THE HIDDEN SIDE OF BENIDORM

German lager louts, it has massively cleaned up its act today.

Best known for its excellent beaches, it has a permanent population of 71,000 people, more than Ronda or Cuenca, and was the first place in Spain where women could wear a bikini.

Around 30 buildings reach 100 metres in height, while the Intempo building truly scrapes the sky at 187 m.

The fifth most visited place in Spain (after Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Palma), its first nightclub, Penelope opened in 1968, while in 1970, CAP 3000 opened with a concert from Led Zeppelin. Today, the city boasts of being one of the most sustainable places in Spain.

It has many green spaces (see photo) and the resort has recently kick started a ‘green initiative’ to improve the environment. More than 200 trees were planted earlier this year to help with offsetting carbon dioxide absorption.

Town hall officials currently have other plans underway to improve cleanliness and the environment, including installing new underground bins and energy-efficient lighting. As the resort makes efforts to showcase how important the environment is to its tourism, a new side of Benidorm is being uncovered that moves away from its stereotypical elements. Here the Olive Press offers half a dozen interesting sites worth seeking out on a visit to Benidorm:

Balcony over the mediterranean

This lookout point with views over both Benidorm and the Med is one of its most popular landmarks. Although most people have no idea of its important historical significance, between the 14th and 17th centuries, a castle stood on the headland to protect the city from pirates. However, when the French took over the castle in the 19th century, the English navy destroyed it. Now, only leftover stone from the castle is visible on the balcony along with a small monument with cannons as a nod to its history.