40 Years in Benidorm (1986–2026)

40 Years in Benidorm – Celebrating My First Trip (1986 → 2026)

In 2026 I celebrate 40 years since I first set foot in Benidorm.

This blog is my little anniversary: memories, photos, and stories from that very first trip in 1986 — and how the city has changed (and stayed the same) over four unforgettable decades.

When I think back to that first summer, it feels like stepping into another world. I was sitting at the local snack bar in my small hometown in Norway when friends told me they were going to Benidorm. The name sounded exotic — sun, beaches, nightlife. I hurried down to the travel agency and booked a trip that would shape so many summers to come.

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The Flight – When Travel Still Felt Magical

When departure day came, excitement filled the whole plane from Bergen to Alicante. Yes — people clapped when we landed; that was normal back then! Photographers waited on the tarmac, taking pictures of arriving tourists that were later displayed inside the terminal.

Airport security was nearly nonexistent. No scanners, no liquids rules — you could bring drinks on board. It was a different era, and everything felt simpler and more spontaneous.

The bus to Benidorm was buzzing. The tour rep climbed on and announced: “Welcome to Saga Solreiser!” — and that was the start of it all.

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The Nights – Where Memories Were Made

Benidorm’s nightlife in the 80s was something else. Near Av. Europa and on the road towards Altea stood the iconic discos:

• Starlight — with its enormous beam of light shooting into the sky

• Penelope

• Papillon

Near the roundabout before the bullring we found:

• Bachus Garden

• El Coral

• Number One — the legendary favourite

El Coral, Bachus Garden and Number One were our favourites for many years — until they started serving homemade spirits, and the nights changed in character. We danced until dawn, laughed at small things, and sometimes I’d walk back to the hotel just as families were sitting down for breakfast — I was heading straight to bed. Those mornings make me smile to this day.

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A Visit to the Bullring – A Glimpse of Old Spain

One strong memory from 1986 is the bullring — a massive circular arena that felt like stepping back in time. I took photos inside the arena: the stone walls, wooden gates and sand in the middle made a striking contrast against the city that was rapidly modernising.

Today the bullring is rarely used, and there are plans to transform it into a concert and event venue — a thoughtful reuse that blends history with a modern cultural purpose.

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Aqualandia – Sunburns and Pure Fun

Aqualandia was a highlight of that first trip. In 1986 it felt enormous — slides, pools and endless laughter. We used sunscreen — but only factor 10–15, which turned out to be nowhere near enough. I got sunburned, but we had a blast.

Back then, Aqualandia and Mundomar were the main attractions. The larger parks like Terra Mítica and Terra Natura arrived much later, in the 90s and 2000s.

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The Beach – Well… Almost

Yes, we visited the beach — briefly. The nightlife often won over sunbathing, so I didn’t come home very tanned. No regrets.

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How Benidorm Has Grown – From Familiar Streets to a New Skyline

Looking at Benidorm now compared to 1986 is astonishing.

Playa de Levante had the same long beach and basic promenade layout, but the bars, restaurants and shops were very different. Most local businesses have changed or disappeared.

The biggest changes happened inland and up the Levante hillside. Back in the 80s there was much more open land; today those areas are packed with high-rise buildings. The skyline now includes modern icons like the Intempo “diamond” tower and the Gran Hotel Bali.

Finestrat was nearly untouched in the 80s — only a few buildings near the northern beach. Now it’s a fully developed area with new neighbourhoods and amenities. Benidorm has grown and reinvented itself, year after year, while still keeping its unique spirit.

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40 Years Later

Celebrating 40 years in 2026 feels special. That first spontaneous decision at a snack bar changed the course of many summers of my life. Benidorm has given me friends, memories, and a connection that lasts.

With the old photos I’ve found, the story feels more complete — and there are still more chapters to tell. Part two, the 90s, will come soon.

Benidorm — thank you for 40 unforgettable years.

Do you have your own memories from Benidorm?

I would love to hear your stories, reactions, or anything you remember from your first trips here.

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments — maybe your memories will be included in a future post as we continue the journey through the 90s and beyond.