Unbelievable Camping Arena Blanca: Benidorm's BEST-KEPT Secret (Costa Blanca)
Unbelievable Camping Arena Blanca: Benidorm's Best-Kept Secret?! (Or Just…Secret?) My Honest Rant & Rave (Costa Blanca)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is me, spilling the beans (and probably some sangria) about my recent adventure at Camping Arena Blanca in Benidorm. “Best-kept secret”? Let's dissect that claim, shall we? This review is going to be a glorious, chaotic mess, just like my camping trip.
SEO & Metadata (Don't worry, I'm playing the Google game!):
- Keywords: Camping Arena Blanca, Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain, Camping, Wheelchair Accessible, Accessible Camping, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Family-Friendly, Pets Allowed, Wi-Fi, Reviews, Benidorm Camping, Outdoor Activities, Cleanliness, Safety, Value for Money, Best Camping, Hidden Gem, Accessible Travel.
- Meta Description: My brutally honest review of Camping Arena Blanca in Benidorm! Is it really the best camping spot? Does it live up to the hype? Find out about accessibility, facilities, food, and ALL the messy, wonderful details. Travel tips and real-life experiences included!
- Title Tags (Variety is the spice of life, right?):
- "Camping Arena Blanca: Benidorm's Secret? My Uncensored Review!"
- "Arena Blanca Camping: Is It Worth the Hype? (Benidorm Edition)"
- "Benidorm Camping: Arena Blanca - Accessibility, Food, & My Crazy Trip!"
- "Arena Blanca Camping Review: The Good, The Bad, & The Sangria-Fueled Truth"
Accessibility: The True Test (and a Minor Hiccup)
Alright, let's get the serious stuff out of the way first. Accessibility is HUGE for me, and that's where Camping Arena Blanca mostly shines. Wheelchair Accessible? Mostly YES! They've got ramps, wide pathways, and accessible units, which is fantastic. I saw the ramps, the accessible bathrooms…all good. Score!
BUT…and there’s always a “but,” isn't there? One minor hiccup. The terrain can be a little…uneven in places. Think gravel paths, tree roots, and a few mildly challenging inclines. Still, it’s far better than most campgrounds I’ve been to. Just be prepared to navigate a bit and maybe bring a strong friend (or two!).
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Haven't seen those, but the bar and restaurant aren't particularly difficult to navigate.
On-Site Facilities – A Fiesta for the Senses (and My Stomach!)
Restaurants, Dining & Snacking: This is where Arena Blanca truly earns its stripes. Forget the bland camping food stereotypes. The main restaurant, serving international cuisine, including Asian cuisine, and the buffet is a must. Even vegetarian options are plentiful. The chefs here clearly love their job because everything I tasted was delicious, and the service was top-notch. The poolside bar is perfect for cocktails, and the snack bar is a savior when those midnight munchies hit. Breakfast buffet is a real treat – hello, unlimited bacon! And if you're feeling lazy (like me, most of the time!), room service [24-hour] is a godsend.
My Favorite Dining Moment: I'll never forget the paella night. Sitting under the stars, the air filled with the sizzle of seafood and the laughter of happy campers…it was pure bliss. Okay, maybe the sangria had something to do with it too. I went back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Don't judge me.
Ways to relax & Things to do…or, The Pursuit of Leisure:
Ah, the good life! Right at the top of the list is the swimming pool [outdoor] which is glorious, and includes a pool with a view. The spa/sauna is a real treat. Getting a massage is the best thing ever. Other useful items include the fitness center if you want to work out, and a steam room.
Things to do are endless - I found time for body wrap and body scrub, which was extremely rejuvenating.
Other Amenities & Services – The Little Things That Matter (and the ones that don't!)
Internet: Okay, truth time: I'm an internet addict. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a HUGE selling point for me…and it mostly worked. Sometimes, the connection was a little…spotty. But hey, you're camping, right? Embrace the digital detox (kinda). They also offered Internet [LAN] which I didn't need. Services and conveniences: They offer a lot of services, the main one being Cash withdrawal, which is extremely helpful.
Cleanliness and Safety – Keeping it Real (and Germ-Free!)
Here comes the important part. Camping Arena Blanca is obsessed with cleanliness and safety. And I mean that in the BEST way. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol, and hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I felt incredibly safe, which is a huge relief in these crazy times. The room sanitization opt-out available is also great. Cashless payment service is a definite plus!
For the Kids - Family (Child) Friendly:
Family/child friendly is an understatement. They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities for all the children guests.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (and Maybe a Little Stressed):
Car park [free of charge]. Parking is plentiful. But navigating the campsite itself? See the accessibility section above. They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service as well.
Overall Vibe - Is It a Secret Worth Keeping?
Okay, so the big question: Is Camping Arena Blanca a "best-kept secret"? It's a solid contender. It’s not perfect (that Wi-Fi!), but the positives far outweigh the negatives. It’s clean, safe, fun, and the food is incredible. I’d go back. I actually want to go back. Benidorm might be known for its raucous nightlife, but Arena Blanca offers a refreshing escape, a chance to unwind, and, most importantly, unlimited bacon.
Final Verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Just pack your sense of adventure, maybe a good book, and prepare to fall in love with this surprisingly delightful corner of Benidorm.
(Disclaimer: My sangria-fueled enthusiasm may or may not have influenced this review. But trust me, it's a good thing!)
Unbelievable Brisbane Luxury: Oaks Redcliffe Mon Komo Suites Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of my utterly chaotic, gloriously messy, and probably slightly sunburnt adventure to Camping Arena Blanca in Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Spain. Don't expect a pristine travel brochure – this is real life, baby. Prepare for tangents, gripes, and maybe a few happy tears. Let's get this caravan rolling!
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic Assessment - "The Tent Tango"
- 14:00: Arrival! Finally! After what felt like an eternity crammed into a budget airline seat, we land in Alicante. The air hits you like a warm, citrus-scented hug – instant euphoria. Except… where’s my suitcase? Cue minor meltdown, quickly followed by frantic phone calls to lost luggage departments. (Turns out it's fine, just enjoying a scenic detour to Belgium. Seriously?)
- 15:00: Shuttle to Benidorm. The drive? Bland. The scenery? Pretty. Me? Utterly exhausted. The anticipation is a tangible weight, the "what if" thoughts of a messy campground, busy streets, or noisy neighbors start to creep into my brain.
- 16:00: Arrive at Arena Blanca! Oh. My. God. The campsite is huge. Seriously, it’s a small town with pools and everything. Finding our pitch feels like a treasure hunt, dodging toddlers on scooters and sunburnt retirees.
- 17:00: The Tent Tango Begins. Setting up the tent is always a comedy of errors for us. This time it took a few hours, which included a fierce battle with a particularly stubborn tent pole, a minor argument about directions (blame the Spanish sun!), and nearly impaling myself on a guyline. (Note to self: pack more wine next time.)
- 19:00: Dinner at the campsite restaurant. "Burger and chips" is ordered. My expectations are low, but the burger is actually… acceptable! Witnessing the general buzz of families after a long day of setting up; their faces flushed with the combination of sun, excitement, and the general mayhem of it all. It's beautiful and messy, and I love it.
- 21:00: A preliminary trek through the camp. The sheer scale of it still knocks me flat. My brain is already plotting out which pool to stake out tomorrow. Maybe a quick dip? Tempting… but I'm already feeling the weight of the day so I decided for an early night.
Day 2: Sun, Sangria, and the Pursuit of Tranquility (Fat Chance!)
- 08:00: Wake up to the glorious sound of… a relentless chorus of chirping cicadas and the distant rumble of a lawnmower. Okay, maybe tranquility is a distant dream.
- 09:00: The pool! Oh, the pool! It's a saltwater paradise, but finding a decent sun lounger felt like competing in the Hunger Games. Managed to snag one, though. Victory! This is going to be where I spend most of the day.
- 11:00: Sangria time. Because, well, Spain. This is the moment I decide to throw all my ambitions out the window.
- 12:00: Time to experience a total Spanish cultural classic: the siesta! This is when I retreat to the tent, but am quickly interrupted by my neighbor’s loud, joyous renditions of questionable karaoke.
- 14:00: Lunch. Made a sandwich. Simple. Effective.
- 16:00: A stroll along the beach. Let's be honest, a trip to Benidorm wouldn't be complete without it. The sand is like gold dust, and the Mediterranean a clear blue. The views are stunning, and the beach is crowded. Despite this, I spend a good hour just watching the waves and pretending I can understand what all the local are screaming about.
- 18:00: Found a great little tapas place tucked away. The food is divine, the wine is flowing, and the conversation is lively. This is what I came for.
- 20:00: The evening entertainment at the campsite. Oh dear God. It's a karaoke night. The singing is… varied. Let's leave it at that.
Day 3: The Deep Dive
- 09:00: Another day, another shot at serenity at the pool. The sun is really putting the heat on, but I’m adapting. This time I come prepared, with a book and a giant inflatable flamingo.
- 11:00: The water is absolutely perfect. Floating away. My brain is floating with me, away from the worries.
- 12:00: A visit to the Benidorm market. Bargaining for souvenirs and soaking up the atmosphere. The colors, the smells, the sheer chaos of it all is just overwhelming.
- 14:00: Decided to be ambitious, and attempt cooking at the campsite for the first time. Disaster. The stove's playing up, the olive oil's everywhere, and pretty soon I’m on the verge of tears. Thankfully, the friendly neighbors, who are all seasoned campers, come to the rescue. They’re a lifesaver.
- 17:00: Returning to the pool. The best decision of the day. This time I spend a good two hours floating on my flamingo, watching the sunset and feeling content.
- 19:00: A walk downtown Benidorm. The lights, the music, and a whole bunch of drunk tourists trying to look glamorous. This is a bit much, but if you want "classic Benidorm", this is it!
- 21:00: Back at the campsite, the Karaoke is still going. But, I don't mind so much. The sangria helps.
Day 4: A Day Trip - "The Island Illusion"
- 09:00: A quick breakfast and then we head to the port of Benidorm. The plan is to take a boat trip to Isla de Benidorm.
- 10:00: The boat trip! Even though the sea is surprisingly rocky. I'm getting wet, people are getting sick, and I'm just trying to keep my face.
- 11:00: The island! The view is breathtaking, with crystal blue waters.
- 12:00: Walking. I take around the island. After my experience with the choppy boat ride I'm quite fine walking.
- 14:00: Back to the campsite.
- 16:00: Packing. It always takes way longer than you think, and leaves you feeling like you’ve been through a washing machine.
- 17:00: I'm heading to the campsite bar for my last drink, and to celebrate the amazing trip.
- 19:00: The end. Or, at least, the beginning of planning our next trip!
Day 5: Hasta la Vista, Baby
- 09:00: Wake up to pack up. This is where the panic really sets in. We are leaving.
- 10:00: Leave the campsite.
- 11:00: Head to the airport.
- 13:00: Plane flies.
- 14:00: Arrive home and am feeling tired but content.
My Verdict:
Camping Arena Blanca? A chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable experience. It wasn’t perfect, by any means. There were moments of frustration, and a few near-meltdowns. But it was rich with experiences, and so much fun. My advice? Embrace the mess, the imperfections, and the sheer absurdity of it all. And don't forget to pack extra wine. You'll need it. Adios!
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Unbelievable Camping Arena Blanca: Benidorm's Best-Kept Secret (Costa Blanca) - FAQs (Because I Needed to Vent)
1. Is Camping Arena Blanca REALLY a "secret"? Because that's what EVERYONE says. And is it actually any good?
Okay, let's address the hype. "Secret"? Not quite. More like a well-guarded lie that everyone *wants* to believe. It's on the internet, folks. But good? Oh, *yes*. Look, I've camped. I’ve camped in places where a badger could be your neighbour (and probably would have been a better one than some noisy tent-mates I’ve encountered). Arena Blanca… is different. It's got that… *je ne sais quoi*. You know. The kind that makes your soul sigh in contentment the moment you park your sorry excuse for a tent.
2. What are the facilities like? Are we talking glamping-chic or roughing it with a bucket toilet? (Be honest!)
Buckets? No. Thankfully, no. We're leaning towards the 'civilised' end of the camping spectrum. Nice, cleanish facilities. Showers that *actually* have hot water (a luxury, trust me). Toilets that don’t make you want to hold your breath and sprint. They even have a little shop, which is a lifesaver when you’ve forgotten, you know, *everything*. Like toilet paper. (Don't ask.) It's not five-star, but honestly, it’s perfectly adequate. Think… comfortable, not opulent.
3. The pool. TELL ME ABOUT THE POOL! Is it just for decorative purposes, or is it worth a dip?
The pool… the pool is a *lifesaver*. Especially when the Spanish sun is doing its best impression of a blowtorch. It’s a decent size, clean (mostly… there was that one rogue leaf incident, but let's not dwell), and has that perfect, refreshing temperature that just screams “jump in!”. I spent approximately 80% of my time there. It’s… glorious. Be warned, though, the sun loungers get snapped up quicker than a free buffet at a convention. Get there early, or prepare to fight. (Kidding… mostly.)
4. Is it noisy? I need peace! I crave silence! I'm practically a monk!
Okay, monk, let's be real. It's a campsite. There will be *some* noise. Kids, mostly. And the occasional overly enthusiastic karaoke session. (Seriously, the guy singing "Livin' on a Prayer" needed to be gently relocated to the hills.) But generally speaking, it's pretty chilled. They have rules, which are *mostly* enforced. (That is to say, the security guy occasionally wanders around looking like he's about to tell someone OFF, a moment I live for). Find a pitch further away from the main areas if you're a noise-averse kind of character. Or invest in some good earplugs. Your choice.
5. What about the location? Is it convenient for Benidorm? Or am I stuck in the middle of nowhere with a useless car?
Convenience, my friend, is the name of the game. Arena Blanca is *perfectly* situated. Benidorm is a quick hop away. Beaches galore! Bars, restaurants, the whole shebang. You can walk, take the bus (easy peasy), or drive. I'm lazy, so I opted for the bus, and it made life SO much easier. Forget the parking nightmares. So, no, you're *not* stranded. You're strategically positioned for maximum fun and minimum stress.
6. Is it family-friendly? Because I have kids and they are... challenging. (Understatement of the century, I know.)
YES. Absolutely yes. Kids everywhere. They’ll find playmates. They’ll make a mess. They’ll discover the joy of stealing ice cream from unsuspecting strangers. (Hopefully, not yours.) There’s a playground (which is, admittedly, a bit basic, but effective), a kids' club (I have *no* experience with this, as I generally avoid children, bless their little hearts), and, of course, the pool. Prepare for chaos, but in a good way. You know… the kind of chaos that means *you* might get a few minutes of peace. (Fingers crossed!) My one HUGE recommendation? Supervise the paddling pool. The mini-tsunamis are epic. Seriously, EPIC.
7. Okay, so, any disasters? Because I need to know what to expect! What about the dreaded 'pitch drama'?
Oh, sweet summer child. Disasters? Where do I even BEGIN? Okay, so, there was the time my tent *collapsed* during a mild breeze. (My fault, I'm a terrible tent-erecter.) Then there was the encounter with the wasp nest. (They got me. It was a stinging lesson, literally.) But the GRANDDADDY of all disasters… the pitch drama. It's a Benidorm tradition. The moment of arrival, the frantic search for a decent pitch, the territorial disputes. I arrived late, you see. Dusk was falling. Every single pitch looked *claimed*. I wandered around, a lost soul, lugging my pathetic excuse for a tent, when I saw it. A tiny, neglected patch of earth. Perfectly shaded. (Or so I thought). I claimed it. I set up camp. I felt smug. Then, the next morning, I woke to the sound of a FAMILY. A screaming, arguing Spanish family. Turns out, I'd pitched my tent *on their annual family reunion spot*. Cue much gesturing, shouting, and the universal language of hand-waving. I was forced to relocate. It happens. Prepare for pitch-based battle.
8. Are there many mosquitoes? I taste delicious to them, unfortunately.
Mosquitoes? OH YES. They're practically a national park attraction. Bring the DEET, the coils, the everything. I, being the genius I am, forgot. I spent the entire holiday itching like a maniac. Every square inch of my skin was a mosquito buffet. I looked like I had the measles, but worse. So, yeah. Be prepared. Unless you *want* to become a living, breathing, itchy advert for repellent.
