Levante beach last Friday - Valentine´s Day

Well it´s half term for many in the UK this week - and welcome to those lucky enough to be able to escape the ghastly British weather. We have been most fortunate to have had a very mild start to the year.... I hope that I haven´t just jinxed that! Last week temperatures rose to the low 20´s and the beaches were full of people sunbathing - with even a few brave souls IN the sea!

The forecast is certainly better here but it does look like we may have a slightly overcast end to the week. So what can you do here with the children when it´s not warm or sunny enough for the beach?

The Maritime Museum and cultural centre is certainly worth popping to see. Located just past Elche Park (or Dove Park as the Brits know it is) heading towards Mal Pas beach. It contains many interesting artifacts, models and pictures associated with the sea.

It is open Monday to Friday from 9am - 2pm then again from 4pm - 6pm and on Saturdays in the morning only - closed on Sunday. Entry is free and it´s a great place to take little boys in particular.

Ten Pin Bowling is a great fun activity which can be enjoyed by all ages. Benidorm even has two bowling alleys to choose from: Ozone is on the Avd Mediterraneo, almost slap bang in the middle just past the Avd Europa junction and is open daily from 10am onwards. Alternatively you can pop up to the top floor of the La Marina shopping centre - but this one doesn´t open until 4pm. This one is handy if dad wants to play with the kids while mum goes off for a little retail therapy!

Terra Natura Wildlife Park is a great place to for both big and little children - but unfortunately it is not open every day. Until 1st March it is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 5pm, after which it is open every day until November - with longer opening hours as the weather gets warmer. The Aqua Natura water park next door does not open until Saturday 24th May - as obviously the water will be far too cold!

If you want to see Benidorm from a different perspective then pop to the Gran Hotel Bali in La Cala where you can go up to the panoramic view point on the 43rd floor - in a glass lift!
Open daily from 11am until 13.30pm and then again from 15.30pm until 21.30pm. There is a 6 euro charge for those not staying at the hotel, but a drink from the view point bar is included in that price. Children under 12 go free - one per paying adult ... and don´t forget to take your camera. I can´t decide whether it would be nicer to go on a clear day or at night and see all the twinkling lights across Benidorm.


Mundomar Marine animal park re-opens this Friday, 21st February and will remain open every day from 10am until 6pm. The have lots of exotic animals and birds and a variety of shows throughout the day.

Top tip- if you plan on going more than once then they have an amazing 1 week online offer, but it is only valid until 28th Feb. You can purchase a yearly pass for the same price as a one day ticket and also get some other fantastic discounts. Even if you are not coming over yet you can still get one as it is all done online!

Why not go to Villa Joyosa and visit the Valor Chocolate Factory! There is a small museum and you get to view the production line before sampling some of the chocolate produced! They do free tours on the hour between 10am and 1pm then again from 4pm until 7pm. Saturdays open mornings only and closed on Sunday. You do not need to book the tours - just turn up before the start and be at the museum entrance.

The Circus, which can be found behind Benidorm Palace is a great place to go. There is only one show per week - every Saturday starting at 6pm and this weekend the brand new  2014 show will be unveiled! There are NO live animals in any of the performances - the show is based around a dramatic mix of traditional circus acts and some amazing performers from the Benidorm Palace.

Unfortunately the Terra Mitica theme park does not open until 11th April - in time for Easter. Have fun whatever you do and I hope that the weather stays nice for you all!