Levante Beach Live Cam

A Jewel of Benidorm’s Transformation

Playa de Levante, or Levante Beach, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Benidorm, Spain. Renowned for its golden sands, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque surroundings, it serves as a testament to Benidorm’s transformation from a quiet fishing village into a global tourism hotspot. Stretching over two kilometers along the Mediterranean coastline, Playa de Levante is a microcosm of the region’s history, culture, and dynamic growth.

The Historical Evolution of Playa de Levante

Benidorm's history dates back to the medieval period when it was a small settlement primarily engaged in fishing and agriculture. The area surrounding Playa de Levante was relatively undeveloped until the mid-20th century, when strategic urban planning efforts and geopolitical factors catalyzed its evolution. The introduction of the "Plan General de Ordenación Urbana" in the 1950s laid the groundwork for Benidorm’s rapid urbanization, with Playa de Levante at its center.

The beach became a focal point for international tourism during the 1960s and 1970s, as Spain opened its doors to visitors from Northern Europe. The Franco regime’s focus on tourism as a key economic driver transformed the area into a modern resort destination. The construction of high-rise hotels and residential buildings along the beach created a skyline that remains emblematic of Benidorm’s cosmopolitan appeal.

Geopolitical Influences and Urban Development

The geopolitical context of the 20th century played a crucial role in shaping Playa de Levante. The post-World War II economic boom in Western Europe led to increased demand for affordable travel destinations, and Benidorm capitalized on its strategic location and sunny climate. The introduction of package tours and low-cost airlines further enhanced its accessibility, making Playa de Levante a preferred destination for millions of visitors annually.

Urban planners in Benidorm implemented a unique vertical development model, characterized by high-rise buildings that maximize land use efficiency while preserving open spaces. This approach not only accommodated the growing influx of tourists but also ensured that Playa de Levante retained its pristine natural beauty. Today, the skyline overlooking the beach is an architectural marvel, blending modernity with functionality.

Exploring the Surroundings of Playa de Levante

The Promenade: A Hub of Activity

The promenade along Playa de Levante is a vibrant hub that showcases the energy and diversity of Benidorm. Lined with an array of restaurants, bars, and shops, it offers visitors a chance to experience the local culinary scene. Traditional Spanish tapas, fresh seafood, and international cuisine cater to a wide range of tastes, while lively beachfront bars provide a perfect setting for enjoying cocktails with a view.

Street performers and vendors add to the dynamic atmosphere, making the promenade an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The well-maintained pedestrian pathways and cycling lanes ensure accessibility and convenience for all visitors.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Playa de Levante is renowned for its clear, turquoise waters and fine golden sand, making it a haven for beachgoers. The calm and shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the consistent Mediterranean breeze creates perfect conditions for water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.

Nearby, the Sierra Helada Natural Park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the coastline and the city. The park’s diverse flora and fauna, along with its dramatic cliffs, provide a serene escape for nature enthusiasts. For a panoramic view of Playa de Levante and the surrounding area, visitors can hike to the Cross of Benidorm, a historical landmark perched on a hill overlooking the city.

Cultural and Historical Sites

While Playa de Levante is primarily celebrated for its leisure offerings, it also provides access to Benidorm’s rich cultural heritage. The nearby Old Town, with its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, contrasts sharply with the modern skyline. Landmarks such as the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana and the Mirador del Castillo offer glimpses into Benidorm’s past.

The Balcón del Mediterráneo, also known as the "Balcony of the Mediterranean," is a must-visit spot located between Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente. This historic viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the sea and the surrounding beaches, making it a favorite among photographers and history enthusiasts.

The Economic and Cultural Impact of Playa de Levante

Playa de Levante has significantly contributed to Benidorm’s economic prosperity. The tourism industry centered around the beach generates employment opportunities and drives local businesses, from hospitality to retail. Annual events such as the Benidorm International Song Festival and the Low Festival attract visitors from around the globe, further enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy.

The beach also serves as a melting pot of cultures, where visitors from diverse backgrounds come together to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. This cosmopolitan atmosphere is reflected in the wide range of languages spoken, cuisines offered, and cultural exchanges that take place daily along Playa de Levante.

A Tip for Travelers and an Interesting Fact

For those planning a visit to Playa de Levante, consider exploring during the early morning hours. The sunrise over the Mediterranean creates a magical ambiance, and the beach is less crowded, allowing for a tranquil experience. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning hues of the morning sky.

Did you know? Playa de Levante is one of the first beaches in Spain to receive the Blue Flag certification, a prestigious recognition for its water quality, safety, and environmental management. This accolade underscores Benidorm’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its status as a world-class destination.

A popular Mediterranean holiday destination

Alicante, with its beautiful palm-lined boulevard and pleasant shopping street, is one of the most well-known towns on the Costa Blanca. The sun shines virtually all the time and the azure blue Mediterranean attracts divers all year round. When winter is on the way many tourists spend the winter in Benidorm, a favorite resort. In summer life goes on here 24 hours a day; in the winter months it is a bit quieter, but there's still plenty to do. There's also plenty to see beyond these towns. For example, the 'Santa Barbara' castle or the picturesque mountain village of Guadalest. A jeep safari through the countryside, a trip though the palm tree wood of Elche, or a visit to one of the spectacular nightclubs is also certainly worth the effort.

The Costa Blanca is situated on the east coast of the Spanish mainland. In the south the region borders the Costa Almeria and in the north the Costa Dorada. The coast is bordered by the Mediterranean. The average temperature in winter is around 16 ºC. In summer the average is around 32ºC. The official language is Spanish, but you can get by almost everywhere with English and/or German.

The Alicante Benidorm and Denia Connection - The best connections to Benidorm and Denia as many tourists look for this city too. As being one of the most common place to spend vacation around Alicante - "this how to get to Benidorm question" might come up frequently. So here is what I found out for all of you Benidorm and Denia fans and visitors. Hope this helps you. Two ways to go to Benidorm or Denia: by narrow gauge railway or by bus.

Narrow Gauge Railway to Benidorm and Denia - First of all allow to make two things clear concerning this train: It has nothing to do with the state owned RENFE train system and does not leave from the RENFE train station in downtown Alicante. They had planned one some time ago, but they never got there planning right - so do not look for one.

So, where can you board it. The "Ferrocarril de la Generalitat Valenciana" or FGV what the Benidorm train is called, has got its own train station on the west end of Alicante. Located at Avenida de Villajoyosa for those of you who already bought a good Alicante map. How to get there? Easy, for those of you who have already read our article on the Alicante Airport Bus C-6. Just take the bus. Have a little nap - right at the end of the bus line (after 45 minutes) is the bus stop Puerta de Mar. It is the last bus stop - the bus driver will kick you out anyway if you fall asleep as I usually do in these kind of busses.

Unfortunately the bus station Purta de Mar is not right at the train station (this is a typical example of spanish planning). You will have to walk or take a taxi (if you have heavy luggage) just about 1 km to the "Estacion Maritima" what the train station is called. (I first could not believe that the bus is not just making that km more. To confirm it I called up the bus company - and sorry - the bus stops at Puerta del Mar and does not go this little bit further to the train station).

Ticket Pricing to Benidorm and Denia - The train stops at the following towns/villages on its way to Denia: Albufereta, El Campello, Vila Joiosa, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Benissa, Teulada and Gata.

Bus to Benidorm and Denia - The Buses to Benidorm and Denia leave from the Alicante busstation in downtown. Alicante Central Busstation is quite big, as buses are more common than trains in Spain.

The unique geography of the Costa Blanca is reflected in the architectural and landscape diversity of its many towns. The orographic characteristics, the climatic peculiarities, the influence of the coast, the rich culture of its people have left their mark on every corner of its cities and towns. For this reason, visiting the province of Alicante allows you to enjoy the cosmopolitan capital, a city open to the sea full of light and color, modern and of services, the attractions of typically seafaring towns, the sun and the beach of the tourist centers, the jewels cultural and the charms of the mountainous interior. It is difficult to find in such a small space a greater heterogeneity of surprising and seductive realities.

The climatic and geographic diversity found in Spain has produced natural spaces of great beauty, which have witnessed the development of ancestral traditions and culture that make up a rich heritage reflecting the idiosyncrasy and personality typical of the different Spanish regions and autonomous cities. A country of contrasts. The Coast - More than 7,800 km of coastline where the visitor can enjoy the sun and sea in gorgeous settings: from vast beaches with golden sands, to hidden coves flanked by cliffs.