A travel expert has highlighted a £4 tram ride from Benidorm that takes visitors to Alicante, a destination described by fans as “1,000 times better” than the bustling resort.
Benidorm has long built a larger-than-life reputation: a neon strip of bars, cheap pints and all-night sing-alongs. Yet a few streets back from the loudest venues, the old town offers traditional architecture, tapas bars, viewpoints, churches and seafront promenades that predate the party scene.
Alicante's attractions
Alicante, about a 40-minute drive from Benidorm, features beaches and Mediterranean sunshine. Visitors can explore Santa Bárbara Castle and the Old Town for views and atmosphere, then walk the Explanada de España to the marina.
El Barrio side streets offer souvenir shopping with boutiques, leather goods and gift shops. Culture options include the MARQ archaeology museum and MACA contemporary art museum, with tapas around Mercado Central or El Barrio. Extra time allows trips to Playa de San Juan or a boat to Tabarca for swimming and seafood.
Getting there
The tram runs between Benidorm and Alicante, typically on Line 1, possibly requiring a change at Luceros. It is scenic along the coast but slower than the bus. The coach offers direct services to Alicante bus station, while hiring a car or taxi takes under an hour but costs the most.
The tram ride has drawn praise from visitors. One travel fan commented: “Alicante is 1000 times better than Benidorm.” Another wrote: “The views on the way are amazing! Takes 55 mins though, worth mentioning.”
