Benidorm

Benidorm is unlike anywhere else in Spain — a vertical, year-round resort city of more than 200 high-rises, two enormous Blue Flag beaches and an entertainment scene that runs from family-friendly theme parks to legendary cabaret bars. Modern, accessible, brilliantly organised and visited by 16 million people a year.

A small fishing village until the 1950s, when visionary mayor Pedro Zaragoza pushed a pioneering vertical urban plan that turned Benidorm into Spain's first purpose-built mass tourism destination. The Levante and Poniente promenades, designed by Catalan architects, are now studied worldwide.

Lively, unpretentious, hugely social and astonishingly safe. Days at the beach, evenings on Calle Gerona's tapas alley, late nights in the British or Spanish entertainment zones. Excellent infrastructure for older residents and people with reduced mobility.

• 1.Terra Mítica, Terra Natura, Aqualandia and Mundomar parks
• 2.Cable boat to Isla de Benidorm
• 3.Sunset from the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint
• 4.Show at Benidorm Palace cabaret
• 5.Hike Serra Gelada Natural Park along the cliffs to Albir

From Michelin-starred fine dining to the famous British 'Square' all-day breakfasts. Calle Gerona is the local tapas street loved by Spaniards.

More than 150 hotels and 40,000+ beds — every international chain plus famous independents (Gran Hotel Bali, Asia Gardens, Villa Venecia).

Continue exploring the Central Costa Blanca.