Every day, thousands of people stand on the beaches of Benidorm and look out toward the rocky island sitting quietly in the middle of the Mediterranean.
Most take a photo.
Some take a boat trip.
Very few realise the island hiding on the horizon is surrounded by legends, strange history, dramatic views and a surprisingly wild atmosphere.
Known officially as Isla de Benidorm, and sometimes called Peacock Island by locals, this small rocky island has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Benidorm.
But despite being visible from almost everywhere in the city, it remains one of the Costa Blanca’s most mysterious places.
The Island That Defines Benidorm 🌊
Benidorm Island sits around 3.5 kilometres off the coast and is impossible to ignore.
Its strange triangular shape rises sharply from the sea, almost like a giant stone ship floating on the horizon.
In many ways, the island gives Benidorm its identity.
Without it, the skyline would feel completely different.
At sunrise and sunset, the silhouette of the island becomes one of the most photographed views on the Costa Blanca.
And yet most tourists know almost nothing about it.
The Legend of the Giant and the Mountain ⛰️
The island’s most famous story sounds more like mythology than history.
According to local legend, a giant named Roland fell in love with a woman who became ill. Desperate to save her, he sliced a piece from nearby Puig Campana mountain so the sun would stay visible longer and give her more light.
The giant supposedly threw the missing piece into the sea.
That piece became Benidorm Island.
And if you look carefully at Puig Campana mountain from certain angles, you can actually see a huge notch missing near the summit — which only makes the story even more intriguing.
Whether true or not, it remains one of the most famous legends in the Alicante region.
Why It Feels So Strange in Real Life 🏝️
Many visitors expect Benidorm Island to feel like a normal tourist attraction.
It does not.
The moment you arrive, the atmosphere changes completely.
There are:
- no hotels
- no beach clubs
- very little shade
- almost no development
- huge rocky slopes
- seabirds everywhere
- endless open sea around you
Instead of feeling like part of a busy resort city, the island feels isolated and oddly untouched.
And that contrast is what surprises people most.
You leave one of Europe’s busiest beach destinations…
and suddenly find yourself in a place that feels almost abandoned.
The View Back Toward Benidorm Is Incredible 🌆
Ironically, one of the best things about Benidorm Island is not the island itself.
It is the view back toward the city.
From the upper parts of the island, Benidorm’s skyline looks almost unreal: towering skyscrapers stretching along the coastline with mountains rising behind them.
From a distance, the city resembles a futuristic Mediterranean version of Manhattan.
Many people only truly appreciate Benidorm’s unique geography after seeing it from the island.
It completely changes your perspective.
Peacock Island 🦚
Older locals sometimes still call it Peacock Island.
Why?
Because peacocks once lived there.
Over the years, the island became associated with exotic birds and unusual wildlife, adding even more mystery to its reputation.
Even today, the nickname survives in travel conversations and local stories.
It sounds strange for a rocky island in the Mediterranean — which somehow makes it even more memorable.
The Boat Trip Experience 🚤
One of the easiest ways to visit the island is by boat from Benidorm harbour.
Glass-bottom boats are especially popular during summer because visitors can sometimes see fish beneath the water during the crossing.
The trip itself is short, but the experience feels surprisingly adventurous once the city starts shrinking behind you.
Things tourists often do not expect:
- the island is steeper than it looks
- there are very few facilities
- summer heat can feel intense
- comfortable shoes are important
- the paths are rocky in places
This is not a luxury island excursion.
It feels much more natural and rugged.
A Protected Natural Area 🌿
Benidorm Island forms part of the Serra Gelada Natural Park marine reserve.
That means the surrounding waters are protected and known for marine biodiversity, snorkeling and diving opportunities.
The cliffs around the island also attract seabirds and create dramatic scenery rarely associated with Benidorm’s party reputation.
Once again, the city surprises people.
Behind the nightlife image lies a surprisingly beautiful natural environment.
The Hidden History Few Tourists Hear About 📜
The island has had many roles over the centuries.
Stories and historical records connect it to:
- fishermen
- pirates
- temporary refuge during disease outbreaks
- smuggling routes
- maritime surveillance
For such a small island, it carries an unusually large amount of local folklore and mystery.
And because there are no major modern buildings there today, it still feels connected to that older Mediterranean past.
Sunset Around the Island Is Pure Costa Blanca Magic 🌅
Late afternoon is when Benidorm Island becomes truly spectacular.
The cliffs glow orange, the sea reflects the light and the Benidorm skyline slowly transforms into silhouettes against the mountains.
It is one of the most cinematic views anywhere on the Costa Blanca.
And strangely enough, many tourists never experience it because they stay only around Levante Beach bars and promenades.
That is the story of Benidorm in general: people often underestimate how scenic it really is.
Is Benidorm Island Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you want to see a completely different side of Benidorm.
The island combines:
- legends
- nature
- dramatic views
- local history
- hiking
- boat trips
- hidden Costa Blanca atmosphere
It is not luxurious.
It is not polished.
And that is exactly why it feels memorable.
Benidorm Island reminds visitors that beneath the skyscrapers and tourist crowds, this coastline still contains wild and mysterious places.
FAQ
Can you visit Benidorm Island?
Yes. Boat trips regularly operate from Benidorm harbour, especially during tourist season.
Why is Benidorm Island famous?
It is famous for its unique shape, local legends, stunning skyline views and protected natural environment.
Is Benidorm Island called Peacock Island?
Yes. Some locals still use the nickname “Peacock Island” because peacocks once lived there.
How long does the boat trip take?
The trip is relatively short, usually around 15–20 minutes depending on conditions.
Is Benidorm Island worth it?
Definitely. It offers one of the most unique experiences and viewpoints on the Costa Blanca.
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