Today we’re talking about Benidorm Island, a treasure of the Costa Blanca! This symbol of Benidorm, also known as Journalists’ Island or l’Illa de Benidorm, has a high scenic and environmental interest that many still don’t know about. It’s normal for Benidorm families to have visited this gem, but tourists don’t always do so. That’s why we’ve made this post, to encourage you to visit it. The excursion to Benidorm Island is one of the best things to do in Benidorm.
Distance and How to Get to the Island
The distance from Benidorm Port is only 2.5 nautical miles and the company that operates these routes is Excursiones Marítimas Benidorm. It’s an island located very close, so you won’t have time to get seasick on the boat.
The boats make the journey between 15 and 20 minutes, and it’s perfect to enjoy wonderful views of the entire Benidorm bayand of Villajoyosa or Altea from the deck. In addition, there are boats that offer underwater vision for free, so you can see the seabed while you travel to the island.
The price for a round trip is 15 euros for adults and 12 euros for children. We recommend checking special rates for groups. The first departure is at 10:00 AM and boats leave every hour. Return trips are also every hour, but don’t forget to check the last return time as it’s subject to weather conditions.
What to See and Do on the Island
Benidorm Island has a high ecological interest and is a small islet whose maximum height is found at 73 meters above sea level, where the lighthouse stands to help sailors spot the island. Enjoy the views, you can see as far as Peñón de Ifach, in Calpe.
Get ready to walk! To climb, we find four different paths to explore the island. Among the rich The flora and fauna are notable, especially the birds, and you can find informative panels throughout the island to learn about the different species.
The underwater world is highly coveted by scuba divers and snorkelers, as the waters are clear and clean with a rich variety of fish. Around the island, we find the famous areas of La Llosa, Los Arcos, Punta Garbí, the Embarcadero, and the North Face. Depending on each person’s level, one dive site or another is recommended. You can also practice snorkel in the authorized swimming areas on the island or simply take a dip and enjoy the floating mats on the sea. The island area is a protected natural park, so enjoy snorkeling and diving, but take care of the environment.
On the island of Benidorm, we find only one restaurant, specializing in rice dishes. There are incredible views from the restaurant, but if you prefer, you can also bring a picnic and enjoy your delicacies by the sea.
Be especially careful with seagulls, particularly during breeding season. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t touch any bird nests, as they become very aggressive and protective of their young.
History and Curiosities of l’Illa
The island of Benidorm, which is currently included in the Serra Gelada Natural Park, has been known as the Island of Journalists for about 45 years, when the Federation of Press Associations of Spain was named as the island’s godparent.
Did you know it’s an uninhabited island? Nobody lives or sleeps there, not even the restaurant employees or crew members. As far as we know, pirates first used it as a base to attack coastal populations in the bay. Later, around 1830, some families lived there while fleeing a cholera epidemic.
On the other hand, l’Illa de Benidorm is known for its numerous legends related to Puig Campana. You’ve surely heard about Roland’s Slash, the knight in love with a beautiful lady who fell ill, or the giant in love with a young woman from Finestrat. And if not, perhaps all these stories will give us material for another entry later on…
Recommendations
- Always remember to protect yourself from the sun. It’s always important to do so, and it costs nothing to throw some sunscreen in your backpack and bring sunglasses and a hat.
- Wear comfortable footwear, especially if you want to do some hiking. If you’re also going for a swim, it might be a good idea to bring water shoes or similar.
- Don’t forget your diving goggles, the seabed around the island is quite a spectacle.
- Avoid bringing baby strollers, it’s better to opt for a baby carrier backpack as the paths are made of dirt and stone.
- Follow the trails and don’t leave the authorized swimming areas. It’s for your safety.
- Check the return time of the boats. We want you back at the campsite.
Now you can start preparing for your excursion to the Island of Benidorm. The natural environment of Serra Gelada is beautiful and very close to the campsite. This is your year to visit it!
