Things to do in  Costa Blanca

Enjoy a family adventure at Aqua Natura, Benidorm’s super-sized water park home to 2625 feet (800 meters) worth of slides. Splash in the pirate playground, or relax by the lagoon, and enjoy the thrill of the park’s high speed La Cresta slide. Keep cool in the heat of the summer, and spend a day away from the beach that the whole family can enjoy.

Located in the resort town of Benidorm on Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Blanca, Aqualandia ranks among Europe’s biggest and most popular water parks. Opened in 1985, the expansive park was the first of its kind in Spain. It encompasses wave pools, play areas, and waterfalls, plus the highest waterslide in Europe.

Comprising two salt lakes, the green-blue La Mata (Laguna Salada de la Mata) and the pink Torrevieja (Laguna Salada de Torrevieja), the Torrevieja Salt Lakes are the largest and oldest salt lakes in Europe. A major center of salt production for centuries, the salt lakes are also a habitat for migratory flamingos and other birds and have become a popular tourist destination.

Explore historic Greece, Rome, and Egypt at the ancient civilisations-themed Terra Mítica, a theme park with an educational twist in Benidorm. Here, history and fun come together with shows and rides suitable for all ages—including big wheels, roller coasters, and log flumes—making Terra Mítica an ideal family vacation stop.

One of Spain’s largest and most popular theme parks, Terra Mítica (Mythical Land) is a starring attraction in Benidorm. Divided into five thematic areas—Rome, Greece, Egypt, Iberia, and the Mediterranean Islands—the family-friendly destination offers roller coasters, rides, water activities, live performances, and other draws.

Part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range, the Prades Mountains (known locally as the Muntanyes de Prades) are a recognizable massif located just north of Tarragona in Catalonia. Known for its distinctive silhouette, the massif comprises several lofty peaks, attracting outdoor and fitness enthusiasts and ecotourists.

Combine fun and education at Mundomar, an animal park in Benidorm tailor-made for families. Learning about the importance of conservation, and get up close and personal with more than 30 different animal species—including lemurs, turtles, parrots, and more—though interactive exhibits, shows, and hands-on encounters.

On the Costa del Azahar between Valencia and Alicante, the seaside city of Gandia is a picture-perfect beach destination that’s still largely unknown among international travelers. You’ll find golden sands along its waterfront for a day of swimming and sunbathing, as well as nature parks to get more active outdoors. Culture seekers can explore gems from centuries-old palaces to historic monasteries in the city and just beyond.

Nightlife entertainment is the glittery attraction at Benidorm Palace, a popular performance venue in the resort’s east. Crisp tablecloths and mood lighting decorate a sea of tables around the venue’s large stage, which plays host to concerts, tribute acts, and all manner of live shows, often filled with dance, acrobatics, and magic. Dinner and drinks complete the picture.

One of Benidorm’s most popular theme parks, MundoMar is a fun and educational animal park designed to entertain visitors of all ages. Located just next door to the Aqualandia water park, MundoMar is home to dozens of animal species—from dolphins to lemurs—and offers hands-on learning activities.

Meet members of the animal kingdom in naturally formed habitats at Terra Natura Benidorm. This zoo is unique in that rather than housing animals in arenas or enclosures with walls and glass, each species has a naturalized habitat to live in, and for you to explore without artificial barriers. Here it’s called “zooimmersion.”