Benidorm Beach
Before the 1960s, Benidorm was a small village. Today it stands out for its hotel industry, beaches and skyscrapers, built as a result of its tourist-oriented economy.
According to the 2004 census, Benidorm has a permanent population of 64,956 inhabitants, ranking as the fifth most populous town in the Alicante province. It is one of the most important holiday resorts in Spain, with an area of 38.5 km² and a population density of 1,593.56 inhab/km².
Due to the unique skyline formed by its numerous tall hotels and apartment buildings it is sometimes referred to as the "Manhattan of Spain" or "Beniyork", which is unlike any other on the Costa Blanca (White Coast). According to the Urban Age project, Benidorm has the most high-rise buildings per capita in the world.
Benidorm itself is dwarfed by the 1406 m tall Puig Campana, which is one of the most impressive mountains of the Costa Blanca. The city is divided into halves, Poniente and Levante, each fronted by a beach of the same name. Between the two beaches lies a rocky promontory.
The old city occupies this promontory and the area immediately inland, while most of the hotels occupy the more recently developed sections behind the two beaches. A few miles from shore is an uninhabited island which provides a dramatic centerpiece to the seascape.
Benidorm is popular with tourists from northern Europe, especially those from the UK. Benidorm's initial growth in popularity can be attributed to the package holiday explosion, and continues year round, due to the night-life based around the central concentration of bars and clubs. The large number of free cabaret acts that start around 2100 hours and continue into the early hours set Benidorm apart from other similar resorts.
Each summer, since 1959, the city celebrates the Benidorm International Song Festival, a song contest where international or Spanish celebrities like Julio Iglesias, Raphael or the Dúo Dinámico became famous.
Benidorm boasts three family-oriented theme parks:
Terra Mítica is located inland from the city, at the foot of the mountain and Aqualandia and Mundomar are located on the outskirts of the city on the Llevant side. In addition to large shopping and commercial areas.
