for everyone. Then we hit Calle del Esperanto, where I found ice cream heaven—La Krem, a new business with the best selection of ice cream I’ve ever seen. (Full review to follow.)
Madeira Centro
As mentioned, we upgraded to a room with a balcony. The wife’s a smoker, and in Spain, it’s all about being outdoors—even if it’s just while waiting for her to get ready. The upgrade cost around €100 for eight nights, which we thought was fair, and the view alone made it worth every cent. One of the best rooms we’ve ever had there.
We’ve reviewed the Madeira Centro before, but the highlights remain: it’s quiet, clean, the staff are amazing, and the food is great (though not English). My wife loves the fresh orange juice machine at breakfast that squeezes oranges to order. Rooms come with kettles, but cleaners often forget to top up the coffee—so a top tip: pick some up at breakfast, along with a teaspoon. There’s also an indoor and outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, and a gym for anyone feeling energetic.
Tapas
We knew it would be hot, so we only booked breakfast at the Madeira and decided to play the rest by ear. On the first day, we went down Tapas Alley, but it’s lost its magic for me. The constant hassling to come into bars has turned it into a bit of a tourist trap—and, truth be told, most of the restaurants are owned by the same company. That said, we usually go to Pintxos Aurrera, located in the covered section of the alley.
That was our first and last visit there this trip. We divided our time instead between La Mina and a rediscovery: the first tapas bar we ever visited years ago, now taken over and refurbished but still very traditional and popular with locals. (Full review to follow of Tapita.)
Beer
Now, I did say I wasn’t allowed alcohol—but that’s not entirely true. I am allowed one alcoholic drink a day (maybe two if the wife’s not looking). This is mainly due to my blood thinners, as alcohol can interfere with them. I’m not a big drinker generally, but when in Benidorm, I tend to have more than usual. This “ban” actually made me rediscover a few old favourites.
Lemon Tea: I spent some time in China years ago, and lemon tea was a staple. I’m not a fan of carbonated drinks, so I’d been drinking Fanta Limón—but it was missing something. One day, while walking to Finestrat, I noticed someone nearby drinking lemon tea. I asked the waiter, who said “Nestea?” (made by Coca-Cola). It was okay, but didn’t quite have that “dry tea” taste. I later tried another brand—possibly at City Bar or Milords—and it was much better.
Tostada Beer: This was a revelation. I’m a bitter/ale drinker, so the toasted malt flavour really hit the mark. “Tostada” means toasted, giving the beer a richer, more bitter taste. You’ll find these everywhere in Benidorm, both alcoholic and alcohol-free. The alcohol-free versions have a slight aftertaste, but still enjoyable. All the big names—San Miguel, Estrella, and Mahou—make them. My favourite was Estrella.
Brandy: I do enjoy a brandy, but the cheaper local brands aren’t ideal. I had a couple, but they really dehydrated me. I’d noticed it before but blamed it on the quantity. This time, having only one and feeling the same, confirmed it wasn’t just me!
Other Food
Cakes: I love a good cake, and my go-to spot is Panadería Granier. The staff are friendly, the coffee’s great, and the cake selection is second to none. The cheesecake is fantastic—baked with no base—and the portions are huge. Pistachio is very on-trend right now, and their pistachio croissant is outstanding. My wife’s two favourites are the plum cake (which she insists is apple every time) and their rich chocolate cake.
Ice Cream: As mentioned earlier, La Krem is superb. They have incredible flavours—Dubai Chocolate (pistachio and chocolate), Marrakech (almond and orange), and my wife’s favourite, Double Dark (intense chocolate with orange sauce). We tried a few other parlours, but La Krem was easily our favourite. The staff are lovely, and they’re happy for you to try samples.
Honourable mention to Arcoiris, the cheapest place we found, offering frozen yoghurt at €1.80 per scoop (compared to around €3 elsewhere). The selection’s limited, and some flavours lack depth, but great value all the same.
Weather & Atmosphere
The weather in Benidorm in 2025 has been random going from heatwaves to torrential rain in the blink of an eye. During the period we were there, the weather was a warm 35-38 degrees, but it did drop a little in the evenings, not so much you needed a jacket.
Atmosphere in Beni is always amazing it can get a little rowdy at times but thats part of the fun. Bars were generally busy but you could almost always get a seat and we didn’t see any trouble or negative attitudes but remember this is the Old Town. There was a lack of street entertainers on the front not sure if they are avoiding it or if they have been moved on but we didn’t see one. Pea Men were out in force and they do not care who you are young, old, English Spanish they will con you and this is a con, the pea trick is quite a famous illusion I just dont understand why people fall for it. Suppose it’s greed mixed at times with too much alcohol.
It was Pride from the 1st Sept and there was the odd event Ku was closed one evening for an event and most bars had colours flying. Other than that, you could have missed the event. We left Benidorm on Friday and the main event and procession was planned for Saturday.
