Situated on the sunny shores of Costa Blanca in Southern Spain, the fishing village turned holiday hotspot of Benidorm is one of the most popular tourist destinations amongst us Brits. Every year the renowned destination attracts hordes of travellers looking for fun in the sun. Little do people know, there’s a quieter side to this built-up resort.
Overlooked by most, there exist a few oases of calm in the form of beautiful gardens and breath-taking nature parks. If you’re looking for all the Spanish flavour without the hubbub of the crowds, this popular resort has a few secrets waiting for you to uncover.
Benidorm Island
Otherwise known as Peacock Island due to its impressive peacock population, this gem of an isle is the perfect day trip for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature at their own pace. Even the journey to the island is a magnificent display of nature: a glass-bottomed boat will transport you from the mainland giving you a chance to delve into a magical underwater world. Or you can just sit on deck and soak up the sun as you bob along the 3.5 kilometre long trip.
While the welcome party of coloured peacock feathers is a sight to see, the nature reserve itself is full of natural wonders. Home to a variety of animals and birds, you’re sure to appreciate the beauty whether you’re a nature-nut or not. If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll up to the islet’s summit for spectacular views across the Costa Blanca reaching all the way to Alicante.
L’Aiguera Park
When the beaches are packed and restaurants are full, this green space designed in a neoclassical style offers a peaceful paradise. Acting as a sort of divide between the old and new of the city, this green park is provides a breath of fresh air and its extensive layout means you can easily spend an hour wandering around under the shade of the trees.
Cactuslandia
This one is for the plant-lovers, notably the cactus-obsessed. Though there are an array of wildlife gardens to choose from, this unique park is one of the best, boasting an incredible collection of cacti and exotic birds.
Even the amateur cactus enthusiasts will appreciate the spectacle of plant life on display in these gardens, which are home to over 1000 different species of cacti and succulents. You’ll get to see impressive mature specimens that have grown to great heights and there’s an interesting Natural History Museum, too.
How to Get There
As it’s such a popular destination, it’s easy to find flights from the UK to Spain. Alicante is probably the best option – once you land you can get a transfer from Alicante airport to Benidorm.
It is highly recommended that you organise your transfer from Alicante airport to Benidorm in advance so that the relaxing can begin the minute you step off the plane.
There really is so much more to Britain’s favourite holiday destination, so what are you waiting for? If you book in advance, your adventure can even start on your way from Alicante airport to Benidorm where you’ll discover a whole new, and much quieter, side to the city.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers in various countries across the globe. If you’re looking for an affordable transfer to get you from Alicante airport to Benidorm, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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