With over three miles of wonderful sandy coastline to enjoy, you may never get round to exploring the myriad of delights away from the beach. But there's so much more to Benidorm and its surroundings than beaches and bars - take some time out from the hustle and bustle and check out some of the local places of interest. Here we give you some great ideas for family days trips and interesting excursions,and places steeped in history, right on your holiday doorstep.

Terra Mitica and Aqualandia

If you're on a family holiday then a day out at Spain's biggest theme park, Terra Mitica, on the outskirts of Benidorm is an absolute must. The Paramount pleasure park recreates the lost civilisations of the Mediterranean - ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Islands. There stomach churning thrill rides, water chutes, great indoor shows and some really clever and innovative street entertainment.

Aqualandia, a huge water park five minutes drive from Benidorm's town centre, is another major attraction for adults and kids alike. There's an exciting array of water chutes, daredevil "death" slides, diving displays, pools and play areas - all set in beautifully tended gardens with a magnificent mountain backdrop. An absolute must if it’s heat wave time.

Next door to Aqualandia you'll find Mundomar - a marine life and exotic animal park with its marvellous menagerie of colourful creatures including parrots, penguins, seals and dolphins. You simply have to see the dolphins shows at various times throughout the day.

Take to the Seas and Mountains

Take a day trip boat ride from the port to Benidorm Island - a 30-minute trip which includes the chance to see the local sea-life through a glass bottomed boat. There are also half day excursions by boat to the Costa Blanca resort of Calpe to the north.

For a day's excursion inland, try a visit to the extraordinary mountain fortress at Guadalest - now one of the top tourist attractions in the whole of Spain. Regular coach tours are organised from Benidorm to this former Moorish stronghold, built in 715. The views are breathtaking and it's a great place for souvenir shopping.

Travel north up the coast 11 kilometres from Benidorm to explore the town of Altea with its delightful medieval cobbled streets, excellent restaurants and distinctive blue-domed church in the plaza of the old town. Tuesday's a good day to visit when the Costa Blanca's biggest outdoor market is held here.