Quick answer: Choose Levante if you want the classic Benidorm experience — lively atmosphere, more restaurants, iconic skyline views, and the best nightlife access. Choose Poniente if you prefer a calmer, more family-oriented setting with a wider beach, less noise, and a more relaxed pace.
One of the most common questions from people booking a Benidorm holiday is: should I stay on the Levante side or the Poniente side? It sounds like a minor detail, but it genuinely shapes the character of your entire holiday. Having lived on the Costa Blanca for nearly 30 years, I have spent countless days on both beaches. Here is the honest breakdown.
The Basics: What Are Levante and Poniente?
Benidorm is built on a rocky promontory that juts out into the Mediterranean, creating two distinct bays — one on each side of the old town:
- Levante Beach (east side) — the longer, more iconic beach. Faces east, meaning it catches the morning sun beautifully. Home to the famous Benidorm skyline of high-rise hotels.
- Poniente Beach (west side) — slightly shorter but wider. Faces west for spectacular afternoon and sunset light. Generally quieter and more residential in character.
Levante Beach: The Classic Benidorm Experience
Levante is what most people picture when they think of Benidorm. The 2km stretch of golden sand is backed by the famous curtain of high-rise hotels and apartment buildings, and the promenade running alongside it is one of the most animated in Spain.
✅ Why Choose Levante
- More restaurants and bars: The streets behind Levante — particularly the "English Square" area — are packed with British pubs, international restaurants, and lively bars.
- Better for nightlife: If you plan to enjoy Benidorm's legendary night scene, being on the Levante side saves you a long walk (or taxi) back.
- More shops and amenities: Supermarkets, pharmacies, souvenir shops — everything is more densely packed around Levante.
- Iconic views: The skyline from Levante beach — especially at sunrise — is genuinely spectacular and unique in Europe.
- Better transport links: The main bus station and TRAM stop are closer to the Levante area, making day trips easier.
❌ Downsides of Levante
- Considerably noisier — particularly late at night in peak season.
- The beach itself gets very crowded in July and August.
- Slightly pricier accommodation due to demand.
Poniente Beach: The Calmer, Family-Friendly Side
Poniente has a very different personality. It is wider than Levante (in some sections almost twice as wide at low tide), the water is beautifully calm, and the whole atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed. The backdrop is lower-rise apartments rather than towering hotels, giving it a more village-like feel.
✅ Why Choose Poniente
- Much quieter: Even in peak August, Poniente feels significantly calmer than the frantic energy of Levante.
- Better for families with young children: The beach is wider, the water is shallower at the edges, and there is simply more space.
- Spectacular sunsets: Poniente faces west, meaning late afternoon light is golden and glorious. It is genuinely one of the best sunset spots on the Costa Blanca.
- More authentic Spanish feel: The residential neighbourhoods behind Poniente have a more local character — better local restaurants and fewer tourist traps.
- Sierra Helada Natural Park: The southern end of Poniente leads directly into the stunning protected natural park — perfect for morning walks with coastal views.
❌ Downsides of Poniente
- Further from the main entertainment and shopping areas — you will walk or taxi to most bars and restaurants.
- Fewer amenities immediately on your doorstep.
- If you want nightlife, you are 15–20 minutes on foot from the main action.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Levante | Poniente | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Lively, buzzing | Calm, relaxed |
| Beach width | Narrower | Wider |
| Best light | Morning (east-facing) | Afternoon/sunset (west-facing) |
| Nightlife access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Family-friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Restaurant variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Peace & quiet | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Natural surroundings | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Transport links | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Our Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Levante if: You are a couple or group of friends who want to be in the thick of the action, plan to enjoy Benidorm's nightlife, or are first-time visitors who want the full, classic Benidorm experience.
Choose Poniente if: You are travelling with young children, you value peace and quiet, you prefer natural scenery, or you want a more authentic Spanish atmosphere alongside the convenience of a major resort.
The good news? No matter which side you choose, the other beach is only a 15-minute walk around the headland (past the beautiful old town). You are never truly locked in to one side.
Find Your Perfect Benidorm Rental
Browse our hand-picked selection of holiday apartments and villas in Benidorm — both on the Levante and Poniente sides: