10 Things to Do in Benidorm in August

Benidorm is one of the most touristic cities in the whole of Spain and specifically in August it fills up with a huge amount of tourists. Read on to get an idea of all the things you can do if you are one of them.

Keyvis Montilva

Keyvis Montilva

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Benidorm in August

Primera línea de playa |© Sergio Santos Otero

The busiest and most entertaining time of the year for many Spanish cities is summer. For this reason, the things to see and do in Benidorm during August are designed for all types of tourists and all types of budgets. Which is very convenient, at least knowing that this is one of the most important destinations on the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Taking this into consideration, I advise you to read this compilation of plans and activities that I have prepared if you want to have a more accurate and concrete idea about the kind of trip you could enjoy if you decide to visit this famous Valencian city in the hottest month of the year.

1. Enjoy the verbena of the Cofradía Nuestra Señora Esperanza (Brotherhood of Our Lady of Hope)

Castelar Square|©CovBoy2007
Castelar Square|©CovBoy2007

Year after year the council of the patron saint's fiestas in the city of Benidorm decides to organise an entertaining and modest verbena in the Plaza Castelar. It is located right next to the touristy Castell. It's known as the Verbena Fest and usually takes place on the second Saturday in August at around 6 or 7pm.

The event is characterised by a fairly wide range of food and drink on offer at very reasonable prices to attract as many locals and tourists as possible. There is an accompaniment of popular Valencian music as well as some well-known local artists.

For exactly that reason it can be a good entertainment alternative if you are looking to familiarise yourself with the culture of Benidorm. Keep in mind that the Plaza del Castelar is located in the most touristic section of the city and therefore the Benidorm Hop On Hop Off buses could be a good transport alternative if you want to explore the area further.

In fact if you're arriving in town, the idea of enjoying a boat ride to catch the sun set after touring the verbena is an ideal situation to kick off a great holiday in the most visited tourist destination on the Costa Blanca.

Book your tickets for the Benidorm Hop On Hop Off Buses

2. Celebrate Sant Roc like a local

Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana (Benidorm)|©RFRumbao
Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana (Benidorm)|©RFRumbao

In the Calvari neighbourhood, located in a fairly central area of Benidorm, year after year on the 16th of August there is a very entertaining day of festivities which aims to celebrate the tradition of Sant Roc. It is an event with religious roots which over the years has become very popular with the local population.

As such its attendees usually take part in games, snacks and some events with live entertainment with Valencian music around the church of Sant Jaume i Santa Anna.

So this could be a local festival to experience in Benidorm if you're arriving in the city in the middle of the month. Either way, you should be aware that the event lasts all day and you don't necessarily have to spend all your hours there to enjoy it. For this reason a visit to the water parks in Benidorm is something you could perfectly well do in the morning or afternoon if you dedicate the rest of the day to this activity.

The best water parks in Benidorm

3. Go to La Nucia to celebrate the patron saint's fiestas

La Nucia|©RFRumbao
La Nucia|©RFRumbao

If you're so keen to explore the traditions of the Benidorm region that you have no problem getting out and about in the surrounding area then you can't miss the neighbouring town's Fiestas de Agosto. Bear in mind that this is the patron saint festival of La Nucia and so from the 14th to the 18th of August you usually have the opportunity to experience different events for all kinds of audiences.

Amongst the traditions I can highlight the famous costume parade which usually takes place on the 17th of August and is an event in which the locals dress up as if they were at carnival to dance their way to the Plaça Major. The gastronomic offer and the free concerts of this event are another of its great attractions as well as the joy that is perceived in all participants.

Without a doubt this is one of those activities to see and do in Benidorm with children. At the same time, if you feel like exploring other communities on the Costa Blanca, you have the possibility of enjoying a private tour that allows you to explore the area without altering your logistical itinerary too much.

4. Don't hesitate to take part in a beach cinema show

Cinema on the beach|©Zhifei Zhou
Cinema on the beach|©Zhifei Zhou

Another of Benidorm's great traditions that would surprise people who know how busy the city's beaches can be is the fact that some nights in August are reserved for Cinema on the Beach sessions organised by the city council. As you can imagine, admission to this activity is completely free and every year the date changes according to the configuration of the weekends in August.

However, there are usually two or three screenings a month and they are usually scheduled for the Saturday or Sunday of the first and third week of August. They usually choose classics of Spanish cinema or family films such as cartoons. In fact, there are usually two different films for each date of the event.

This is a good activity to do if you only have a three day visit to Benidorm and can certainly be a good plan to enjoy after returning from a catamaran ride in the Bay of Denia.

5. Enjoy a concert in the Julio Iglesias Auditorium or in the Guillermo Amor Stadium.

Julio Iglesias Auditorium|©Leandro Godoi
Julio Iglesias Auditorium|©Leandro Godoi

The number of visitors arriving in Benidorm during the summer is so large that the town's population doubles and even triples during some weekends. This reality has a direct effect on the cultural offer of the town and for this reason during the month of August there is the largest number of concerts of the whole year. Most of them are held in the open-air auditorium Julio Iglesias or in the picturesque Guillermo Amor stadium.

Therefore, if you are going to be in this city long enough to be interested in taking advantage of your visit to enjoy one of the musical events of the month, don't hesitate to choose those held in either of these two venues. Keep in mind that in an average August there may be as many as three or four music events on the same weekend. This is logical when you consider the diversity and number of summer visitors to a city like Benidorm.

6. Go out and party in the best month of the year for it!

Benidorm Themed Charity Night|©Phoenix Bar and Restaurant
Benidorm Themed Charity Night|©Phoenix Bar and Restaurant

On the other hand, partying is perhaps Benidorm' s most distinctive cultural aspect in the eyes of the tourist industry and August in particular is the best time of the year for the best parties of the year. The party scene in the town is so significant that there are at least seven different areas where you'll find very different experiences.

For example, La Carretera is a section of the town located just outside the town on the national road 332 in the direction of Altea. This is the epicentre of the big discotheques and is where many of the people go at around four in the morning when the more moderate bars close. The Callejón de los gatos in the old town is also a good area for partying, especially as it is very easy to get to the famous discotheques on the Levante beach.

The tourist area that receives most of the British tourists is located in Calle Girona, Lepanto and Avinguda de Mallorca. So if you visit this area you will be able to experience the kind of nightlife that the British are looking to enjoy during a summer in Benidorm. Keep in mind that going out dancing is one of the best things to do in Benidorm at night no matter what your budget is or what kind of experience you're looking for.

7. Take the opportunity to take a trip to the outskirts of the city

Algar Waterfall|©Werner Wilmes
Algar Waterfall|©Werner Wilmes

Benidorm is a tourist destination that is at its best during the month of August, there's no doubt about that. However, day trips from Benidorm are also among the best things to do during this month. This is for the simple fact that there will be enough variety on offer for you to enjoy this type of activity at any time and book well in advance.

Algar Springs

This is one of the best places to explore around Benidorm. It is a beautiful nature reserve that is full of waterfalls, water pools and various trails that will help to clear the mind of visitors who come in search of a bit of relaxation.

Guadalest

Guadalest is a relatively small village that stands out amongst other things for the beauty of its ancient medieval castle which is located right on top of a significantly small mountain. This creates one of the most picturesque places in the whole of the surrounding area of the Costa Blanca.

Sierra Helada Natural Park

If you are thinking of places close to Benidorm that are worth a trip then you can't leave out the nature reserve of Sierra Helada. It is a nature reserve that starts just at the end of the Levante beach and is basically the green lung of the city. I advise you to go as far as the Albir lighthouse or Punta Bombarda for one of the best views of the area.

8. Do some shopping at the street markets in mid-August

Benidorm craft stall|©Shiva Benidorm
Benidorm craft stall|©Shiva Benidorm

Summer street markets are quite characteristic of all Spanish coastal towns during the summer. However, the ones held during August in Benidorm are worth admiring, as they have a diversity of handicrafts, agricultural products and clothing like few other places of this style in the Spanish Mediterranean.

The main reason why they are so well stocked is the large influx of foreign tourists that define this city during the month of August. In turn, one market that stands out for its quality and fame is the one that takes place in the open-air car park on the Albir road. It is about a five minute drive north from the Levante beach.

Keep in mind that it is usually open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from eight in the morning until six in the evening. I can't fail to remind you that bargaining is a basic and recommended element to save a few euros on this kind of shopping experience. In fact, this is such a typical Benidorm experience in August that it's a recommended plan if you have a day trip to Benidorm.

9. Have a parasailing session

Two people parasailing|© AJ Garcia
Two people parasailing|© AJ Garcia

Parasailing is a very typical sport for visitors to Benidorm during the month of August. Basically, it's all about riding on a base which is attached to a paraglider while a boat sails at top speeds around the bay of the city with the intention of taking you high into the air and enjoying this rather extreme but totally safe experience.

Please note that this is an activity that is only recommended for adults. Moreover, the fact that it is even more recommended during the month of August has to do with the fact that there will be enough alternatives for you to end up paying for a service that you feel comfortable and safe with.

10. Explore the city's beaches with a jet-ski

People on jet skis|©Ludovic Gauthier
People on jet skis|©Ludovic Gauthier

Benidorm's biggest attraction for all the tourists who visit it during the month of August is its beaches. This is the most important public space in the whole city and a visit to its two largest beaches, Levante and Poniente, is one of the best things to do in Benidorm.

There are other beaches just as close to the city's famous skyscrapers such as Mal Pas beach or Tio Ximo cove, both of which are also worth a visit. The Almadrava cove is another favourite for tourists researching the most recommended beaches in the city and something that I can't fail to recommend if you visit Levante or Poniente is that you take the opportunity to enjoy a ride on a jet ski in Benidorm.

This is because it is one of the characteristic activities to experience on a day at the beach during the summer and in August the prices are usually quite favourable due to the wide commercial offer that exists for the service.

Book your jet ski in Benidorm

Temperatures in Benidorm in August

Two men in the mountains|©instant crime
Two men in the mountains|©instant crime

The temperatures in Benidorm in August are quite predictable from the city, and it is the heat that characterises the atmosphere. The maximum temperature tends to be around 31 or 32°C while the minimum temperature doesn't usually drop below 26 or 27°C.

The number of tourists in Benidorm in August

Poniente beach is full|©Jose A.
Poniente beach is full|©Jose A.

Benidorm's tourist crowds are the highest of the year and therefore you can expect significant queues and waiting times. The only exception to this rule may be the beach services, as the number of traders is large enough that this is not a problem.

Prices in Benidorm in August

empty restaurant tables|©asegilbenidorm
empty restaurant tables|©asegilbenidorm

Being the busiest month of the year it is logical that prices in Benidorm during August are a little high due to the high demand for accommodation and tourist services. My recommendation to avoid this is to try and book everything online, as these prices tend to remain static without being affected too much by local competition.

What to pack for a visit to Benidorm in August?

Three blue suitcases|© American Green Travel
Three blue suitcases|© American Green Travel

Sunscreen and comfortable, breathable clothing are basic essentials you should pack if you plan to visit Benidorm in August. Depending on the type of activities you intend to enjoy it might be advisable to pack a smart pair of clothes, but it's important to keep them comfortable if it's a hot environment.