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If you haven't been to
Benidorm, here's a guide on what to expect of your holiday to Benidorm.
Benidorm
- Everything you need, to plan and book your perfect holiday
| Currency |
The unit of currency
in Spain is now the Euro like the rest of Europe. Banks will change
money and travelers cheques. You may also change at authorized
exchange offices, at a similar rate. Always check the exchange
rate and minimum charge before exchanging any money or traveler
cheque.
Banks are open at the following
times:
Summer: 08.30 – 13.30 Monday to Friday
Winter: 08.30 – 14.00 Monday to Friday and 08.30 –
13.30 Saturday |
| Credit-Cards |
Most establishments accept credit cards.
Commonly accepted cards are Visa, American Express, Diners Club
and Master Card. Several banks in the town have cash machines
(ATM) by which some charge card holders with "PIN"
numbers may draw out cash in local currency and instructions
will normally be available in English. Check with your bank
what amount you can draw out per day, week or month.
Don't have a credit card, get one here.
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| Insurance &
Health |
There are no compulsory inoculation or
vaccination requirements. If in the event of your stay you need
medical care, there are private clinics in Benidorm. It is a
good idea to take out a medical insurance before you travel
if your country of origin does not have reciprocal health service
agreement with Spain. Most travel packages include some form
of medical insurance, check with your travel agent. If not,
you can get a good and cheap insurance online here.
For over the counter prescriptions there are plenty of pharmacies
(Farmacia) – Easily recognizable by the green cross displayed
outside. All types of medication can be bought over the counter
including a wide range of antibiotics. A duty chemist is open
24 hours a day, they do change daily, addresses are on display
of the doors of all the chemists. Hotel reception should be
able to advise you of the nearest duty chemist.
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| Pets |
| To bring pets into Spain,
visitors must present at customs certificates of origin and good
health in keeping with international norms on such matters, and
signed by officially recognized veterinaries in the respective
country of origin. The date and nature of the vaccines administered
to the animal, especially anti-rabies vaccine, must appear on
the certificate.
Some hotels permit dogs and cats under specific conditions - please
consult the hotel or travel agency before bringing your pet.
The entrance of dogs and cats in restaurants is usually prohibited,
as is the case with many business establishments. |
| Language |
Spanish is the official
language, however most people have a good understanding of English.
The local dialect is "Valenciano". |
| Visas & Passports |
| To enter Spain it is
necessary to show a valid passport or another document adhering
to international conventions and reciprocity criteria that verifies
the identity of the traveler.
For citizens of Andorra, Austria, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Switzerland
and of those countries, belonging to the European Economic Community,
the presentation of a national identification document is sufficient.
For nationals of certain countries, and in function of the duration
of the visit, a visa is required. In case of doubt, consultation
at any Spanish Consulate is advisable.
Travelers arriving by car must have the so-called "Green
Letter" that covers insurance costs in case of accident,
except for citizens of Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Austria or
any EEC nation.
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| Electricity |
Voltage is 220 volts,
however if you bring your own electrical appliances you may need
an electrical adaptor that you can find in most hardware shops. |
| Television &
Internet |
All spanish national
broadcasting television stations can be seen, and most of the
European televisions can be seen with satellite antennas: BBC,
RTL4, Eurosport, CNN, etc. You can keep up to date with your home
news. A number of places will have Satellite stations available
in the rooms now.
Many internet cafés can be found in the center of Benidorm,
where you can check and send emails or even chat online. |
| Nightlife |
One of the main reasons
for Benidorm's success as a tourist resort and holiday center
lies in its ability to offer wide and varied entertainment to
all; children, young people and not so young. The sound of live
music fills the atmosphere, with the concerts, and live performances
of the most popular artists, or with the continuous succession
of festivities, illuminating the nights of the "fallas"
or "hogueras" with the colors of the fireworks displays.
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| Traditional Food |
Spain has a rich regional
diversity which shows up culinary in a wide range of dishes. Influenced
historically by the Romans with a passion for olive oil, figs,
grapes, wine and fish. By the Moors with rice, and spices - like
saffron - , the use of fruits and almonds with savory dishes,
and honeyed sweets and pastries.
Not to forget the influence of the discovery of the Americas that
brought tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, corn or chocolate. All these
factors have helped create what is internationally known as the
Mediterranean style of eating. You will find in Benidorm restaurants
that cater for most of the Spanish regional dishes. |
| Home Cooked Food |
The influx of foreigners
comes to live on Benidorm's sunny coastline and has also influenced
the cooking. The wide selection of restaurants offer from the
international menu through to traditional English, Dutch, Italian,
Indian or Chinese cuisine. |
| Shops |
Markets and Supermarkets
catering to new demands, import everything from Norwegian smoked
salmon to Chinese vegetables, Indian chutney or English Christmas
puddings.For cheap cigarettes visit the Tobacco Shops, which are
nearly on every corner of Benidorm. |
| Fiestas |
Another reason for Benidorm's
success as a tourist resort and holiday center are the well known
Benidorm Fiestas. |
| March |
Commemoration of the
finding of the Virgin of the Suffrage. 16th March Las Fallas.
The Valecian fiesta par excellence is held here during San Jose,
from 16th March to 19th March. There are three “Falla”
commissions: Center Falla, Rincón Falla and Els Tolls Falla
which are in charge of planting their figures in the respective
districts. Processions, offerings and street entertainment culminate
in the “Crema” or bonfire on the 19th of March. |
| June |
Romeria del Corpus.
The traditional Andalucian fiesta with horse processions and a
colorful fair next to the bullring. The Bonfires of St. John.
Satirical wood and paper mache figures are displayed for several
days and the burnt on the “nit del foc” of 24th June
in the La Cala, Central Market and Old town areas. |
| July |
San Fermín. 6th
and 7th July. St. Christopher. First weekend in July. Fiestas
of the Carmen. 16 July. St. James. 25th July. Benidorm’s
patron saint. |
| September |
Fiesta of Asturias.
A fiesta organized by those from this region on the 6th and 7th
of September. Harvest Festival. Throughout the month. Moors and
Christians. During the last weekend of September. Watch the entries
of the two armies, the processions, the ambassadors and the disembarkation
for the most representative aspects of this fiesta which is deep
rooted in the whole of the Valencin region. |
| November |
The Fiestas of the Town.
They always run from the second Saturday to the following Wednesday
(so make a note) and are a wild week of floats, flowers, peñas,
parties, music and general mayhem culminating in a huge procession
followed by one of the most spectacular annual fireworks displays
anywhere in the world. |
| December |
The Christmas program
starts on the 20th and continues through to the 6th of January.
On New Years Eve, the main celebrations culminate in a mass gathering
under the clock in the Triangle Square for champagne drinking,
kissing, cheering etc... |
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