Church Square

The Church Square in Benidorm, Spain, is a charming public space nestled next to the famous Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana. This square is located in the heart of the Old Town, atop the picturesque Canfali Hill. From here, breathtaking panoramic views of the endless Mediterranean Sea and the scenic surroundings open up, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

As a central element of the historic part of Benidorm, the church square plays an important role in the city's cultural life. It is surrounded by historic buildings that give it a special atmosphere and often becomes a venue for various city events, holidays, and festivals. A walk through this square allows you to dive into history and feel the true spirit of old Benidorm.

Directly adjacent to the square is the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana (Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana), which is a major architectural and religious landmark. Built in the 18th century in the Neoclassical style, this cross-shaped basilica with three naves, a majestic dome, and a characteristic square bell tower is a significant attraction in its own right. A visit to the square is often combined with a tour of this beautiful temple.

As the Church Square is an open public space, it does not have specific contact details. For up-to-date information about the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, as well as potential events held on the square, it is recommended to contact the Benidorm tourist information center or representatives of the church itself. Finding the square is easy: it is located in the historical city center on Canfali Hill and is open to visitors at any time.

At the Church Square, you can fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of old Benidorm. It is an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll, admire the architecture of the historic Church of San Jaime, and, of course, take plenty of scenic photos as souvenirs. Since the square is nestled on high Canfali Hill, it offers truly breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Mediterranean Sea, which will provide a beautiful backdrop for your photos and remain in your memory for a long time.

The square is especially lively during local holidays and festivals. The most significant events that fill this place with special energy are the celebrations in honor of Saint James (San Jaime) on August 24 and the San Blai pilgrimage on February 3. On these days, the square literally "vibrates" with activity, music, and fun, attracting both locals and curious tourists. On ordinary days, you can enjoy your time at one of the nearby cafes with a cup of aromatic coffee or by trying local cuisine, simply observing the daily life of this charming Spanish resort town.

The Church Square of San Jaime and Santa Ana is nestled in the heart of Benidorm’s Old Town, atop the picturesque Canfali Hill. The simplest and most pleasant way to reach the square is a stroll through the charming narrow streets of the historical center. As you walk up, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient city and the gradually unfolding views.

If you are arriving in Benidorm from other cities in Spain, you will most likely use the bus service. Benidorm has a well-developed transport infrastructure, and buses run regularly from nearby major towns such as Alicante. The nearest international airport is also located in Alicante. From there, you can conveniently reach Benidorm by a shuttle bus that goes directly to the city, or by taxi.

Within Benidorm itself, there is a local public transport system. You can use city buses to reach stops located in the immediate vicinity of the Old Town. From there, it is just a short distance to Canfali Hill, and a brief climb on foot will lead you straight to the Church Square. A taxi is also always an option, which will take you as close as possible to the start of the Old Town's pedestrian zone.

The history of the Church Square is inextricably linked with the fate of the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, which was built between 1740 and 1780. According to legend, the construction was prompted by an extraordinary event: in 1740, an unknown crewless vessel washed ashore in Benidorm. By order of the city governor, the ship was burned to prevent epidemics, but a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary (Virgen del Sufragio) was found untouched by fire in the ashes. A chapel was initially built for this miraculously recovered relic, which over time grew into a full-scale church, and the adjacent area became a square, forming the heart of the Old Town.

Benidorm itself, where the square is located, has a rich and ancient history typical of the coastal settlements in this region of Spain. Until the 13th century, the Moors ruled here, leaving their mark on the culture and architecture. After the Reconquista—the process of Christian kingdoms reclaiming the Iberian Peninsula—these lands became part of the Crown of Aragon. The first written mention of the name "Benidorm" is found in the "Book of Deeds" of King James I of Aragon, who conquered this part of the Alicante province in 1245. In those times, feudal castles began to appear here, serving as protection against external threats.

However, the peaceful life of the region was often interrupted. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Levantine coast, including Benidorm, suffered greatly from devastating raids by Barbary pirates. The city, along with the feudal castle that served defensive functions, was almost completely destroyed by sea robbers twice. These dramatic events forged the character of the local residents and influenced the appearance of the city, which was gradually restored and fortified. It is on this historical foundation, full of trials and resilience, that the part of Benidorm where the cozy Church Square is located today—preserving the memory of the past—was built.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of the Church Square in Benidorm, visit the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, admire the views, and take photos, a typical visitor will need about 1-2 hours. This will be enough time for a leisurely stroll, exploring the architectural details, and immersing yourself in the historical aura of the place.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that if you want to catch local holidays or festivals that are often held in the square, you should set aside more time. Participating in such events will allow you to delve deeper into the culture and traditions of Benidorm, but it will also require extra time to fully soak up the festive atmosphere.

The Church Square in Benidorm, being a public space, is open to visitors 24/7, year-round. You can come here at any time convenient for you to enjoy the views and the atmosphere of the Old Town. No tickets or advance booking are required to visit the square itself.

However, please note that the adjacent Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana has its own schedule for visitors and services. If you plan to visit the temple itself, it is highly recommended to check its current opening hours immediately before your visit. This information can usually be found on the church's official website, if available, or at local Benidorm tourist information centers.

When you find yourself at such an iconic spot as the Church Square, don't miss the opportunity to expand your experience by exploring other interesting places nearby. Often, short walks or trips to neighboring attractions reveal new facets of the city and allow you to dive deeper into its atmosphere and culture.

In the vicinity of the Church Square in Benidorm, you will find many notable sites, each capable of providing vivid memories. From historical monuments to entertainment centers—the choice is yours! Below is a list of some interesting places located nearby.