Benidorm is a true Spanish beauty of the Costa Blanca. Originally a fishing town, the city's historic centre wows with its blue-domed 18th-century church and picturesque alleyways. Panoramic views reward those who climb into the surrounding Canfali hills, and nearby rocky coves reveal underwater riches for scuba enthusiasts. Hidden ruins set the scene for sensational sunsets, golden beaches are a backdrop to melt into Mediterranean life and a stroll along its promenade promise moments of old fashioned seaside charm.

End a day in the sun with a feast of local seafood. There's so much more here than first meets the eye.

The very heart of the Costa Blanca nestles in between two magnificent beaches known as Levante and Poniente - Spanish for sunrise and sunset. These two sweeping crescents of golden sand stretch for around six kilometers and are the very essence of Benidorm, capturing the spirit of your holiday.

Scrupulously maintained, the stunning beaches are consistently voted among the cleanest and most popular in Europe. All sorts of water sports are on offer and on the outskirts of town tourists can visit the water parks or Terra Mitica, Spain's largest theme park with a terrifying roller coaster.

Long before it was discovered by tourism, Benidorm was just a small fishing village but now holidaymakers travel in their thousands and the expanse of new hotels being built increases by the day.

With its heavy northern European influence, Benidorm has become the most populated beach town east of Torremolinos and attracts more than 180,000 people a day to indulge in the pleasure of its long sandy beach. This Blackpool-esque bolthole remains the undisputed party capital of the Costa Blanca with an unrivalled nightlife and a daytime carnival-like beach flavour.

Yet the sights and sounds of Benidorm have moved on from the early days of package holidays and now the city boasts an upmarket charm.

The Aiguera Park and amphitheatre show how city officials are moving their beloved Benidorm towards a more cultural escape and free leisure activities such as jazz and soul music attract hundreds of people seeking something more than a sandy shoreline.

Hidden away from the colourful stalls along the esplanade lies a hidden historical city that few explore. Tucked into the Casco Antiguo section are the ruins of a castle built in the 14th century to fend off Berber pirates. The city's spectacular sunsets are best viewed from the castle's 'mirador' (balcony).

The place to see and be seen in the town however is the Playa de Levante, a two-mile boardwalk lined with trendy cafes and bars.

The streets of Benidorm are full of interesting gift shops catering for British tourists and cheap prices in the supermarkets mean shopping for well known products is easy.

For those who are born to find bargains, the open-air market every Wednesday and 'rastro' (car boot sale) every Sunday next to the railway station will ensure a good deal is made. Nearby Altea has a bustling outdoor market on a Tuesday and Alicante is a good destination for those in search of more sophisticated shopping.

Imagination is not high on the agenda in the restaurants and pubs in Benidorm, nor are the names of these simple culinary offerings. Among the most popular are the Queen Vic and St James Tavern but they present good British food and Sunday roasts rather than the more traditional Spanish tapas and other local dishes to be found in the smaller towns of the Costa Blanca.

There is a chance however to savour the real Spanish tastes in the old harbour where it is possible to enjoy some tapas and local seafood.

And after dinner and into the small hours there is a chance to party at the biggest night out on the Med. Everything is available here from live shows, quizzes, bingo and karaoke to drag shows.

A younger crowd gathers in the New Town and the Old Town, with its bars flanking narrow streets, is a Mecca for gay tourists during the height of the season often staying open all night. Serious clubbers will relish the super clubs.

To escape the bustle of Benidorm for a day, tourists can take in beautiful mountainous countryside surrounding the resort and jump in on a jeep safari or cycle around this rugged interior.

A coach trip to the ancient mountain fortress at Guadalest, built by the Moors in 715, and the town of Altea with its delightful medieval cobbled streets and beautiful Mediterranean views, eight miles (13km) north of Benidorm is worthy of an adventure.

This resort simply bursts with character and cannot be beaten for holiday fun, its stunning shoreline, beautiful beaches and great entertainment. A real all rounder, this resort has something special for everyone and will leave you feeling you've sampled the very best from bountiful Benidorm.