Poniente and La Cala, Benidorm

Benidorm's Poniente and La Cala districts to the west of the Old Town are popular choices for families on holiday, thanks to their low-key atmosphere and less crowded beaches. While Levante to the east is characterised by its busy beach bars and nightclub scene, Poniente and La Cala offer a quieter scene - but with the many attractions of the city still close at hand.

The first beach west of the rocky central point of the old town is Malpas, a small sandy cove at the foot of the cliffs below the church of San Jaime, with a grove of palms to provide shelter and shade. From Malpas a road and walkway lead past the small marina and to the Parc del Elche - known for the flocks of white doves that gather in the shade of its palm trees, eager for food from visitors to the park. From here the shoreline opens into Poniente beach itself, a broad sandy expanse that runs for more than a kilometre to the small headland and cove of La Cala in the west of the bay. Although in the high season even this giant beach can become crowded, it is generally less busy than Levante beach thanks to its distance from the big tourist hotspots of the town.

As on Levante beach, there are facilities for almost every conceivable water activity, from jet-skiing to simply lying on a sun-lounger. The newly renovated promenade that runs behind the beach has given new life to the Poniente area, and many cafes, bars and shops that were empty a few years ago have now re-opened. Recent apartment and hotel developments have also helped revitalise the area. The promenade connects with the Old Town centre and the Levante beach promenade, so it is possible to walk around the entire double bay, from La Cala to Rincon de Loix, in about an hour - and in less time on bicycles, which can be hired at most hotels and from shops near the beach.

At nights the hotels and bars of Poniente feature a variety of entertainments, including live music, dancing, karaoke and bingo. Cabaret shows are a distinctive part of the Benidorm holiday scene, and many restaurants and hotels stage free shows from 9pm to attract diners and revellers. Visitors who want to party hard are just a few minutes taxi ride from the bars and clubs of Levante and the Old Town.

Families holidaying in Poniente beach can use taxis or Benidorm's excellent public bus services to reach the many theme parks and amusements for children around Benidorm, including the large Aqualandia water park and Mundomar aquarium and animal park near Rincon de Loix. The Terra Mitica family park on the Poniente side features water rides and roller coasters, as well as a medieval tournament show with armoured knight jousting on horseback.

Many older visitors take advantage of Poniente beach in the off-season months, when a long stay in the winter sun becomes more affordable. There are several excellent gold courses around Benidorm, the most notable of which is the Real de Faula club on the Poniente side of the city, which features two 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. There are also several casinos in the area, including the Costa Blanca Casino - the largest in Spain - near Villajoyosa, a few minutes drive west of La Cala.