Most people picture Benidorm as sun loungers, sangria, and the Levante strip. And yes, all of that is absolutely here — but there's a whole other side to this place that doesn't get nearly enough attention. Benidorm's sports and outdoor activities scene is genuinely impressive, and in June it's at its absolute peak: warm water, long days, and enough adrenaline-fuelled options to keep the most restless holiday-maker busy for two weeks solid.
I've been living on the Costa Blanca for a decade, and Benidorm still surprises me. Here's everything you need to know about getting active here this summer.
Watersports on Benidorm's Beaches: Where to Go & What to Expect
Let's start with the obvious. With two of Spain's finest Blue Flag beaches sitting right on your doorstep, Benidorm is a watersports dream in June. The Mediterranean is already hitting 24–26°C by mid-June, which makes it genuinely comfortable for pretty much everything.
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Find rentals →Levante Beach is your best bet for most watersports. You'll find several rental outfits operating from the beach — look for the ones clustered near the Hotel Meliá and towards the northern end. Jet ski hire runs around €50–65 for 20 minutes (always negotiate slightly, especially mid-week). Parasailing is popular here — you'll spot the boats from almost anywhere in the bay — and a flight typically costs €40–50 per person.
Banana boat and ring rides are everywhere along Levante, great if you're with kids or a group who want to laugh themselves silly. Expect to pay around €10–15 per person.
Poniente Beach is generally quieter and, in my opinion, better for paddleboarding and kayaking. There are rental points near the central section of Poniente — paddleboards go for about €10–15 per hour, which is genuinely reasonable. On a calm June morning (go before 11am before the wind picks up), paddling out towards the Sierra Helada headland gives you views that most tourists in Benidorm never see.
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling Around Benidorm Island
This is the hidden gem most visitors walk straight past. Benidorm Island (Illa de Benidorm), the small rocky outcrop visible from both beaches, is a protected marine reserve — and the underwater life here is extraordinary. Posidonia seagrass meadows, scorpionfish, moray eels, octopus, and huge schools of sea bream are all regular sightings.
Several dive centres operate in and around Benidorm, including Octopus Diving (based in the port area) and operations running from Villajoyosa, just 8km south. A discover scuba session — no experience required — runs around €55–70 and gets you out to the island on a RIB. Certified divers can book guided dives for similar prices.
For snorkelling, the rocky areas around Mal Pas cove (between the old town headland and Levante) are fantastic and completely free. Bring your own mask or pick one up cheaply in any sports shop in town — mask hire is available but the quality varies.
Cycling in Benidorm: Coastal Routes & Mountain Climbs
The cycling around Benidorm is genuinely world-class, which is why you'll see serious road cyclists here even in the height of summer. The famous Alto de los Arenales climb and routes out through Finestrat village toward the Puig Campana mountain are regulars for cyclists based along the Costa Blanca.
For something less intense, the coastal cycle path running south from Benidorm towards Villajoyosa is flat, paved, and passes through some lovely scenery including the orange and almond groves just outside of town. It's about 8km each way, takes around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, and there's a great chiringuito (beach bar) at La Cala de Finestrat where you can stop for lunch before heading back.
Bike hire in Benidorm is easy to find — Benidorm Bikes near the Levante area and several shops along Avenida Mediterraneo offer mountain bikes, e-bikes, and road bikes by the hour or day. E-bikes are around €25–35 per day, which I'd recommend in June when temperatures can climb past 35°C by afternoon.
Padel Tennis: Benidorm's Fastest-Growing Sport
If you haven't played padel yet, a summer holiday in Benidorm is the perfect place to start. This racquet sport — somewhere between tennis and squash, played on an enclosed court — has exploded across Spain and the Costa Blanca is no exception.
There are padel courts at several locations in and around Benidorm, including at the Benidorm Sports Centre (Pabellón Municipal de Deportes) and at some of the larger hotel complexes. Booking is essential in summer — courts fill up fast, especially early morning and evening when it's cooler. Court hire runs around €10–16 per hour split between four players, making it excellent value.
Tennis, Mini-Golf & More: Other Sports in Benidorm
The Benidorm Municipal Sports Centre on Avenida de la Comunitat Valenciana deserves more attention than it gets from tourists. There are public tennis courts bookable for €5–8 per hour, a gym open to non-members on a day pass basis, and an indoor sports hall. If you want to keep your fitness routine going during your holiday without paying resort-hotel gym prices, this is where to come.
Mini golf is well served in Benidorm — there are at least four courses in town, ranging from simple tourist-focused layouts near the strip to more elaborate 18-hole affairs. If you're with kids, Fantasy Golf on Avenida de Europa is solid and well-maintained.
Rock Climbing Near Benidorm
This one tends to surprise people. Within 20–30 minutes of Benidorm, you have access to some of Spain's finest sport climbing. The limestone crags around Sella and Finestrat are well-documented in climbing guides and attract serious climbers from across Europe. Closer to town, the Sierra Helada natural park has some scrambling routes if you want something more exploratory.
For beginners, several outdoor activity companies in the area offer guided climbing half-days — expect to pay around €40–60 per person for a half-day introduction session including equipment hire.
Practical Tips for Outdoor Activities in June
June is excellent but it's already hot — here's how to do it right:
- Start early: For anything land-based (hiking, cycling, climbing), aim to be out and active by 8am and wrapped up by noon. Resume after 5pm.
- Hydration: Carry more water than you think you need. Seriously.
- Sun protection: Factor 50 on exposed skin, no exceptions.
- Booking ahead: For popular watersports and boat trips, book the day before at the latest in June — things fill up, especially at weekends.
- Cost: Most activities are significantly cheaper if you book direct with the operator rather than through hotel concierges or tourist kiosks — just as booking your holiday rental in Benidorm directly through JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com.
Where to Stay for an Active Benidorm Holiday
If sports and outdoor activities are high on your agenda, a self-catering apartment is almost always the better choice over a hotel. You can store wet gear, prepare your own early-morning breakfasts, keep your own schedule — and you'll save money that's better spent on experiences.
Browse our available properties in Benidorm — several are within walking distance of the beaches and sports facilities mentioned in this guide. Book directly with us and you'll pay up to 18% less than through the major booking platforms, with no hidden fees.
Benidorm is so much more than its reputation suggests. Get out there and see it properly this summer.
