All About El Campello

El Campello is only about 30km from Benidorm and well worth a visit if you fancy a quieter day on the beach.

El Campello has quite a few historic buildings and remains almost unchanged by tourism and has a lovely relaxed atmosphere of a traditional seaside town.

One of the most impressive building is the watch tower, Torre de la Vigía Illeta, which dominates the harbour. this was built in the 16th Century to protect  the coast against  pirates attacks.

Below the watch tower, on a small peninsula,  are the ruins of Illeta which are among the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. It is a 5,000 year old settlement, founded by the Iberians and later inhabited by the Romans. From the Iberian period unique circular buildings, in which crockery, arms, and even graves have been found, are preserved. From the Roman period, some small spas and pools carved into the rock.

There are two areas to the port: the marina, where is the "Club Nautico Campello" with more than 400 berths, and the nearby fishing port with its market, where you can watch the fish auctions during the week-days.

Fish Market - The fish auction takes place every evening from Monday to Friday, between 6.00pm and 8.00pm. The market is closed on local or national fiesta days. The El Campello fish market is in the Lonja del Puerto (which means Harbour Fish Market) in a large white building.

Unlike a lot of wholesale fish markets, El Campello actively encourages visitors to come and visit.Wholesale buyers from all the big restaurants and supermarkets come here to buy their fish. Individuals can also just buy a tray of fresh fish to take home. Sometimes the fish is so fresh, they are actually still flapping about in the market!  Check out the Gamba Roja (Red Prawns). The Gamba Roja from this part of Spain are considered the finest in the whole country. Considered an absolute delicacy in this region, they are also very expensive in the markets and supermarkets you find in town.

Local Market day is every Wednesday from 8.00 until 14.00  You can find this market in the village centre near the town hall. On the Plaza del Ayuntamiento it has about 180 stalls. They offer lots of fresh food articles and general products.

During October each year, the town holds its moros i cristians (Moors and Christians) festival. The festival includes daily "battles" through the town.  There are numerous parades and late night fireworks displays. The evening parades through the centre of the town are a must see with very extravagant costumes being worn.

The Beach

16th June 2020 - The town hall of El Campello has decreed that smoking is forbidden on their 23km of beaches .  The beaches are to be part of a regional initiative called "Playas sin humo" (Beaches without smoke).

The promenade "Voramar de les Escultures", which is named after the artist Vicente Ferrero, which starts at the watch tower and which leads up to the beach Playa de la Almadraba. Along the beach promenade, there are colorful fishermen's houses, and lots of bars, cafes and restaurants.

The best beach to visit in El Campello is the Muchavista Beach. Playa Mucahvista is seven kilometres long and has maintained its blue flag status for many years.  The adjacent beach promenade leads to the Playa de San Juan in Alicante.

There are numerous beaches and coves nearby, including the rocky Coveta Fuma, bays with sandy beaches such as Cala Venta and La Nuza.

Getting to El Campello

The easiest way of course is by car, via the N332, distance 32km time around 34 minutes, there is plenty of parking.

Tram - Every 30 minutes. Tickets cost 2€ - 4€ and the journey takes 46 min for up to date times and prices check HERE

ALSA operates a bus from Benidorm to El Campello 4 times a day. Tickets cost 4€ - 7€ and the journey takes 40 min. Alternatively,

Taxi as a rough guide a taxi will cost in the region of 55€ - 75€ from Benidorm

Why not combine a trip to  Villa Joyosa on the same day.

For more places to visit in the area, check out this section of the website 

Benidorm Weather Forecast - Saturday 22nd January

Benidorm Weather Forecast - This page is updated Daily. Welcome to winter in Benidorm.

Find  today´s EXCHANGE RATE HERE

Today´s Daytime Temperature in Benidorm - 11ºc Cloudy with some sunny spells and showers

Night time 6ºc Partly cloudy

Continue reading for a full detailed Benidorm weather forecast and average monthly temperatures.  

Daytime 

A quite cloudy start to the day, the temperature here in Benidorm at 10.00 was 9ºc.  The rest of the day will be cloudy with some sunny spells and showers (see below).  Today´s high temperature will be around 11ºc (in the shade) which will feel more like 12ºc.

Chance of showers 80%, Cloud cover 81%, Chance of thunderstorms 16%

Wind Speed and Direction - The wind will be coming from the East North East with gusts between 6km/h and 20km/h. 

Humidity levels are around 83%

Check the weather right now with this Live Webcam courtesy of Wxyz Webcams

Air Quality Today is EXCELLENT Allergy outlook LOW/MODERATE

Excellent = Air quality is ideal for most individuals; enjoy your normal outdoor activities.

Fair = Air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals. However, sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure.

Poor = Air quality has reached a high level of pollution and is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Reduce time spent outside if you are feeling symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation

Are you getting bitten by Mosquitoes? full information page HERE

UV ratings are LOW at Level 1.  Peak times are between 12.00 - 16.00  Stay safe in the sun read our guide.

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise - 08.14

Sunset - 18.11

Duration - 9.57 hours.

Wind Speed and Direction - The wind will be coming from the North East with gusts between 9km/h and 24km/h.

Moonrise and Set 

Moonrise - 22.46

Moonset - 11.24

Duration - 12.38

Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2022

BENIDORM FIESTA DATES FOR 2022 *NOTE: These dates are for guidance as events can be changed or cancelled without prior notice. 

Benidorm has about 55 Fiestas every year so far too many to list, many of the smaller local fiestas will not be publicised until after the event but here are the main fiestas to look out for.  Some dates are the same every year and others vary, such as the carnival and the November Fiestas.

During EVERY fiesta you will see  Mascletas listed on the schedules, these are the loud, thunderous fire crackers. They are fired randomly, particularly during the day. They are not for the faint hearted, they are really loud. The fire works provide a spectacular view but the Mascletas are meant to stimulate your body through rhythmic sounds and vibrations.

JANUARY

January 5th - The 3 Kings Parade, Grand Procession, unmissable if you are in town - The parade generally starts at around 18.00 from the Parque de Elche (Dove Park) in the Old Town, the parade will go up the Avd de los Almendros and back down the Avd Ruzafa before finishing up at the Town Hall square and finishing off the evening with a fantastic firework display.

January 6th – 3 Kings Day itself and a National Holiday (red day/Bank Holiday).  This is a family day.

FEBRUARY

The Carnival is an annual celebration, the date is dictated by when Easter falls, the Parades always take place on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday (2nd March 2022), this year the parade will be Saturday 26th February, there are 2, a children’s one in the morning around 11.00am and a main adult one in the evening about 9.30. The procession starts at the top end of Calle Ruzafa (nr Crystal Park Hotel) and ends up at the main Town Hall Square. There will be plenty of elaborate costumes.

The Carnival finishes on Shrove Tuesday 1st March 2022  with the ritual Burial of the Sardine. This signifies the beginning of Lent. This is a solemn procession which again begins around 9.30 starting at Plaza Mayor, goes through the Old Town and ends up at Poniente Beach where the sardine is buried. (Times are subject to change), don’t forget to take your camera along…you’ll see some fantastic sights!

Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2022

MARCH 

15th - 19th - The Fallas Fiesta

The traditional Valencian festival of Saint Joseph the carpenter. Originally a contest amongst carpenters to create an effigy of the Saint, it has escalated to become one of the most spectacular fiestas of the calendar year. Festivities include, processions with participants wearing elaborate traditional costumes, street entertainment, fireworks and live music.  For more details on this fiesta click HERE

March 17th - St Partick´s Day - When Benidorm turns GREEN

Not a Spanish Fiesta but a popular event for many tourists.

Many people dress up for the day so bring something GREEN with you.   There is NO parade as such, just people enjoying the atmosphere around town.  More information HERE

APRIL

The Benidorm Elvis Festival - Running from 1st to 3rd April with extra shows (venues to be confirmed) on the 31st March and 4th April 2022

Get ready to swing that pelvis, Elvis is back in town. For three days, Benidorm pays tribute to the one and only King of Rock n Roll, Mr Elvis Presley.

This is a great chance to join thousands of Elvis fans for three days in the Hotel Melia.

This is the largest themed Elvis party held in the Mediterranean. Join countless 1000´s of like minded Elvis fans in this Three day spectacular in the Hotel Melia and other venues nearby venues with top Elvis acts providing the entertainment.

The fun starts with a welcome party by the pool at the Hotel Melia.

There are also prizes and competitions with a grand finale at the spectacular Benidorm Palace.

EASTER - SEMANA SANTA 

One of the most important weeks in the Spanish Calendar, with lots of processions to be found in the old town area.

April 10th  -  Palm Sunday

April 11th  -  Holy Monday

April 12th-  Holy Tuesday

April 13th -  Holy Wednesday

April 14th -  Holy Thursday

April 15th - Holy Friday/Good Friday

April 16th - Holy Saturday

April 17th - Easter Sunday

April 18th - Easter Monday

For more details about Easter in Benidorm click HERE

Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2022 

MAY 

3rd – Day of the Holy Cross, many districts in Benidorm will decorate holy crosses with flowers and organise holy processions through the streets.

Benidorm Spring Pride (Pink Weekend) dates to be confirmed

Fun packed days of themed parties and international visitors, all centred around the spectacular Mirador del Castillo in the Old Town.

JUNE

22nd – 24th  Hogueras de San Juan – Bonfires of Saint John – Bonfires generally in three districts of Benidorm; La Cala, El Campo and el Mercado (market). These fires signify the official beginning of summer.

As in March, monuments are built and exhibited in the days leading up to the night of 24th these will then be destroyed by fire which symbolises the end of old feelings and experiences and the arrival of new hopes and desires.

For some years some spontaneous parties have been held, the official bonfires are burned on the night of the 24th, but on the night of the 23rd, thousands of Benidorm people gather on the beaches of Levante and Poniente to celebrate the Noche de San Juan with amulets and symbols of the fiesta that is combined with the traditional jumping into the sea water to receive the promising summer

JUNE – Benidorm Song Festival date varies – usually the last weekend

JULY

6th & 7th – San Fermin Fiesta

16th –  Fiestas of the Virgen Carmen. Head down to one of the Port areas in Benidorm, Altea or Villajoyosa where you will see beautiful floral processions through the town streets, ending at the Port when the local fishermen will go out to sea on a number of small fishing boats. From there the flowers are thrown in to the water in remembrance of all who have lost their lives in the past and the present day to the Sea

July 25th – St Jaime Fiesta (St James Day) – St James is the town´s patron saint, and all the usual religious parades can be seen in the old town.  It is also the national day of recognition for the Spanish Military and if there are any navel frigates in the area many of the marines will come ashore to celebrate.  Expect quite a lot of cannon fire.  This may take place later in the year.

Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2022

AUGUST

There are NO fiestas in August, but an incredible amount of cultural and artistic events. There are live concerts most nights in the Aiguera Park auditoriums, including ballet, opera, theatre and performances by leading popular international and Spanish groups and singers

SEPTEMBER

Benidorm Pride - Pride 2022! The event will take place from Monday 5th - Sunday 11th of September

A series of flamboyant events leading up to the Playa Levante big parade on the Saturday.

visitors can expect an exciting week in the resort that truly never sleeps. The main attraction for visitors is the old town which is where you will find the pumping heart of the gay village still very much local and Spanish where we visitors can blend in and mix with our lovely hosts. Enjoy up to 30 hugely friendly but small and intimate gay bars and eateries all nice and each other.

The Official events schedule will be announced in the upcoming months

Benidorm Gay Scene Guide

END OF SEPTEMBR/OCTOBER 

Moors and Christians Fiesta – Dates TBC

This festival is celebrated all over Spain as their history is deeply rooted in the battles which took place over control of Spain in the 13th to 15th century. Each fiesta is a theatrical performance with participants dressed in elaborate and expensive costumes depicting both sides of the battle. The music played by the live orchestras is especially composed for the fiesta and is very dramatic. Battles are re-enacted using replicas of the weapons used so it can become a little noisy.  For full details click HERE

OCTOBER

9th – Regional fiesta celebrating the day of the constitution.

12th - Fiesta Nacional de Espana… (so a bank holiday).

NOVEMBER 

The famous November Fiesta - 11th to 16th

Dates vary – They always begin on the Friday of the second weekend of November and officially end the following Wednesday. 

Each town has its Patron Saint and a fiesta is held in their honour which usually last one week. During this time the towns commercial activity virtually shuts down as celebrations go on practically 24 hours a day. Festivities include processions, dancing in the streets, live music, sporting events and firework displays. In Benidorm the Patron Saints are the Virgin of the Suffrage and Saint James the Apostle. The most outstanding acts during the week are the staging of the finding of the Virgin, the flower offering, the comic parade, the parade of floats and the great firework display which takes place on the last day of the festivities.

Please note –  There will be two additional regional holidays here in Benidorm Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th so banks etc will be closed TBC.

2023 - 10th to 15th tbc

2024 - 8th - 13th tbc

17th – Europe’s largest fancy dress party -

Benidorm Fancy Dress Party, the biggest in Europe! Once the Benidorm fiestas finish in November, the unofficial British fancy dress party starts on the day after. One of the greatest highlights of the year, and a must for all to take part and dress up. Visitors have to do great efforts to showcase a spectacular day of fun, colour and a amazing atmosphere.

This tradition started over 20 years ago when Manolo from Sinatras used to offer a free drink to anyone who dressed up, of course now numbers have grown so much this is not possible. Last year it is estimated that around 30,000 people attended this celebration! Each year the party just gets bigger  and better most of the action is around the bars in the Calle Gerona & British square area of Benidorm with a parade which generally starts at Morgan Tavern around 3pm. (TBC)

Photos of Previous Fancy Dress Day

2023 - 16th TBC

2024 - 14th TBC

From Friday 18th November – Fiesta of the Carxofa (Benidorm) The Artichoke Fiesta 

Takes place during the third weekend of November in the old town.  This Fiesta is similar to a thanksgiving or harvest festival. The burning of the artichoke takes place in the Square in front of The Royal Queens Hotel.

As it has become a tradition, after the Patron Saint’s Day in honour of the Virgin of Suffrage and St. James the Apostle, the Festa de la Carxofa, a great popular attraction.

The fiesta begins Friday night from 10 pm. with a tasting of the typical “Bollos” this takes place in the Costera del Barco. The festivities continue during Saturday and Sunday with the offering of flowers to the Mare Déu of the Sofratge that will begin in the plaza of the Constitution at 12:45 in the morning. At the end of the tour, a Mass will be celebrated in the parish of San Jaime and Santa Ana.

 BENIDORM FIESTA DATES FOR 2022 NOTE: These dates are for guidance as events can be changed or cancelled without prior notice. 

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EXCHANGE RATES IN BENIDORM - Saturday 22nd January

Exchange rates in Benidorm can change on a daily basis.  The rate quoted below is the average rate around town - Always use a reputable exchange bureau, see below

See this page for exchange places to avoid.

For details about the weather, today, next week and monthly averages

Today´s Exchange Rate in Benidorm  - No change today, holding STEADY at 1.18

PREVIOUS 7 DAYS

Friday 21st January – 1.18

Thursday 20th January - 1.185

Wednesday 19th January - 1.185

Tuesday 18th January - 1.18

Monday 17th January - 1.18

Sunday 16th January – 1.18

Saturday 15th January – 1.18

GESTALTUR SL -  18 Avenida Cuenca, normal opening hours Monday to Friday 10.00 . 14.00

TONY´S EXCHANGE, indoor market  

Opening hours - Normal opening hours - Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 15.30  

Please bring your passport for your first visit.  We will then issue you a card for subsequent visits to show you are a customer.

EXCHANGE4U - Calle Gerona Number 19. British Staff  OPEN SUNDAYS

Opening hours Monday - Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 Sunday 10.00 - 14.00

No commission charges and no minimum amount.

You can find us opposite Yorkshire Pride 1 on Calle Gerona.

You will need to show your passport to change money.   As you can see some will then give you a card for future visits, but others you will always need your passport. If anyone is offering you a higher rate than stated read the small print first as normally you will only get the higher rate if changing large quantities of money ie 2,000€. See this page for exchange places to avoid.

Read our Money Travel Guide for useful information.
Worried about fake notes and coins, learn how to spot them HERE
ATM Scams - Please Read, Always try to use the ATM machines at the main banks and NOT the ones dotted round town.
For today´s detailed weather report please click HERE

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