adminThere’s something wonderfully comforting about returning to a place you’ve enjoyed before and finding it’s every bit as good as you remembered. For us, that place is Santagloria Coffee & Bakery is a café brand I’ve come to love across Spain. Their outlets are dotted throughout the country, but the two tucked away in Benidorm’s Old Town holds a special place in my heart. I’ve visited it many times over the years, and once again on our latest trip, it didn’t disappoint.
What first draws you in is its look, Santagloria cafés always have a distinct style, the interior is light, airy and beautifully presented, with a relaxed, modern charm, but very small. The glass-fronted counters immediately catch your eye, brimming with pastries, breads, and sweet treats that look almost too good to eat. The décor strikes that perfect balance between contemporary and cosy, with soft lighting, polished wood accents, and an inviting warmth that encourages you to linger.
Seating is plentiful too, which is always a bonus in a busy town like Benidorm. Inside, you can tuck yourself away for a quiet coffee break, while outside, a series of tables spill onto the pavement — perfect for people-watching and soaking up the lively atmosphere of the Old Town. The street itself, Calle Gambo or the new location at Tomas Ortuno, are both the busiest and most charming thoroughfare, surrounded by pubs, restaurants, boutiques and some surprisingly beautiful architecture.
After placing our order, Santagloria operates a largely self-service system, so we decided to sit outside. The sun was already high, the street buzzing with the usual mix of locals, holidaymakers, and the sound of chatter bouncing between the buildings. There’s something effortlessly enjoyable about moments like these: good weather, a fresh cup of coffee, and nowhere in particular to be. We used the opportunity to relax and plan our day ahead, letting the morning ease by at its own pace.
As always, the coffee was excellent, to be fair, it’s hard to find a bad coffee in Benidorm. From the first sip to the last, you can tell they take pride in what they serve. The beans are clearly of high quality, roasted to perfection, and brewed with care with no bitter aftertaste, just a smooth, well-balanced flavour that’s rich without being overpowering. It’s exactly what you want from a café like this, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Every time I visit, the tables are full, and yet the service always remains friendly and efficient. The other thing I love about Santa Gloria is they do some small pastry’s so you can buy a few and savour the different flavours, added bonus is they do more savories than most other bakeries, that we have tried.
Although our visit this time was a short one, it was every bit as enjoyable as previous stops. There’s a consistency about Santagloria Coffee & Bakery that keeps us coming back, whether it’s the attention to detail, the relaxed ambience, or simply the fact that they make an exceptional cup of coffee. It’s the kind of place that feels reliable in the best possible way: you know you’ll get great quality and a welcoming atmosphere, no matter how busy it is.
For anyone visiting Benidorm, particularly the Old Town, this café is definitely worth seeking out. Whether you’re after a quiet morning coffee, a light brunch, or a sweet pastry to break up your day, Santagloria offers a calm, stylish spot amid the bustle of the resort. With its lovely setting on Calle Gambo or Tomas Ortuno and its reputation for consistently good coffee and service, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Sometimes the simplest pleasures make the biggest impressions, and for us, sitting outside Santagloria with a perfectly made coffee, watching Benidorm come to life, is one of those small but memorable moments that remind you why travel is so rewarding. I’m going to let the images do most of the talking in this post.
