Benidorm, which is located just 20 minutes
north of the city of Alicante on the Costa
Blanca coast Spain, is such as action-packed
city. Even though it has a beautiful stretch
of soft sandy beaches, we should leave this
leisure activity for the end because there
are so many kinds of tourist parks to visit
around Benidorm.
The biggest Attraction around Benidorm:
Terra Mitica
This park in English is called ´Mythical
Land´, because it is a theme park which
takes us back to the ancient civilizations
of Rome, Egypt and Greece, all of which were
Mediterranean civilizations. As we all know,
the heroes from those times were very brave,
not letting anything or anyone frighten
them. Do you think you will be like them
after having ridden on the topsy turvy
roller coaster? Or controlling your
heartbeat after riding on many of the other
attractions especially set up for you? Maybe
you think you will recover a little after
watching one of the gladiator shows? Your
adrenalin will be pumping fast with all the
professional actors making ancient life come
so close to you. There is also a part of
this park for adventurous kids too. Terra
Mitica is open all year round; from November
to April it is only open at the weekends and
on Spanish holidays. The entrance fee is
approximately 40 euros but if you go in
groups consult prices. Terra Mitica is found
just five minutes north of Benidorm, easily
accessible by bus or car.
Aqualandia Water Amusement Park
So you want to cool down a little but the
beach is not your cup of tea? Here at
Aqualandia you can enjoy a days outing with
the whole family. The children can slide
down all the water slides as many times as
they wish, always being well cared for by
the lifeguards on duty. There are water
shutes of every size, diving board areas,
rapidly moving waters and even a black hole.
For the sun beauties like mum and grandma,
you can lay around on comfortable hammocks
and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shaded
areas. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and
is located on the north entrance hillside to
Benidorm.
Another view on the Costa Blanca at the
Terra Natura Park
This is not like any other wildlife park.
Here, there are four theme areas and a water
park. 1.500 animals of over 200 species, 50
of which are in danger of extinction. What a
privilege to be the lucky ones to see these
living specimens up close! And not only
these animals but their natural habitats and
fauna which makes their living quarters
appropriate for them. As you enter the park,
the first area to visit is the Pangea,
taking you back in time to hen there were
rivers petrified from hot burning lava,
abundant vegetation hiding gigantic insects
and many other surprises. To the left you
are carried away to America, discovering an
old mine converted into a tropical farm. The
colorful macaws are found in the dove cove
and later on the old joins the new in the
colonial town of Copaltenango. In the center
is Asia.
As you stroll through the natural reserve
of Kaziranga, you are able to see
rhinoceros, buffalos and the temple of the
wildcats. In this section there is a
marvelous park for children to play in. And
last, but of course not least, is Europe. In
the town of Kalicameni, white-washed and
full of comedians and natives singing their
local songs. All this may sound tiring, but
there are many a new food to be tried and a
thirst-quenching drink to be had at any of
the fabulous restaurants. And for those who
need an extra thrill, in the Mare Nostrum
waterway, you are fully equipped to have
splash with live sharks! Terra Natura is
open all year round, offering special passes
for those who know how to appreciate a good
opportunity and to take advantage of it as
often as possible.
Benidorm and the Doliphins at the
Mundomar Marine Animal Park
Do you enjoy the water and its
interesting animal kingdom but prefer to be
on land? Then Mundomar (Seaworld) Marine
Animal park is your best bet. All of us have
read adventure stories about dolphins and
feel that they are our friends, well it’s
time to visit them. Here we can see the
silly antics of these adorable sea creatures
close up. Or chat up a conversation with the
colourful parrots. The elegance and grace is
personified with the exhibition of
flamingos, so pink! Who has not had a turtle
in their home as a pet, but to see ones that
you could probably ride is another surprise.
But, are you still even more curious and
want to see what the marine world is like
under the water. Well, we can all become
Ariel, or Sebastian as in the Little Mermaid
book and go down into a ship and have a look
around the sea bottom. Refreshments and
resting places are abundant. It is open at
10:00 a.m., adults are 18 euros, children
3-12 years old 12 euros and under 3 are
free. The entrance is near the cross roads
of Avenue Mediterranean and Avenue Europe.
Do not miss this amazing experience!
Between Pego and Oliva: The Vergel Park
If your travels have taken you along the
coast heading towards Valencia, then it
would be well worth making a stop off
highway A-7 exit no. 61 which indicates the
towns of Pego and Oliva and just follow the
signs to this safari park, found near Ondara.
There are all kinds of wild animals to be
touched, fed and observed. For a little
extra fun time activity, the kids can let
their hair fly in the wind when riding a go
kart, mini train or ponies. There are even
some marine animals like dolphins and sea
lions. It is a relaxing and educational day
excursion for the whole family. It is only
open in the summer from 10:00 in the morning
til 7:00 in the evening.
Cactuslandia
Once again, you do not have to hire a
camel and head into the dry desert to
appreciate the wide selection of over 1000
cactus plants and similar shrubs. This is a
private garden created by a German who was
and is interested in the theme of cactii and
tropical plants like banana trees, papaya,
and mango. Also on this 3000m2 rugged
hillside surface is an amazing museum which
he put together and includes an extensive
collection shells, different colored corals,
unusual insects from all over the world and
even some fossils.
Looking at this huge selection of theme
parks and tourist attractions around
Benidorm and the Costa Blanca, you certainly
will find your favourite one on your next
holidays around the spanish coast. Make your
stay in Benidorm a complete one and visit
each and every one, all unique.