Benidorm might be famous for its shimmering skyscrapers, karaoke bars, and beaches packed tighter than a tin of anchovies—but tucked away in the Old Town lies a corner that feels like another world entirely. Affectionately known as Tapas Alley Benidorm, this is a must visit location.
Long before the high-rises sprouted along Levante Beach and package tourism transformed sleepy fishing villages into international playgrounds, Calle Santo Domingo and the maze of narrow streets around it had a simpler purpose. This was where local fishermen and their families came to eat, drink, and swap stories after long days at sea.
Back then, there was no ‘Tapas Alley’. Just a scattering of rustic taverns serving whatever had come in off the boats that morning—salted sardines, a wedge of tortilla, a glass (or three) of local wine. Nobody thought much of it. It was simply everyday life in a working coastal town.
From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Landmark
When the 1960s and 70s rolled around, everything changed. Under the vision of Mayor Pedro Zaragoza Orts—who famously rode a Vespa to Madrid to lobby Franco to let tourists wear bikinis—Benidorm exploded in popularity. Tower blocks shot up, and sun-seekers arrived by the coachload, hungry for cheap lager and reliable sunshine.
Yet while the seafront was transformed beyond recognition, the Old Town clung to its roots. Zaragoza understood that if Benidorm was to be more than a fleeting summer craze, it needed to protect something authentic. So the Old Town’s tangle of cobbled lanes and whitewashed facades became a designated cultural heritage zone.
By the early 1980s, a handful of family-run restaurants saw an opportunity. Rather than chasing tourist trends, they doubled down on tradition—offering classic Spanish tapas in warm, convivial surroundings. What began as a few humble eateries gradually evolved into something special: a street where the old ways were not just preserved but proudly celebrated.
Through the 1990s, word spread beyond Benidorm. Spaniards from across the country came for the promise of an authentic tapa enjoyed shoulder-to-shoulder with locals. By the new millennium, Tapas Alley had become the beating heart of Benidorm’s culinary scene.
Today, it stands as a testament to the town’s success in balancing innovation with tradition. While the beaches and neon nightlife still attract millions, this corner offers something different—a glimpse of Spain as it used to be.
Tapas Alley Benidorm: Where to Find It (Without Losing Your Mind)
Despite its fame, Tapas Alley can be surprisingly elusive—many a bewildered tourist has wandered the Old Town with Google Maps in hand, none the wiser.
Here’s the simplest approach:
- Head for Plaza de la Constitución, the Old Town’s main square.
- Look for Hotel Queens, Bar 69, and Oliver’s Bar.
- Directly opposite, you’ll spot La Cava Aragonesa, the most famous tapas bar in Benidorm—and the unofficial gateway to Tapas Alley itself.
From there, just follow Calle Santo Domingo. But don’t stop there—the surrounding streets are just as rewarding. Street names to watch for:
- Calle Martinez Oriola
- Calle del Rosari
- Calle Santa Faz
- Calle Sant Miguel
Together, they form a labyrinth of foodie heaven. You’ll find tiled taverns buzzing with locals, terraces draped in bougainvillea, and glimpses of the Mediterranean between old whitewashed buildings.
Tapas, Pinchos & Montaditos – Know Your Bites
Many visitors use ‘tapas’ as a catch-all for any Spanish snack, but there are a few distinctions worth knowing:
- Tapas: The original small plates—hot or cold—served in little terracotta dishes. You’ll eat these with a fork or spoon, often sharing several between friends.
- Pinchos (Pintxos): Bites skewered with a toothpick, originally from the Basque Country. Think small morsels balanced on bread or veggies, pierced neatly so you don’t drop half on your shirt.
- Montaditos: Slices of bread topped with anything from jamón to roasted peppers. Typically served cold, though occasionally warmed through.
In Tapas Alley Benidorm, you’ll see them all—sometimes displayed in glass cabinets like little works of art. If in doubt, just point.
Timing is Everything – When Locals Eat
Spaniards eat later than many visitors are used to. To avoid sitting alone while the staff have their siesta, keep these rough times in mind:
- Lunchtime tapas: 13:30–15:00
- Evening tapas: After 20:30
Arrive too early, and you’ll likely be surrounded by other tourists or perched in an empty bar wondering where everyone’s gone.
How to Order Without Looking Like a Muppet
First things first—check if you can order tapas at the table. Some places insist you stand at the bar for small plates, reserving tables for raciones (larger portions).
Once you’re ready, don’t order everything at once. Many tapas are pre-prepared, and you’ll end up buried under a mountain of plates. Start with a couple each, then top up as you go.
Pointing is fine. Don’t know the Spanish? Doesn’t matter. If the food’s behind glass, just smile and point like you’re ordering pick’n’mix.
Embrace the chaos. Standing up, leaning on barrels, elbow to elbow with strangers — that’s part of the charm.
And remember—the more napkins and olive pits on the floor, the better the bar. A spotless floor usually means it’s not worth your time. The dirtier the floor, the better the food. If there are toothpicks, napkins, and prawn shells everywhere — jackpot.
Paying Up
Usually, the barman will keep a tab. When you’re finished, just ask for the bill (la cuenta, por favor). If you’ve had table service, a 10% tip is appreciated. If you’ve just grabbed a drink at the bar, leave the change.
A Few Favourite Haunts
La Cava Aragonesa
The granddaddy of them all—always bustling, with an incredible range of beautifully displayed tapas.
Aurrera Group
A collection of seven bars and restaurants along the street, each with a different feel, including Pintox Aurrera.
Aurrera El Bodegón
Think dark wood, barrels, and that unmistakable old-Spain vibe.
Aurrera Sidrería
Always lively, with fresh food and plenty of cider on tap.
Gambrinus
A hidden gem where old photos of Benidorm line the walls.
Braseria
Modern and stylish, with a focus on top-notch Argentinian meat.
Meson Plaza Mayor
Right in Plaza Mayor, perfect for grilled meats and people-watching.
Bar Gaztelutxo
Small, Basque-style, and as Spanish as it gets.
The Charm That Never Fades
What makes Tapas Alley irresistible isn’t just the food—it’s the atmosphere. Life slows down here. You might stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a Spanish family, pick up snippets of conversation you only half understand, or discover a new favourite dish entirely by accident.
This is the Spain of small moments—clinking glasses, plates arriving in no particular order, and flavours that taste like they’ve been perfected over centuries.
So if you find yourself in Benidorm and want more than a sun lounger and an all-inclusive buffet, make your way to Tapas Alley.
Bring your appetite, an open mind, and a willingness to linger a little longer than you planned.
Because this, more than any skyscraper or beach bar, is where the real Benidorm still lives.
As someone who has lived in the tiny white washed village in Granada, we can vouch for how important good tapas is, in the Spanish culture.
