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Benidorm: where to stay and how to get there from Ireland

Benidorm on the Costa Blanca: year-round direct flights to Alicante from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast, best months, beaches and where to stay.

Updated Saturday 17 October 2026

Why go

Benidorm is a high-rise beach city on the Costa Blanca, built around two long sandy beaches, Levante and Poniente. It has more hotel beds, restaurants and things to do than most resorts, so it rarely feels quiet or shut.

It also works all year. Winter highs average about 17°C, and direct flights to Alicante run year-round from four Irish airports. That makes it a safe bet for a last-minute break in any school holiday.

Getting there from Ireland

Fly to Alicante (ALC). Direct flights run from:

  • Dublin: Aer Lingus and Ryanair, all year, about 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Cork: Ryanair, all year, about 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Shannon: Ryanair, all year, about 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Belfast International: Jet2.com, Ryanair and easyJet, all year, about 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Knock: Ryanair, summer only, about 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Kerry: Ryanair, summer only, about 2 hours 35 minutes

Benidorm is under an hour from the airport by road. Alsa runs direct buses between the airport and Benidorm through the day. The TRAM line L1 also links Alicante city with Benidorm, but it takes over an hour.

When to go

Air temperatures are recent averages for Benidorm from Wikipedia’s AEMET-based climate table. Sea temperatures come from seatemperature.org.

  • Spring (April and May): highs of 21°C to 24°C. The sea is cool, at 16°C to 19°C. Good for walking and pool days.
  • Summer (June to August): highs of 29°C to 32°C. The sea reaches 25°C to 26°C in July and August. Hot, busy and lively.
  • Autumn (September and October): highs of 29°C falling to 25°C. The sea stays warm, at about 25°C in September and 23°C in October. A strong pick for October midterm.
  • Winter (December to February): highs of about 17°C to 18°C, with the sea around 14°C to 16°C. Pool and sightseeing weather, not beach weather for most.

Where to stay

  • Levante: the busier and livelier side, with most of the bars and evening entertainment.
  • Poniente: the longer, calmer beach to the west, a good fit for families and couples.
  • Old town: sits on the headland between the two beaches, with narrow streets, tapas bars and the Mirador del Castell viewpoint.
  • Rincón de Loix: the eastern end of Levante, closest to the Aqualandia water park and the Mundomar animal park.

Good for

  • Families who want theme parks: Terra Mítica, Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Natura are all on the edge of town
  • Winter sun at Christmas or February midterm without a long flight
  • Groups who want plenty of nightlife
  • Day trips by tram to Altea and Villajoyosa

Check opening dates before you plan around a park. Aqualandia usually opens from late May to late September, while the Terra Natura zoo opens all year.

Late deal tip

Alicante has year-round flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast. That gives you more chances to pick up a late deal here than almost anywhere else. If the price from Dublin looks high, compare the same dates from Cork or Shannon. Schedules differ by airport, so another departure point may suit your school dates better.

Sources

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