Benidorm Island
A rocky nature reserve islet offering panoramic hikes, glass-bottom boat tours, and a serene escape from Benidorm's bustle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Benidorm Island
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rocky nature reserve islet offering panoramic hikes, glass-bottom boat tours, and a serene escape from Benidorm's bustle.
"A small island with big views and a fun boat trip, perfect for a day out!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike! Rocky paths can be tricky. Leave the flip-flops at home for a safer climb.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply often. The sun is strong, and there's not much shade on the island.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Island Hike
Summit of Benidorm Island
Conquer the trails for breathtaking 360-degree views of Benidorm and the coastline. A must-do for stunning photo opportunities.
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
Around Benidorm Island
Peer into the Mediterranean's clear waters and spot marine life without getting wet. A unique perspective on the island's underwater world.
Rocky Beach Relaxation
Benidorm Island beach
Enjoy the sun and sea on this small, rocky beach. It's a great spot for a dip, but wear swim shoes for comfort and safety.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Trip Essentials
Island Exploration Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike! Rocky paths can be tricky. Leave the flip-flops at home for a safer climb.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply often. The sun is strong, and there's not much shade on the island.
🐠 Underwater Views
Opt for the glass-bottom boat for a glimpse of marine life. It's a fun, unique experience for all ages.
🌊 Swim Shoes Recommended
The beach is rocky with potential sea urchins. Swim shoes offer comfort and protection.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike! Rocky paths can be tricky. Leave the flip-flops at home for a safer climb.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply often. The sun is strong, and there's not much shade on the island.
🐠 Underwater Views
Opt for the glass-bottom boat for a glimpse of marine life. It's a fun, unique experience for all ages.
🌊 Swim Shoes Recommended
The beach is rocky with potential sea urchins. Swim shoes offer comfort and protection.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
While there's a cafe, bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea, especially for longer stays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Benidorm Island for its scenic beauty, affordable boat trips, and the unique glass-bottom boat experience. The hike to the summit offers spectacular views, making it a worthwhile day trip. Some minor drawbacks include the rocky beach and the need for appropriate footwear.
"Wanted to go here for ages, and when I did, I was not disappointed. The boat trip across was better than expected, and the hike to the top was worthwhile. Even a drink in the cafe was good.
My only advice would be to wear good walking shoes. I did not know about the hike, so I found it hard on the feet."
vanessa mallalieu
"Good small trip to the island that sits of the coast of Benidorm. It was only €18 and that included the small glass hull boat trip once on the island. So very cheap for a day out.
We had some refreshments at the cafe/ restaurant on the island. Then walked up the path to the top. Recommend for a short day out. Doesn’t take long and very enjoyable."
Stuarty Boy
"Staff are really helpful and friendly, apart from the man that solf us the tiquets, he was just talking to his colleague. The boats leave every hr if im not wrong, you can catch any boat back, the last one leaves the island around 17.30. There is a small restaurant right as you get off. The price is reasonable, as you also get a small submarine ride. The beach is small and rocky but it didnt get over crowded. There are toilets. We saw many fish and crabs, also a few sea urchins so be carefull, we wore swim shoes. The kids also enjoyed it. I recommend you take sun cream and keep reapplying. Maybe some sandwiches."
Kristy F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Benidorm Island is by taking a boat trip from the port of Benidorm. Several companies offer regular services, often including a glass-bottom boat option for viewing marine life. The journey is relatively short, making it an easy day trip.
You can choose between standard boat trips and those featuring a glass-bottom, allowing you to see the underwater world. Some trips might also include a brief tour around the island.
The boat trip to Benidorm Island is typically quite short, usually around 15-20 minutes each way, depending on the sea conditions and the specific departure point.
Yes, it's possible to paddleboard or kayak to Benidorm Island, but it's a significant effort (around 30-40 minutes) and best attempted on calm sea days. It's not a common method for most visitors.
Boats to Benidorm Island depart from the main port area in Benidorm. Look for the ticket booths and departure points specifically advertising trips to the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the boat trip to Benidorm Island are generally affordable, often around €18, which can include the glass-bottom boat experience. Prices can vary slightly between operators.
While not always mandatory, booking your Benidorm Island boat trip tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Boats typically run regularly throughout the day, with the last boat departing from the island back to the mainland usually around 5:30 PM. It's best to check the specific schedule with your chosen boat operator.
The cost of the boat trip usually covers your access to the island. There isn't a separate entrance fee for Benidorm Island once you arrive.
Yes, you can often purchase tickets for the Benidorm Island boat trip on the day of your visit from the ticket booths at the port. However, booking ahead is safer during busy periods.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
On Benidorm Island, you can enjoy a hike to the summit for panoramic views, relax on the small rocky beach, and explore the underwater world via a glass-bottom boat. There's also a cafe/restaurant.
Yes, Benidorm Island offers marked trails for hiking up to its highest point. The paths are rocky, so good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
The beach on Benidorm Island is small and rocky. While it's a pleasant spot for a dip, wearing swim shoes is highly recommended due to the rocky terrain and potential presence of sea urchins.
Absolutely! The clear waters around Benidorm Island are teeming with fish, which are easily visible from the glass-bottom boat or even from the shore. You might also spot crabs and sea urchins.
Yes, Benidorm Island has a small cafe/restaurant where you can get refreshments. There are also toilets available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe/restaurant located on Benidorm Island, right where the boats dock. It offers refreshments and meals, though some visitors prefer to bring their own snacks.
The cafe on Benidorm Island typically serves light meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient spot for a break during your visit.
Information on specific dietary options at the island's cafe is limited. It's advisable to inquire directly upon arrival or consider bringing your own food if you have strict dietary needs.
Prices at the cafe on Benidorm Island are generally considered reasonable for a tourist spot, especially given the unique location.
Yes, bringing your own sandwiches and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time on the island or have specific dietary preferences.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of Benidorm and the coastline, perfect for wide-angle shots. The rocky shores and clear waters also provide beautiful foregrounds for photos.
While you can't dive without proper gear, the glass-bottom boat offers a unique opportunity for capturing images of fish and marine life below the surface.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds, leading to more dramatic and picturesque shots. The golden hour before sunset can be particularly stunning.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Benidorm Island or the surrounding protected areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from the summit. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for beach activities and potential splashes from the boat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and water, as the island can get hot. While the beach is rocky, bringing swim shoes will make paddling and exploring the shoreline much more comfortable for little feet. The hike to the top offers a sense of adventure, but be mindful of younger children on the rocky paths.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Beyond the hike, the island's clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, consider kayaking or paddleboarding to the island for a more challenging and rewarding journey.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Peacock Island
This small islet is a protected nature reserve, adding to its charm and ecological significance. The clear waters surrounding it are a haven for marine life, making the glass-bottom boat trips a highlight for many visitors. The island's rocky terrain and the hike to its peak offer a stark contrast to the bustling beaches of mainland Benidorm, providing a refreshing escape into nature.
Whether you're drawn by the myths, the natural beauty, or the adventure of a boat trip, Benidorm Island offers a unique experience. It's a place where you can enjoy stunning views, explore marine ecosystems, and step away from the crowds for a few hours of peace.
Navigating Benidorm Island Boat Trips
The boat trips are generally affordable, with prices around €18, often inclusive of the glass-bottom viewing. Operators run services regularly, but it's wise to check the timetable, especially for the last return boat, which usually departs the island around 5:30 PM. While tickets can often be bought on the day, booking ahead is a good strategy during busy periods to ensure your spot.
For the more adventurous, kayaking or paddleboarding to the island is possible, though it requires a good level of fitness and calm sea conditions. Most visitors, however, find the convenience and unique perspective of the organized boat trips to be the ideal way to experience this charming islet.
The Island's Natural Appeal
The panoramic hikes to the island's summit are a key activity, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of the Benidorm coastline, the Serra Gelada Natural Park, and the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. These trails, while not overly strenuous, require appropriate footwear due to the rocky terrain.
Visitors often remark on the clarity of the water, making it ideal for observing marine life. The small, rocky beach provides a place to cool off, though wearing swim shoes is highly recommended to navigate the seabed comfortably and safely, especially given the presence of sea urchins.
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