It’ll be beach time soon
One of the main attractions to Benidorm are the stunning golden sandy beaches and along with the fantastic weather, helps to keeps Benidorm at the top of the holiday destination list for the Brits. Unlike other resorts, Benidorm is blessed with 4 separate sandy beaches – all totally different… who’d have thought, after all, sand is sand eh?
Levante is probably the most popular with the Brits, its lively and vibrant with music blasting out from the bars that line the promenade. In the summer it’s a struggle to find a square metre of sand to place your towel down. The only drawback is the rocks on the shoreline going into the sea – they are very sharp and slippery so take care. At the Rincon end there is a cable ski circuit and other watersports to pick and enjoy.
Poniente is ideal if you want a more sedate and tranquil environment, so head here. Located on the Old
Town side of Benidorm, Poniente stretches from Dove Park down to La Cala. Favoured by local residents and Spanish families, the wavy multi coloured promenade took 2 years to build, cost nearly €20 million and the innovative design has won an architectural award – certainly worth seeing.
Mal Pas – This is a small sandy cove located directly below the Mirador, where the 2 bays meet, just past the harbour in the Old Town. A firm favourite with families and less crowded.
La Cala is at the far end of Poniente – often mistaken as one beach which has the imposing gold M Tower looking down on it. Parking is easy here but there are not many shops or bars along this stretch, so bring a cool box full of cold drinks with you. The place to head if you just want to chill and not be disturbed.
La Cala Finestrat – Technically this beach belongs to Finestrat although most still call it Benidorm. A sheltered sandy cove which is very popular with families – with lots of little bars and restaurants around the bay.
In addition, there are two hidden rocky coves – so something for everyone. Almadrava:
Secluded rocky cove at the foot of the Sierra Helada. Pass the Gemelos 28 twin towers at the far end of Levante and head down the unadopted path, but be warned, it’s rough terrain. During high season sunbeds and parasols are available to hire – but there is nothing else there. Tio Ximo: Another rocky secluded cove just past Almadrava which offers crystal clear waters and plenty of rocks to dive off. A good road leading down there but limited parking – off season attracts nudists. The number 24 bus goes most of the way there – sunbeds available for hire in season.
Each beach has its own personality and attracts different people, but you can be assured that each one is meticulously maintained. But despite entering phase 2 of de-escalation last Monday, June 1, sadly Benidorm’s beaches will not be open for a further week. Many residents were looking forward to being able to enjoy the vast km’s of golden sandy beaches with the hot weather upon us, especially those that live in apartments with no balcony or outside space. However they will remain shut and off bounds until Monday, June 15 – a real disappointment until "they can guarentee all safety parameters¨according to the mayor.
Once open - at 50% capacity and to ensure social distancing, the beaches will be divided into plots to keep control of numbers entering. It has been suggested that there will be 2.5m gaps between the blue sunbeds and umbrellas that you can hire and a minimum distance of 2m on the rest of the sand where visitors bring their own towel.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to spend the entire day lounging as there will be morning and afternoon sessions and there is talk that you may have to book a slot. The beaches will also have to be vacated over the lunch period inorder that they are cleaned and sanitised. However, it is not clear who will be responsible for controlling the numbers that enter - local police, town hall employees or other!
However, if you’re really desperate, head to neighbouring Villajoyosa, as they opened their beaches on Monday, including my favourite, Varadero. Although it’s pebbly - but confession time, I’m not really a beach person, far too much sand getting where sand shouldn’t be, it is where they have the most gorgeous ‘chiringuito’, to sip and enjoy a long cold drink whilst watching the waves lap up. www.benidormallyearround.com