The Intempo Skyscraper in Benidorm: Spain’s Tallest Residential Building

Rising high above Benidorm’s skyline like a golden exclamation mark, the Intempo building is impossible to ignore. Whether you’ve admired it from the beach or wondered what that huge “M” shaped structure is, this iconic skyscraper has a story — and plenty of surprises — behind its shimmering façade.

In this guide, we explore the history, design, controversies, and current status of one of the most talked-about buildings on the Costa Blanca.

🏗️ What Is the Intempo Building?

Intempo is a residential skyscraper located in Benidorm’s Poniente area, close to the beach. It stands out not only for its impressive height but also for its unique design: two symmetrical towers connected by a huge diamond-shaped structure at the top.

• 🏢 Height: 198 meters

• 🛗 Floors: 47

• 🏠 Apartments: Over 250 luxury units

• 👷 Construction began: 2007

• 🏁 Completed: 2021 (after many delays)

It is the tallest residential building in Spain and one of the tallest in the entire EU — not for offices, but for people actually living in it.

✨ A Symbol of Benidorm’s Ambition

Benidorm has long been known as Spain’s “vertical city”, with more high-rise buildings per capita than any other city in the country. Intempo was envisioned as the crown jewel of this skyline — a modern architectural feat meant to put Benidorm on the map.

Its futuristic shape and golden panels were meant to reflect:

• Modern luxury living

• Economic optimism during Spain’s boom years

• A new era of high-end tourism for Benidorm

But things didn’t exactly go according to plan…

🌀 A Long Road: Delays & Controversies

The Intempo project is nearly as famous for its problems as for its height.

Key issues:

• Construction began in 2007, just before the global financial crisis

• Multiple investors pulled out, leaving the building half-finished

• Reports of planning issues, like elevators not reaching all floors (later resolved)

• For years, it became a symbol of failed ambition and was nicknamed “the ghost tower”

Eventually, a new investment group took over, the design was reworked and upgraded, and in 2021, Intempo was finally completed and began welcoming its first residents.

🌇 What’s Inside?

The building is now fully residential, with luxury apartments and premium facilities. While not open to the public unless you’re a guest or resident, here’s what’s inside:

• Modern 1- to 4-bedroom apartments

• Huge sky lounge and viewing platform at the top

• High-speed lifts

• Outdoor pool, spa, gym, and concierge services

• Underground parking

From the top floors, you get one of the best panoramic views on the Costa Blanca — from the beaches of Benidorm to the mountains of Alicante. 

👀 Can You Visit Intempo?

You can’t freely walk into the building unless you’re staying there or invited by a resident. However, some companies offer guided tours or short-term stays via platforms like Airbnb and luxury holiday rentals.

💡 It’s worth checking seasonal availability if you want to experience it from the inside.

Otherwise, it’s still a photographer’s dream — especially at sunset when the building glows golden above Poniente Beach.

👉 Link: Top Things to do in Benidorm

🛣️ Where to See It

The best views of the Intempo building are from:

• Poniente Beach promenade

• Tossal de la Cala viewpoint

• Calle Alcalde Manuel Catalán Chana

• Boat trips that pass along the Benidorm coast

You’ll see it from just about anywhere in Benidorm — but up close, its size and scale are truly impressive.

🧠 Fun Facts

• It’s taller than the Torre Agbar in Barcelona and almost as tall as Madrid’s Torre de Cristal

• The diamond shape at the top is sometimes said to resemble a “giant M” or even “pants” 👖 — and it’s often a topic of local jokes

• It became an urban exploration spot before its completion, with thrill-seekers sneaking into the unfinished building

• The color is not paint — it’s gold-tinted glass

✅ Editor’s Conclusion

The Intempo building is more than just an architectural statement — it’s a symbol of Benidorm’s evolution, from a beach town for package holidays to a city with skyline ambition.

Whether you admire its story of perseverance, its controversial shape, or just want the perfect shot for Instagram, Intempo is a must-see modern landmark that literally stands above the rest.

❓Frequently Asked Questions