Question 1

What are the best restaurants in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

The best restaurants in Benidorm include ConBrassa (4.4★, 1,137 reviews) for the best paella and grilled meats with stunning Poniente beach views, D-Vora Gastrobar (4.5★) for rooftop sea views in the Old Town, and La Taberna del Jamón (4.6★) for authentic jamón ibérico. In Altea, El Castell Pizzería (4.0★, 1,652 reviews) serves the best wood-fired pizza below the church, and Xef Pirata (4.5★, 2,246 reviews) offers an exceptional tasting menu.

Question 2

Where can I find an English-speaking dentist in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

English-speaking dentists in Benidorm include Clínica Dental Costa Blanca (Dr. Thomas H. Anton, 4.8★) on Av. de Martínez Alejos 4 — speaks English, Spanish, German, French and Dutch. Clínica Dental Prario (4.3★, established 1988) specializes in endodontics and pediatric dentistry. Dental implants in Spain typically cost 50-60% less than in the UK or US.

Question 3

Is there an English-speaking doctor on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medcare Clinic in Alfaz del Pi (near Albir) is a British-run GP practice with English-speaking doctors. International Doctor 24H provides 24/7 urgent care in Benidorm with hotel visits. Clinica Bella Medica in Altea is recommended by expats. Clinica Britannia in Calpe offers English-speaking British doctors and 24h emergency service.

Question 4

What is the best ice cream in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Ferretti Gelato E Caffe (4.5★, 615 Google reviews) on Av. de la Armada Española is the #1 gelato in Benidorm — family-run for 15 years with incredible gluten-free options. In Altea, Helados Vicens (4.7★) offers artisanal turrón ice cream, and Qvo Helado Artesano (4.6★) is a TripAdvisor favourite.

Question 5

Where is the best breakfast in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

The best breakfast in Benidorm is at Café Leroy (4.8★, 39 Google reviews) — hailed by the Manchester Evening News as the best full English breakfast for under €5.50. Other top spots include The Corner Bar (4.5★, 932 reviews) for large full English and roast dinners, Caspers Eatery & Bar (4.7★ on TripAdvisor), and Simply Delicious for authentic home-cooked British breakfasts.

Question 6

Where are the best cocktail bars in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

The best cocktail bars in Benidorm include Selvático Rooftop Bar (4.8★, 17th floor of Primavera Park), NOVA Cocktail Bar (4.9★, 2-for-1 happy hour, masterclasses), Bar69 (4.8★, famous homemade sangria), and the iconic Tiki Beach on the Levante promenade.

Question 7

How do I get an NIE number in Spain?

Accepted Answer

An NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner ID number, required for buying property, opening bank accounts, and paying taxes. You can apply at the police station in Alicante or through a gestor (administrative agent) who handles it for a small fee. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Question 8

What is the cost of living on the Costa Blanca in 2026?

Accepted Answer

A couple can live comfortably on the Costa Blanca for €1,500-2,200/month including rent, utilities, food, and leisure. Rent for a 1-2 bedroom apartment ranges from €600-1,100/month. Groceries cost €300-400/month for a couple. Private health insurance is €50-80/person/month.

Question 9

Can Americans buy property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Americans can buy property in Spain with no restrictions. You need an NIE (foreigner ID), a Spanish bank account, and a notary. The process takes 6-8 weeks. Taxes add 12-13% on top of the purchase price (9% ITP transfer tax for resales, 10% IVA for new builds). Spanish banks lend to non-residents at 60-70% LTV.

Question 10

What are the best beaches on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

The best beaches include Levante Beach and Poniente Beach in Benidorm (both Blue Flag), Albir Beach (pebble but crystal-clear water), La Olla Beach in Altea (sheltered and family-friendly), and the hidden Cala del Mascarat between Altea and Albir. All are within a 20-minute drive of each other.

Question 11

How do I get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

The ALSA bus runs every 30-60 minutes from Alicante Airport (ALC) to Benidorm, takes 45-55 minutes, and costs €9.65–€12 one-way. A taxi costs €70-90. The TRAM also connects Alicante to Benidorm, Albir, and Altea. Car rental from the airport starts at around €20/day in low season.

Question 12

What golf courses are near Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Meliá Villaitana Golf in Benidorm features two courses: the Jack Nicklaus-designed Levante (par 72, 7,236 yards, €85-125) and the shorter Poniente (par 62, €60-85 incl. buggy). Altea Club de Golf (Don Cayo) is a 9-hole course with mountain and sea views (€25-35). Puig Campana Golf in Finestrat is a relaxed 9-hole course.

Question 13

Are there English-speaking vets in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clínica Veterinaria Playalbir in Albir (4.8★, English-speaking) and Althaia Veterinary Clinic in Altea (4.7★, 145 reviews, English-speaking) both come highly recommended. Routine consultations cost €40-60. Pet insurance starts from €20/month.

Question 14

What is the best supermarket in Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Mercadona Albir (Camí Vell d'Altea 47) is the go-to supermarket — renovated, with fresh fish from Villajoyosa, free 3-level parking, and 5 min from the beach. Aldi El Albir is the only one open on Sundays. Lidl El Albir offers great prices and Lidl Plus app rewards. Consum has locations in both Albir and Benidorm. Benidorm market runs Wednesday and Sunday, La Nucía on Sunday, and Altea on Tuesday.

Question 15

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always use a Spanish lawyer (abogado) for property purchases. They check the property registry, planning permissions, and debts. Costs €800-1,500 and protects you from buying a property with hidden debts. A gestor can handle NIE, taxes, and registration paperwork.

Question 16

What are the best day trips from Benidorm?

Accepted Answer

Top day trips within 30 minutes of Benidorm include Guadalest (a stunning mountain village with a castle and blue reservoir), the Algar Waterfalls (natural springs where you can swim), and Villajoyosa (famous for rainbow-coloured seafront houses and the Valor chocolate factory).

Question 17

Where can I buy organic food on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

Alhama Ecomarket in Altea la Vella (4.7★) has over 3,000 certified organic products with delivery across Spain. BioNatural Altea offers fresh local km0 produce. La Herboristería (La Tienda Amarilla) in Benidorm has been the pioneer eco shop since 1979. Herbolario Biocentro Altea has 20+ years of experience with organic veg and sourdough bread.

Question 18

When are the farmers markets on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

Benidorm Foietes Market runs every Wednesday and Sunday (8am-1:30pm). El Albir Street Market is every Sunday (8am-3pm) with 160-200 stalls. Altea Weekly Market is every Tuesday (8am-2pm) with up to 210 stalls. La Nucía Market runs every Monday (9am-2pm). Finestrat has a smaller Saturday morning market.

Question 19

What schools are available on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

International schools include Lope de Vega International School in Benidorm (4.0★), Elian's British School in La Nucía (4.4★, IB World School), AIS Altea International School in Alfaz del Pi (4.6★, Steiner-Waldorf inspired British school), Sierra Bernia School in Alfaz del Pi (4.3★, British ages 3-18), and Costa Blanca International College in Benidorm. Den Norske Skole in Alfaz del Pi is the oldest Norwegian school abroad (est. 1972).

Question 20

Is there a tram from Benidorm to Altea?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TRAM Line 9 connects Benidorm to Altea in 18 minutes, continuing to El Albir, L'Alfàs del Pi, Calp, and Dénia. First tram 06:06, last 23:14. Alternatively, Llorente Bus line 10 connects Benidorm to Albir (10 min) and Altea (20 min) every 15-30 minutes for €1.30-2.50.