Balcón del Mediterráneo

Balcón del Mediterráneo is the white viewpoint on the Punta Canfali headland in Benidorm, jutting into the sea between Levante and Poniente beaches. From its balustrade you can see both beaches, Benidorm Island and the Serra Gelada cliffs, and the terrace stands where a castle once defended the town against pirates. Visitors especially praise the sunset views.

Balcón del Mediterráneo, Balcó de la Mediterrània in Valencian, is a viewpoint on the Canfali rock, which separates Poniente beach from the almost two-kilometre Levante beach. The spot was formerly known as Replaceta del Castell, and on maps it also appears as Mirador del Castell. At the time of the Reconquista there was an Arab farming settlement in the area, and James I of Aragon conquered this part of today's province of Alicante around 1245. A fortress stood on the rock and in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries protected the inhabitants from raids by Algerian and Berber pirates. In 1812 the French took over the castle to watch ships arriving from east and west, and the English fleet later destroyed most of the structure with its ships' cannons. Only small fragments of the walls survive on the rocks. Today there is a square with the characteristic white stone balustrade, a chequerboard floor and steps with white handrails linking the two levels of the terrace. The square also has four cannons and a granite and bronze wind rose marking the main geographical points. From the railing you can see the city skyline, both beaches, Benidorm Island and the Serra Gelada cliffs, which shelter the town from northern winds. Nearby stands the blue-domed church of San Jaime y Santa Ana, built between 1740 and 1780, and the lanes of the old town begin a few steps away. The viewpoint is an open square and, according to Google, has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. In reviews, visitors most often praise the views of the beaches and the sea, and the sunsets. They also often point out that it can get crowded, especially at sunset. One visitor mentions benches and places selling drinks nearby, and another mentions street musicians at weekends. The viewpoint lies between the old town and both beaches, so it fits easily into a walk from Levante to Poniente beach.