Levante beach yesterday afternoon

Benidorm is the top holiday destination for Brits - and it´s not hard to understand why. With its miles of golden sandy beaches it attracts everyone - especially families. Benidorm has 3 main beaches - the most popular, particularly with the Brits is Levante, stretching from the Rincon de Loix up to the edge of the Old Town. It is loud and vibrant and usually packed over the summer months - having said that, even yesterday it was pretty busy!

Choice of 3 beaches!

Mal Pas beach

Just up from the Levante you will find Poniente, which starts on the other side of the Old Town and finishes at La Cala - with the small Mal Pas cove located just at the start of Poniente. And finally there is La Cala - which is in fact a continuation of Poniente which starts at the beach police hut at the end of the new "wavy coloured" promenade. La Cala Finestrat is the sandy cove a little further up but not joined onto La Cala beach.

Hidden coves

Tio Ximo cove

Unbeknown to many holiday makers there are a number "hidden" coves dotted around the resort. They are generally very quiet and take some effort to get to and apart from a few sun-beds and parasols to hire over the peak Summer months there has, up to now been nothing else on them.

Almadrava cove

However, that will change this year as the Council have given permission for a chiringito - or beach hut, to be erected on Tio Ximo, which is located at the foot of the Serra Gelada Natural Park near to Almadrava beach. You need a certain amount of energy and sensible shoes to get there and neither are really suitable for those with mobility issues.

Chiringito gets go ahead

The rental fee of 6,000€ PER YEAR has been confirmed by the Council, fixed for a four year term. The kiosk at Tio Ximo will also hold the license for the sunbed and umbrella rentals - including the neighbouring Almadrava cove. It will be operating between the months of June and September from 10am until 2am in the morning for those that fancy a midnight dip!

Ledge leading down to Almadrava!

 The easiest way to find both of these coves is to make your way to the Gemelos 28 twin towers at the far end of Levante. From there you can either follow the bendy road or alternatively, IF you are brave there is a path that takes you to Almadrava - but be warned, it is more of a narrow ledge so if you are scared of heights don´t try it! The number 24 Palm Beach bus takes you up to the car-park from where you can walk down to either of the 2 coves, but it is rocky terrain getting to Almadrava.

Gema says YES

Beach hut in La Olla, Altea

Gema Amor, Councillor for Tourism announced yesterday that the relevant paperwork and permissions will be granted in order for the hut to be operational from June but that very strict specifications have been laid down. This includes the design and also, most importantly, waste management and environmental protection of the area.

Lasy year there was also meant to have been a kiosk at the end of the Poniente beach, but due to mass objection from local bar and restaurant owners it never materialised. However, this year it looks like it will go ahead along with the one at Tio Ximo - I suppose its a sign of the times and also extra revenue for the Town Hall with license fees!