In the world of package holidays and tour operators, Benidorm is king. The Spanish resort town is infamous as a default haunt for middle class hordes; so much so that it even has an award-winning British sitcom named after it.

Despite the cynical brand of fun people have at Benidorm's expense on occasion, there's a legitimate reason behind the town's popularity as a vacation destination. The Costa Blanca for starters, is a spectacular region of Spain. The immaculate Benidorm coastline, while indeed overrun by myriad hotels and high-rises, offers the kind of romanticized slice of Mediterranean nirvana most long for.

Since Benidorm is a beach town, rest and relaxation is the modus operandi for the vast majority of visitors. The tourism industry is all too happy to oblige of course.

Aqualandia Water Amusement Park is close to the main drag in Benidorm and attracts tourists with water slides, pools, rides, waterfalls and kid-friendly attractions. The park has relaxation areas and plenty of shops, restaurants and cafés.

When the main beaches on the Costa Blanca get too congested, many people go for a boat excursion to Calpe. Accessible from the Benidorm Marina, the small coastal town has a waterfront with restaurants and bars, a beautiful span of beach and a popular attraction in the Rock of Ifach, with extraordinary views of the immediate landscape.

Terra Mitica offers a respite for those in search of relief from the sun-drenched beaches. The amusement park is a short ride from central Benidorm and features typical rides and roller coasters.

Cactuslandia is a botanical garden of sorts, close to the heart of the city, with cacti, tropical plants and exotic birds on display.

Mundomar Marine Exotic Animal Park is a zoo, safari park and aquarium rolled into one. With dolphins, penguins and parrots, the family-friendly facility is a popular draw.

Spain is a notable hotbed of golf in Europe and the Costa Blanca is no exception. Bring your clubs when you come to Benidorm — the resort town has over a dozen choice courses within close range.

The Benidorm Song Festival in mid-August features a terrific line-up of open air concerts in beautiful Aiguera Park.

Water sport enthusiasts have a surfeit of options in Benidorm. The beaches are lined with activity centres where people can arrange jet ski rentals, scuba excursions, windsurfing lessons and try their hand at waterskiing or paragliding.

The nightlife in Benidorm enjoys a legendary reputation. Avenida de Mallorca is ground zero for clubs, pubs and bars.

Weather is of course, a predominant factor in Benidorm's immense popularity. Spain's Mediterranean coast is blessed with ideal conditions all year round. Summer however, is tourist time.

• Winter (December to February) 6-14°C

• Spring (March to May) 9-21°C

• Summer (June to September) 18-27°C

• Fall (October to November) 11-21°C