Benidorm is one of the easiest budget holidays to book from the UK. Flights are frequent, accommodation covers every price level and a lot of the resort is free to enjoy. The cheapest way to do Costa Blanca Benidorm is to travel outside school holidays, stay slightly back from the seafront, eat the set lunch menus that many local restaurants offer and spend your days on the beaches and promenades rather than paying for attractions. This guide explains how to plan it from the UK.
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How much does a trip to Costa Blanca Benidorm cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on when you go, how long you stay, where you fly from and what kind of hotel you choose. The main costs are flights, accommodation, food and drink, transfers and spending money. Flights and accommodation usually make up the bulk of the budget, so that is where to focus your savings.
Prices for the same week can change a lot depending on whether it falls in school holidays, so compare a few different dates before you commit. Flights and hotels booked together as a package can sometimes work out cheaper than booking separately, but it is worth checking both. Always compare the total price including baggage, transfers and any resort fees, rather than just the headline figure.
The main costs to plan for
- Flights from your nearest UK airport, plus any baggage fees.
- Accommodation, which ranges from apartments to large resort hotels.
- Airport transfers, which vary depending on the option you choose.
- Food and drink, which can be low or high depending on your habits.
- Travel insurance, which you should arrange before you book anything non-refundable. See our travel insurance guide.
- Spending money for activities, shopping and nights out.
What are the cheapest months to visit Costa Blanca Benidorm?
Generally, the cheapest times to visit are outside the main school holidays and outside the peak summer weeks. The shoulder months of spring and autumn often bring lower prices and more comfortable temperatures. Winter can be very good value because many UK visitors, particularly older travellers, spend long stays in Benidorm to escape the cold, and the resort stays open year round.
The trade-off is weather. Summer is hot and busy, with the warmest sea, but also the highest prices. Winter is mild compared with the UK but you should not expect beach weather every day. For a month-by-month breakdown, read our guide on the best time to visit Benidorm, and for the wider region see the best time to visit Costa Blanca Benidorm.
Tips for choosing your dates
- Avoid school holiday weeks if you can, especially late July and August.
- Check midweek departures, which are often cheaper than weekends.
- Look at slightly longer or shorter stays, since price per night can change.
- Use price alerts so you can spot a drop and book quickly.
- Check our last minute holidays guide if your dates are flexible.
Where can you eat and stay cheaply in Costa Blanca Benidorm?
Cheap places to stay
Benidorm has a large amount of accommodation, which keeps competition high. Self-catering apartments can suit families and groups because you can prepare some meals yourself. Hotels away from the seafront, or a few streets back in the old town or the Rincon de Loix area, are often cheaper than those directly on the beach, though you should check walking distances and the hills, which can be steep in places.
If you plan to spend most of your time at the hotel, an all inclusive option can make costs predictable. Our all inclusive holidays guide explains what to check before you book. Read recent guest reviews carefully, particularly about cleanliness, food quality and noise, because the cheapest option is not always the best value.
Cheap places to eat
Many bars and restaurants in Benidorm offer a fixed price menu at lunchtime, often called a menu del dia, which usually includes a starter, main course, dessert or coffee and a drink. These can be much better value than ordering from the main menu in the evening. Eating a little away from the main seafront strips, in the old town for example, often means lower prices and more local food.
Supermarkets are another way to save. Buying water, snacks, fruit and breakfast items and keeping them in your room cuts down on daily costs. If your accommodation has a kitchen, even a few simple meals through the week make a difference.
Getting around cheaply
Benidorm is compact and very walkable. Local buses connect the resort with nearby places, and the tram links some of the coastal towns. You may not need to hire a car at all for a standard beach holiday. If you do want to explore further afield, compare prices on our car hire guide and check the full cost including excess insurance before you book.
What free things can you do in Costa Blanca Benidorm?
A lot of the appeal of Benidorm is that the best parts cost nothing. Here are some of the most popular free options.
- Levante and Poniente beaches. Two long town beaches with promenades. Sunbeds and umbrellas usually cost extra, so bring a towel and your own shade if you want to save.
- The old town. Narrow streets, a viewpoint over the sea and a church with a famous blue-domed roof make a pleasant free wander.
- Promenade walks. The long seafront promenades are good for morning or evening walks.
- Viewpoints. The Mirador del Castillo in the old town gives wide views of both beaches.
- Street life and events. Depending on the date, there may be festivals, markets and fireworks. Check the local tourist information for current events.
Paid attractions such as theme parks, water parks and boat trips can add up quickly. If you want to do one or two, book a mix of free days and paid days, and compare prices online before you go.
Budget tips that actually save money
- Compare package and separate bookings. Sometimes a package wins, sometimes booking flights and a hotel yourself is cheaper.
- Watch baggage rules. A cheap flight can become expensive once you add a suitcase, so check allowances.
- Book transfers early. Pre-booked or shared transfers can cost less than a taxi at the airport. Check what is available for your airport.
- Use a travel card. Compare fees for spending abroad, and avoid exchanging money at poor airport rates.
- Skip the tourist traps. Restaurants with photos of food outside and staff calling you in are often more expensive.
- Set a daily budget. Decide in advance how much you will spend each day on food, drink and activities.
Which UK airports fly to Alicante for Benidorm?
Most visitors fly into Alicante, which is the closest major airport to Benidorm, and take a transfer of roughly an hour or a little more. Many UK airports have flights to Alicante, including Gatwick, so if you live in Sussex you can often fly from close to home. Check our holidays from Gatwick guide for tips on using the airport. Schedules change with the season, so always check current flight options.
Is Benidorm good for families on a budget?
Yes. The beaches are safe and shallow in many places, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and apartments and the resort has many activities for children. The main thing to watch is price during school holidays, when costs rise. If you can travel in term time, you will usually save a lot. If you must travel in the school holidays, book early and compare several accommodation types.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benidorm cheap?
It is often better value than many European beach destinations, particularly outside peak summer, because there is lots of competition for visitors. Costs still depend on how you travel and spend.
Do I need to hire a car in Benidorm?
Not usually. Benidorm is walkable and well served by buses and taxis. A car only makes sense if you want to explore the wider region.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Many visitors choose bottled water because of the taste, and it is cheap in supermarkets. Check current local advice from your accommodation.
What is the cheapest way to get from Alicante airport to Benidorm?
Options include buses, shared shuttles and taxis. Buses are generally the lowest cost, while taxis and private transfers are quicker and more convenient. Check current timetables and prices before you travel.
Is it better to book a package or flights and hotel separately?
Compare both. Packages can offer protection and convenience, while booking separately can give more choice. Make sure you compare total prices including baggage and transfers.
Do I need travel insurance for Spain?
You should have it. A UK GHIC card can help with state healthcare in Spain, but it does not cover repatriation, cancellation or lost belongings. See our travel insurance guide.
Planning more trips? Browse our cheap holidays guide for ideas and tips on finding value. Prices, timetables and entry requirements change, so always check official sources before you travel.