The Best Budget-Friendly Beach In The Mediterranean

Spain has received its reputation as a European countries with some of the best beaches on the continent. People flock from all over the world to hit the crystal-clear waters of Majorca and to party until the sun comes up in Ibiza. Spain also offers a budget-friendly, lesser known beach option than the two aforementioned destinations: Benidorm. Located about a 90-minute drive south of Valencia, Benidorm is an unpretentious beach town with that typical laid back vibe of the Spanish lifestyle. Best of all, a visit there won't break the bank.

Benidorm is part of Costa Blanca, or "white coast," which is evident by the white sand contrasted with those crystal clear waters. There are two main beaches in town: Playa de Poniente and the Playa de Levante. While it has become a popular resort destination, it's still nowhere nearly as well-known as other Spanish beach towns, so for your next European beach getaway, consider a visit here for a more secluded experience. The nearest airport is Alicante, there is a train station in town, and to best ensure you can get around hassle-free, it's advisable to rent a car.

In Benidorm, the options of how to spend your time go far beyond your typical water activities. While it goes without saying that you should reserve at least one day to simply chill on the pristine beaches, there are other activities to keep your schedule full and fun. One of the most popular things to do in Benidorm is to visit Aqualandia, a waterpark that sources its water directly from the ocean.

If waterparks aren't your thing and you'd rather spend all of your time in the actual ocean, try renting a jet ski. There are several jet ski rental options along the beach, and visitors will have the option to either rent with a guide or to ride solo. How's jet-skiing on the Mediterranean for a vacation activity? Talk about bragging rights once you get back home.

Another sought-after activity for Benidorm beachgoers is to go off-roading. Many off-roading tours head through Guadalest Valley, which is best known for its mountains and Moorish villages. Another great activity is to take a dip in the one of the natural swimming pools of Fonts de l'Algar, an esteemed nature preserve. If you're short on time and don't believe you can spend the night in Benidorm, it makes for an easy day trip from nearby Valencia.

Benidorm is notably more affordable than other hotspot Spanish destinations, namely Majorca and Ibiza. Hotels like Hotel Marina Benidorm, a four-star resort with beach access, runs as low as $86/night in high season (June-August). There are also plenty of options for all-inclusive resorts, including but not limited to Villa del Mar Hotel, Hotel Magic Aqua Rock Gardens, Gran Hotel Bali, and many more. All-inclusive resorts mean exactly that, everything is included, from food to drink to a bed to sleep in at night. Oftentimes, extracurriculars, such as water sports like jet-skiing and snorkeling, are not included, but can be added on for an additional fee. The best practice is to always check with the resort for full transparency.

Accommodation aside, restaurants like Amigos Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace offer elevated Spanish cuisine without breaking the bank, with meals ranging from 18 to 29 euros. If you're looking for a quicker and more affordable meal, hidden dining gem The Lion Beach offers sandwiches on the go for as low as 3 euros. Remember that though tipping is expected in the USA, in Spain, tipping is not necessary and purely viewed as a bonus.