Benidorm faces west over the Mediterranean, which means one thing for sunset lovers: the sun drops dramatically into the sea almost every evening. With over 300 clear days per year, you are almost guaranteed a spectacular sunset during your visit. But where you watch it from makes all the difference. From beach-level to mountain-top, from free viewpoints to cocktail-in-hand terraces, here are the very best spots to watch the sunset in Benidorm.
Playa de Poniente: Classic Beach Sunset
Poniente Beach is Benidorm's premier sunset location for good reason. The 3km beach faces directly west, meaning the sun descends straight into the sea in front of you. The wide sandy beach gives you plenty of space, and the reflected light on the water creates an incredible golden glow. The southern end near the port is quieter, while the middle section near the chiringuitos lets you enjoy a cold drink as you watch. In summer, sunset occurs between 9-9:30pm.
Mirador de la Cruz: Panoramic Hilltop Views
For the most dramatic sunset viewpoint, hike up to La Cruz (The Cross) on the Serra Gelada ridge above Benidorm. From this elevated position you can see the entire Benidorm coastline, both beaches, the island, and the sun setting over the sea with mountains silhouetted in the background. The hike takes about 45 minutes from the Albir lighthouse car park. Bring a headlamp for the walk down in the dark - the path is easy but unlit.
Check the exact sunset time before hiking up. Arrive at the viewpoint 20-30 minutes before to enjoy the changing light. Sunset times: January 6pm, April 8:30pm, July 9:30pm, October 7:30pm.
Balcon del Mediterraneo: Easy Access Viewpoint
If hiking is not your thing, the Balcon del Mediterraneo viewpoint in the Old Town offers beautiful elevated sunset views without any effort. Perched on the Canfali headland between both beaches, you get a unique angle looking down the Poniente coastline as the sun drops into the water. The blue and white mosaic railings frame the view perfectly for photos. It is free, central, and always accessible.
Sierra Helada Cliffs
The cliffs of the Serra Gelada Natural Park offer a completely different sunset perspective. From the clifftop trails (accessible from both Benidorm and Albir sides), you watch the sun set with the dramatic drop of 300+ metre cliffs below you. The light hitting the rock face creates incredible warm tones, and you often have the viewpoint completely to yourself. It is a 20-minute walk from the Albir lighthouse to find good sunset spots along the cliff edge.
Rooftop Bars for Sunset Cocktails
For those who prefer their sunset with a cocktail in hand, Benidorm's rooftop bars deliver. The Gran Hotel Bali 45th-floor bar offers 360-degree views from the highest point in the city. Several other hotel terraces along the skyline have sunset-facing bars. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot (especially in summer). Cocktails range from 8-14 EUR - worth every cent for the experience.
Sunset Times Throughout the Year
- January: approximately 5:50pm
- March: approximately 7:15pm
- May: approximately 9:00pm
- July: approximately 9:30pm (latest sunsets)
- September: approximately 8:00pm
- November: approximately 5:45pm (earliest sunsets)
- Note: Spain is in CET timezone, so sunsets are later than you might expect
Playa de Poniente - the classic sunset beach
