10 Best Things to Do in Benidorm for UK Families

The best things to do in Benidorm for families include spending a day at the record-breaking Aqualandia water park, exploring the marine life at Mundomar, and relaxing on the blue-flag Poniente Beach. For those seeking adventure, the Terra Mtica theme park offers world-class rides, while the Old Town provides a charming escape with traditional tapas and narrow streets. Navigating these attractions is much easier with a reliable data connection, especially now that most UK networks have reintroduced daily roaming fees.

1. Splash Around at Aqualandia

Aqualandia is one of the largest water parks in the world and a staple for any UK family visiting the Costa Blanca. It features a variety of slides ranging from the gentle 'Amazonas' river to the heart-pumping 'Verti-Go'—the highest capsule slide in Europe.

When visiting, you will likely want to share videos of your family's bravest moments. However, relying on the park's patchy Wi-Fi can be frustrating. Having a dedicated Spanish eSIM ensures you can upload your content instantly. Before you go, check if your device is on the list of supported phones to ensure you can use digital SIM technology.

2. Meet the Animals at Mundomar

Located right next to Aqualandia, Mundomar is an exotic animal park perfect for younger children. It focuses on conservation and education, offering dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows. The park is beautifully landscaped, providing plenty of shade and photo opportunities.

3. Experience History at Terra Mtica

Terra Mtica transports families back to the ancient civilizations of Greece, Egypt, and Rome. The park is divided into themed zones with rides tailored to all ages. From the 'Magnus Colossus' wooden roller coaster to the interactive 'Labyrinth of the Minotaur,' there is enough here to fill an entire day.

Since the park is vast, using Google Maps to find the nearest amenities or checking ride wait times online is essential. To avoid the high costs of UK provider roaming, you can see plans that offer high-speed 5G data across Spain without the daily penalty fees charged by EE or Vodafone.

4. Relax on Poniente Beach

While Levante Beach is famous for its nightlife and bustling promenade, Poniente Beach is the preferred choice for families. It is longer, quieter, and has a more gradual slope into the Mediterranean, making it safer for toddlers. The modern promenade is perfect for an evening stroll or a bike ride.

5. Explore Benidorm Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

For a break from the skyscrapers, head to the Old Town. Walk up to the 'Balcon del Mediterraneo' for stunning views of both beaches. The narrow, cobbled streets are filled with traditional shops and 'Tapas Alley,' where you can enjoy authentic Spanish snacks. It is a great place to teach kids about local culture beyond the resort walls.

6. Take a Boat Trip to Benidorm Island

The 'Peacock Island' sits just off the coast and is a protected natural park. Boats depart regularly from the port. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and many boats have underwater windows, allowing children to see the fish. Once on the island, you can hike to the summit for a unique perspective of the Benidorm skyline.

7. Hike the Sierra Helada Natural Park

If your family enjoys being active, the Sierra Helada offers several hiking trails with breathtaking cliff-top views. The walk to the Albir Lighthouse is paved and accessible for sturdy strollers, making it a great morning activity before the heat of the day kicks in. For more tips on timing your activities, check our guide on Benidorm weather by month.

8. Visit the Algar Waterfalls (Las Fuentes del Algar)

Located about 15km from Benidorm, these natural waterfalls are a refreshing alternative to the beach. You can swim in the crystal-clear (and very cold!) rock pools and walk along the river bed. It is a popular spot, so arriving early is recommended.

9. Go Karting at Karting Benidorm

For families with older children or teens, the go-karting tracks near the entrance to the city offer a high-octane afternoon. There are different karts available based on age and experience level, ensuring everyone can participate safely.

10. Day Trip to Guadalest

Guadalest is one of the most visited villages in Spain, famous for its castle perched on a mountain peak and its turquoise reservoir. It is a 30-minute drive from Benidorm and offers a completely different vibe from the coastal strip. While you are exploring the wider region, you might also be interested in hidden gems in the Algarve if you are planning a multi-country European tour.

Connectivity: Avoiding the 'Brexit Roaming Tax'

Since the UK left the EU, the major mobile networks—EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2—have mostly scrapped free roaming. UK travelers now face daily charges of  to .50 just to use their existing data allowance. For a family of four, this can add over 0 to the cost of a two-week holiday.

UKRoamFree provides a budget-friendly alternative. By using a local Spanish eSIM, you bypass these daily fees entirely. Our plans connect to the best local networks, ensuring you stay online for less than the cost of a pint of beer at a beach bar.

Roaming Comparison Table

Provider	Daily EU Fee	Network in Spain	5G Support
EE	Approx. .29	Varies	Limited
Vodafone	Approx. .25	Vodafone ES	Yes
Three	Approx. .00	Varies	Limited
UKRoamFree	 (Free)	Orange / Movistar	Yes

Network Coverage in Benidorm

Spain has excellent infrastructure, and Benidorm is no exception. By using an eSIM from UKRoamFree, you gain access to Orange and Movistar, the two leading carriers in the country.

• Orange (5G): Exceptional coverage in the city center, Levante, and Poniente beach areas. Great for streaming and video calls.
• Movistar (5G): Strongest coverage in rural areas like the Sierra Helada or during the drive to Guadalest.

In the concrete jungle of Benidorm's high-rises, signal can sometimes dip indoors, but the 5G outdoor coverage is remarkably consistent. These are data-only plans, meaning you won't get a local Spanish phone number, but you can use WhatsApp, Messenger, and FaceTime to stay in touch with home just like usual.

Data Needs for a Benidorm Holiday

How much data does a UK family actually need?

• Google Maps: Essential for navigating the bus system or finding the way to the Algar Waterfalls. (Low data usage).
• Social Media: Uploading photos and videos of the kids at the water park. (High data usage).
• Streaming: Keeping the kids entertained with YouTube or Netflix during the flight or a quiet afternoon. (Very high data usage).

We recommend a 10GB or 20GB plan for a week-long trip to ensure you never have to hunt for insecure public Wi-Fi. You can see plans to find the right fit for your family's habits.

How to Install Your eSIM

Setting up your connection is simple and can be done at the airport or even before you leave the UK. Follow this setup guide for a detailed walkthrough.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Service.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Select Use QR Code and scan the code provided in your email.
4. Label the new plan 'Spain' and set it as your secondary data line.

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Tap the + or SIMs.
3. Select Download a SIM instead?.
4. Scan the QR code and follow the prompts to activate.

Arriving at Alicante Airport (ALC)

Alicante Airport is the gateway to Benidorm. Upon landing, the airport Wi-Fi can be slow and requires a sign-up process. With an eSIM, your phone will connect to Orange or Movistar 5G the moment you turn off airplane mode. This allows you to immediately book an Uber, check your transfer details, or message your villa host without stress.

The bottom line

Benidorm remains the ultimate family destination for UK tourists, offering a mix of high-energy theme parks and beautiful natural scenery. Don't let the return of roaming charges sour your holiday budget. By switching to a UKRoamFree eSIM, you can enjoy seamless 5G connectivity on Spain's best networks for a fraction of the cost of your home provider's daily fees.