Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen

Set apart from the historic churches dotting the coast, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Benidorm stands out for the opposite reason: it is a 1970s church whose brutalist architecture has earned it a place in surveys of modern Spanish design. Built beside the Avenida del Mediterráneo, just behind Playa de Levante, it tucks quietly in among the surrounding buildings.

What to see

The most striking feature is its layout: the naves fan out toward the sea, following the natural slope of the plot. There is no bell tower, which reinforces a low, horizontal silhouette quite unlike the traditional parish church. Inside, the space is broad and austere, an open hall where concrete and geometry do the talking.

Tips for your visit

• This is a curiosity for lovers of contemporary architecture rather than a conventional historic monument.
• If you want to see the interior, respect the service times and visit discreetly.
• Pair it with a stroll along the nearby beachfront or the climb up to the Balcón del Mediterráneo.