10 Ways to Save Money in Benidorm

St Michael's Russian Orthodox Church is a notable landmark in the coastal town of Altea, located around 17 km southwest of Benidorm. As the first Russian Orthodox church in Spain, this venue is worth visiting for its spectacular design. Check out the 5 gilded, onion-shaped domes before entering the church.

Inside, you'll be surrounded by intricate paintings, frescos and stained glass windows. It's interesting to know that all materials used in construction came from Russia, as did its builders. Another curious fact about St Michael's Russian Orthodox Church – musician Mstislav Rostropóvich is an honorary parishioner. 

Rincón de Loix, to the north of Benidorm, is the town's most international neighbourhood. Among the main attractions is Playa de Levante, Benidorm's most popular beach.

You can catch a popular cabaret show at Benidorm Palace, a concert hall in Rincón De Loix. Facing a language barrier? Check out British restaurants, bars and pubs along Calles Gerona, Lepanto and Mallorca, collectively called the English zone of Benidorm.

Calle de los Gatos (or Cat's Alley) runs parallel to Calle Mayor in Benidorm's Old Town. The alleyway is well known for its large number of bars and pubs. Worthy of special mention is Kakao, a small but very cheap and welcoming venue where you can request for your favourite song while snacking on free sweets at the bar. 

Further along Calle de los Gatos is El Callejón, a local bar specialising in mint, strawberry and watermelon mojitos. Marrs Bar Benidorm regularly hosts themed parties and DJ sets. Must-tries here are the caipirinhas and mojitos. 

Benidorm Castle, situated strategically between the Levante and Poniente beaches, served to defend the town from attacks from Algerian and Berber pirates between the 14th and 16th centuries. After it was subsequently abandoned, just a few ruins remain between the rocks. 

The site was used to build Balcón del Mediterráneo, a lookout point with magnificent sea views. The spot is fairly quiet most of the time, with street musicians adding to the ambience with their instruments. 

Puig Campana is a mountain peak that forms part of the Cordillera Prebética range. At a height of 1,400 metres, it was declared a Site of Community Importance due to its lush vegetation and its spectacular views over the Alicante coastline. 

There are several routes leading to the summit, all of which end up converging at one point or another. While some trails are rather challenging, the view at the top is well worth the effort. Climbing Puig Campana is an excellent way to spend the day without having to spend any money. Just remember to pack a picnic, fill your water bottle, and wear comfortable footwear. 

Les Nits del Castell Market is a seasonal flea market that coincides with a festival of the same name. Between April and May, Plaza de Castelar hosts dozens of artists and craftspeople showcasing their creations. 

Here, you will find all manner of paintings, silver jewellery with precious stones, costume jewellery, decorations, handmade soaps, and glassware. Have a wander through the outdoor market – you might be able to buy something as a memento of your stay in Benidorm.

Heartbreak Rock Bar is just a few steps away from Platja de Llevant, one of Benidorm's busiest promenades. This nightclub has a southern US retro vibe, though it's most popular for hosting live music every evening. 

Different bands – mainly rock – can always be found here entertaining the crowd. The list of beers is extensive, though regulars tend to go for the dark beers. 

Benidorm Old Town lies between Parque de Elche and Placa Triangular, offering a glimpse of the seaside town during the 1960s. Most of the cobblestoned streets are pedestrian-only, so you can stroll at your leisure and discover treasures like the neo-classical San Jaime and Santa Ana Church, built in the 18th century. 

Benidorm Old Town also has a well-known Basque Zone, where you can find excellent tapas bars and Balcó del Mediterrani – this lookout point offers panoramic views of the town and beaches. 

Benidorm has barrelhouses as unique accommodations for budget travellers. These gigantic air-conditioned wine barrels are big enough for a double bed, with electricity provided too. They are often found at campsites, allowing you to enjoy a scenic stay at very reasonable prices. 

Sleeping in a barrelhouse is also a really original way to surprise your partner. You can find it in Benidorm's Camping Armanello and Camping Alicante Imperium.

While in Benidorm, it's always a good idea to explore the surrounding area. Just 10 km away, in central Costa Blanca, is Villajoyosa, a town known for the Valor Chocolate Museum, where you can see how chocolate is made and sample its products. Villajoyosa also has fine beaches, such as El Paraíso and Bol Nou, as well as Vila Museu, an interesting museum. 

The coastal town Altea has whitewashed houses reminiscent of a typical Greek village. A must-visit is Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, a parish church with a bright blue dome.