Did you know that there is a small island just off the coast of Benidorm that you can visit on your next trip to the Costa Blanca? And do you know what this island is called? Well, it’s simply named Benidorm Island, though it is also referred to as the Benidorm Islet and is known as “the island of journalists” (we’ll tell you why in this article). It’s a small piece of land with significant environmental, scenic, and ecological interest. Moreover, there are many stories and legends associated with this island, making it one of the most fascinating spots in the region.
It is possible to visit Benidorm Island, and here we will tell you how to get there, what you can do, and give you some tips to make the most of your next getaway. Please note that you cannot stay overnight on Benidorm Island, as there are no accommodations. That said, there is a restaurant where you can have a bite to eat and a drink with views of the sea and Benidorm’s skyline. Discover everything you need to know about Benidorm Island below.
Located 2.5 nautical miles (just over 4.5 kilometres) from the coast of Benidorm, the island can only be accessed by boat, with the trip taking around 20 minutes. Boats depart every hour throughout the day (starting at 10:00 am), and some of them feature underwater viewing windows, making the experience even more spectacular. Prices are around €22 per adult and €14 per child, though you can often find group booking deals.
To reach Benidorm in the province of Alicante, Community of Valencia, there are various options: the AP7 motorway connects this city with other important areas like Valencia, Elche, or Alicante. Several bus routes also link Benidorm with other cities via the N-332. If you prefer the train, you can take the AVE to Alicante from various parts of the country and then connect by tram. By air, you can fly into the nearest airport, Alicante-Elche.
Benidorm Island is very small and has seen minimal human intervention, so its main attractions are natural. However, we must mention the Benidorm Islet Lighthouse and its viewpoint, which attract visitors, especially for the stunning views. It’s fascinating to visit this spot and imagine that, in the past, it served as a refuge for wealthy families fleeing cholera, or even earlier, it was a pirate base in these waters. We also recommend visiting the island’s only restaurant, Lilla Restaurant, which offers snacks, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a selection of wines, juices, slushies, liqueurs, and spirits.
Fun fact, do you know the legend behind Benidorm Island’s origin? It is said that a giant named Roland (a familiar figure in various Benidorm legends) fell in love with a young woman destined to die with the last ray of sunlight. In an attempt to prolong her life, Roland kicked a piece of the Puig Campana mountain, which became Benidorm Island, allowing the sun to linger a little longer on his beloved.
One of the most exciting plans you can make with your friends or family is a private excursion to Benidorm Island by boat. This allows you to design a perfect day according to your preferences and just for your group. One highly recommended activity is diving, taking advantage of the fantastic marine life in the area: clear waters, zones with varying levels of difficulty, and its status as a protected area, which enhances its environmental quality. This also means you should be extra mindful of protecting the environment and keeping it clean for others.
This small spot is a paradise for many seabirds, which can nest and rest far from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can spot various species such as seagulls, European storm petrels, cormorants, and peregrine falcons. As for marine life, which can be explored through a diving session, you’ll find species like seabream, moray eels, weever fish, rainbow wrasse, conger eels, octopuses, and rays, though each area has its common species.
This rocky island presents a challenging environment for vegetation, due to the lack of rain and fertile soil, which is why its flora is quite limited. You’ll find sea fennel, maritime aster, and Sarcocapnos saetabensis, along with scrub vegetation like cambrón, paternostrera, wild olive, and prickly pears.
Visiting Benidorm Island by boat is one of the most interesting activities in Benidorm and can be complemented with some very enjoyable experiences. Start planning your next trip and book your ideal accommodation at Benidorm Paraíso, where you’ll find the perfect apartment for you and your loved ones, with all the amenities you need for a dream holiday on the Costa Blanca.
By the way, we mentioned earlier that we would explain why Benidorm Island is known as “the island of journalists”. This designation came about because the Federation of Press Associations of Spain was named the island’s godmother, and all journalists in Spain, collectively, are its godfathers. Just another curious detail about this special islet, which you can visit on your next getaway to Benidorm.