The Promenade: A Vibrant Artery
Stretching along the entire length of Levante Beach is an impressive, wide promenade that serves as the city’s architectural showcase and the absolute center of its social life. Paved with characteristic colorful tiles forming wavy patterns, the promenade is a masterpiece of contemporary urban planning, harmoniously connecting dense hotel developments with the strip of sand. This is where the daily ritual known as “paseo” takes place – leisurely strolls at sunset, during which tourists and locals mix in a colorful crowd, celebrating the end of the day.
This space is filled with hundreds of service points: from elegant restaurants serving exquisite seafood and classic paella, to traditional ice cream parlors with artisanal products, to bustling bars where music never stops around the clock. The shadows of palm trees provide respite during hot noons, and numerous benches allow for a moment of rest accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves, making this place ideal for people of all ages.
The atmosphere of this place changes dynamically with the seasons, but never loses its appeal. In summer, the promenade becomes a fascinating cultural melting pot where dozens of languages can be heard, and the night lighting of neon signs reflecting in the sea creates an almost futuristic landscape. In the winter months, on the other hand, it turns into a peaceful, sunny enclave for seniors from all over Europe. They come here to recharge their batteries in the sun’s rays, taking advantage of the unique microclimate of the Costa Blanca, where even in January the weather favors outdoor relaxation, and the average annual temperature oscillates around $19^{circ}C$.
Activities and Water Sports
For those who prefer active recreation instead of passively lying in the sun, Levante offers an extremely wide range of attractions, from classic beach sports to extreme experiences on the open sea:
- Water Ski Cable (Cable Ski Benidorm): This is an absolute legend of the resort – the oldest sea cable in the world, operating continuously since 1966. It is located at the northern end of the beach, in the Rincón de Loix area. The 1000-meter circuit allows 12 skiers or wakeboarders to train simultaneously. It is an excellent place for both novices, who take their first steps on the water under the guidance of instructors, and professionals performing complex evolutions on specially prepared ramps and obstacles.
- Motor-powered Adrenaline: Speed fans can take advantage of modern jet skis, which allow for dynamic rides across the entire bay. For those wishing to admire the panorama of Benidorm from a bird’s-eye view, parasailing is available – a parachute flight towed by a motorboat, offering breathtaking views of the forest of skyscrapers and the Sierra Helada massif from a height of several dozen meters. Fans of group fun often choose rides on a “banana boat” or “flyfish,” where the main goal is to stay on the inflatable structure during fast turns on the waves.
- Marine Amusement Parks: During the summer season, giant floating platforms are anchored a short distance from the shore. These inflatable water parks (Aquaparks) are equipped with systems of slides, trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses. They are constantly supervised by professional lifeguards, making these attractions a favorite for families with children and teenagers.
- Underwater Exploration: Although the seabed right by the beach is mainly sandy, the rocky ends of the bay at the Rincón de Loix headland offer excellent conditions for snorkeling. The crystal-clear water allows for the observation of rich marine life – from schools of fish to octopuses hidden in rock crevices. More advanced divers can take a boat trip to the nearby Isla de Benidorm (also known as the Journalists’ Island), which is a protected marine reserve with impressive rock formations and underwater caves.
Gastronomy and Nightlife
Levante Beach is a place where the boundary between day and night blurs to the rhythm of music and the aroma of Mediterranean cuisine. As the sun hides behind the skyscrapers, the neon-lit promenade and adjacent streets wake up to a new life.
Flavors of Levante: From Tradition to Globalism
Cuisine at Levante Beach is a fascinating compromise between Spanish heritage and the expectations of an international clientele.
- Local Classics: In numerous restaurants overlooking the sea, Paella Valenciana reigns supreme, along with its local variety Arroz a Banda (rice cooked in a rich fish stock). Regardless of the time of day, it’s worth visiting bars serving tapas – from grilled garlic shrimp (gambas al ajillo) to the classic tortilla.
- Culinary Melting Pot: Due to the resort’s immense popularity among guests from the British Isles, Levante has become home to hundreds of places offering authentic “Full English Breakfast.” It’s a unique sight – tourists eating beans and bacon in the morning, while a few tables away, a cortado coffee with tomato toast (tostada con tomate) is being served.
- Tapas Alley: Although tourist cuisine dominates the promenade itself, only a few minutes’ walk separates the beach from the famous “Tapas Alley” (Calle Santo Domingo) in the old town, where you can feel the true spirit of Spain in bustling venues.
Entertainment: World Center of Cabaret and Fun
Levante’s nightlife is legendary and acts as a main magnet for younger generations of tourists and fans of good fun.
- The Square (British Quarter): Just behind the first line of hotels lies an area commonly known as “The Square” or the “English Zone.” This is where the most famous nightclubs, discos, and pubs are concentrated. It is the heart of partying Benidorm, where the neon lights shine brightest and the fun lasts until dawn.
- Tribute Band Culture: Levante is famous for the exceptionally high artistic level of “tribute” performances. In local bars, almost every evening you can hear live the best incarnations of Elvis Presley, ABBA, Meat Loaf, or Freddie Mercury. These performances attract crowds and are a hallmark of the local entertainment scene.
- Cabaret Nights: Benidorm is one of the few places in Europe with such a rich tradition of cabarets and revues. From grand Las Vegas-style shows at the nearby Benidorm Palace, to intimate drag queen shows and stand-ups in bars right by the beach – the entertainment offer is so wide that everyone will find something for themselves.
Amenities and Infrastructure: Comfort at the Highest Level
Benidorm is famous for its attention to tourist comfort, and Playa de Levante is a world-class role model in this regard. The infrastructure is designed so that every guest – regardless of age or physical ability – can enjoy the sun in a stress-free and safe way.
- Professional Beach Service: There are 11 sectors with sunbeds along the entire length of the beach, offering a total of about 5,000 spots. This is an ideal solution for people who plan to spend the whole day by the water. The rental cost is regulated by the municipality, which prevents price speculation, and all accessories are disinfected daily and arranged in perfect order before dawn.
- Innovative Accessibility (Beach for All): Levante Beach is a pioneer in the field of accessible tourism. In the Rincón de Loix area and by the old town, there are special “Playa Accesible” points. They offer not only ramp systems and wide wooden walkways, but also free use of amphibious wheelchairs, which allow bathing in the sea under the care of qualified assistants. Shaded rest areas with sound systems, adapted toilets, and high-standard hygiene showers are also available there.
- Safety and Medical Care: A team of professionals from the Red Cross watches over the peace of mind of those on vacation. Numerous high lifeguard towers provide excellent visibility over the entire swimming area, and lifeguards (socorristas) are equipped with modern gear, including jet skis and monitoring drones. In addition to them, police patrols are constantly present on the beach, and first aid centers prepared for quick intervention operate at several points.
- Family Recreation Zones: The playgrounds on Levante are modern, certified structures that turn the beach into a giant playground for children. Structures in the shape of pirate ships or climbing towers are strategically placed so that parents can observe their children from the sunbeds. Additionally, along the promenade, there are so-called “bio-health parks” – outdoor gyms with exercise equipment, often used by adults wishing to stay in shape even during their vacation.
When is the Best Time to Visit Levante? Climate and Seasonality
Thanks to its unique microclimate, Playa de Levante is accessible to tourists year-round. The city is sheltered from northern winds by the Sierra Helada and Puig Campana mountains, which means Benidorm enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. The choice of timing depends on individual preferences regarding temperatures and tourist traffic:
- Peak Season (July-August): This is the time for lovers of heat and a hot atmosphere. Air temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, and the sea water warms up to a pleasant 26-27°C. The beach teems with life 24 hours a day, and nightlife reaches its peak. It is an ideal period for youth and people looking for loud, unconstrained fun and a rich offer of water sports. However, it is worth remembering the need for early booking of sunbeds and hotels.
- The Golden Mean (May-June and September-October): In the opinion of many, this is the best time to visit. In May and June, nature comes to life, and temperatures are ideal for sightseeing (22-26°C). On the other hand, September and October are a period when the sea is still very warm after the summer, and the biggest crowds have already disappeared. Prices are lower, and walking along the promenade becomes pure pleasure. This is an ideal time for families with small children and couples looking for a romantic atmosphere.
- Winter Oasis (November-March): During this period, Benidorm becomes a favorite refuge for “winter refugees” from northern Europe. Even in the coldest months, such as January, the daytime temperature rarely falls below 15-18°C in the sun. Although the sea water is too cold for bathing (approx. 14-15°C), Levante Beach still fills with people walking in short sleeves. It is a time of peace, long walks, playing golf on nearby courses, and enjoying the city’s cultural offer without haste.
Summary: More than a Beach
Playa de Levante is not just a strip of sand – it is a living legend, a sociological phenomenon, and the undisputed essence of Benidorm. It is a place of fascinating contrasts, where the city’s futuristic, vertical architecture is reflected in the blue waters of the sea, and the peace of a lazy morning flows seamlessly into a hot, neon night full of music.
For some, Levante is a monument to modern mass tourism; for others, a perfectly organized holiday paradise that proves modernity can coexist with the beauty of nature. Although lovers of completely wild and deserted corners may feel overwhelmed by the scale of development here, it is impossible to deny this place the incredible energy and professionalism with which it welcomes every guest. Whether you are looking for extreme sensations on the water, outstanding cuisine, or simply want to feel the pulse of one of the most dynamic resorts in the world, Levante remains a mandatory point on the map of Spain – a place you must see at least once in your life to understand the magic of the Costa Blanca.
