Costa Blanca: Coast, Towns and Excursions

The north, around Dénia, Jávea/Xàbia and Calpe, is defined by coves, viewpoints and striking mountains. Some stretches of coast are better suited to walks, boat trips or hikes than to spending a whole day at the beach. Calpe is dominated by the Peñón de Ifach rock; the route to the top is more demanding than an ordinary walk and calls for sturdy footwear and a realistic assessment of your fitness. Our guide to Calpe covers its beaches, old town and Ifach.

Further south is Benidorm, with its distinctive skyline and well-serviced urban beaches. If you’re looking for short distances, restaurants and an urban holiday setting, you’ll find different conditions here than in smaller coves. Actual beach conditions depend on the season, weather and local regulations. Find out more about its location and character on our Benidorm page.

Altea combines a visit to the old town with time by the sea. Steep lanes and stairways define the historic centre, so comfortable shoes are useful. Villajoyosa has a seafront promenade and a colourful historic centre. Further south, Torrevieja and Santa Pola make different bases: Torrevieja is close to lagoons and salt flats, while Santa Pola is a coastal town with a harbour and boat connections to Tabarca Island. Explore Altea, Villajoyosa, Torrevieja and Santa Pola.

The coastline doesn’t have one uniform type of beach. Alongside wide, easily accessible stretches, there are small coves with stony or rocky shores. Before setting off, check whether your destination has sand or pebbles, whether there is shade and how far you’ll need to walk from the car park or bus stop to the water. In peak season, it’s worth starting early, as finding parking at popular spots can take time. Water shoes are useful for rocky access points; heed local warnings when the sea is rough.

Beach flags, lifeguard services, showers and step-free access vary by town, beach and season. Don’t rely solely on older photos: check the municipality’s advice on the day of your visit. Bring drinking water and sun protection, stay on designated paths through the dunes and take all your rubbish with you. If you’d rather hike or visit viewpoints, avoid the midday heat and take plenty of water. Wind can also affect how comfortable exposed stretches of coast feel.

The Peñón de Ifach near Calpe is a striking natural landmark right by the sea. Access rules and any reservation requirements may change, so check with the nature park in advance. Montgó, between Dénia and Jávea, has routes of varying difficulty. Not every trail is suitable in extreme heat or for inexperienced hikers and young children. Check the distance, elevation gain, trail markings and weather before setting out, and turn back if the conditions or your fitness level aren’t right.

In the south, the salt flats and lagoons near Torrevieja and La Mata create a landscape quite different from the seaside resorts. Stick to marked paths and observe protected-area boundaries and bird-conservation notices. The mountainous hinterland is also worth exploring: villages, rolling landscapes and scenic routes make great additions to a longer stay. Don’t try to fit too many destinations into one day. Winding roads, searching for parking and walking can all make journeys take much longer than the map distance suggests.

Alicante combines a harbour, promenade, old town and viewpoints. Santa Bárbara Castle dominates the cityscape; take slopes, sunshine and possible queues into account. If you want to combine culture and beach time, you can stay in the city and take day trips. For an overview of sights and neighbourhoods, see Alicante city.

Dénia is a base for exploring the northern coast and can be combined with visits to the harbour and old town, as well as excursions. Jávea/Xàbia is made up of several areas that are some distance apart. When booking, check that your accommodation, the beach and the restaurants you want to visit are actually close to one another. Our town guides to Dénia and Jávea can help you choose.

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport near Alicante is a gateway to the Costa Blanca for many travellers. The illustrative photo on this page shows the airport building, not a beach. The best onward journey depends on your destination. Before booking, check whether there’s a direct connection or whether you’ll need to change in Alicante. Rail, tram, bus, hire car and taxi each have their advantages: public transport can be convenient for cities and larger towns, while a car often gives you more flexibility for remote coves and inland destinations.

The TRAM d’Alacant may be useful for Alicante and coastal towns to the north; journeys towards Dénia may require changes. Check timetables and service status directly with the transport operator before travelling. Suitable connections aren’t always available to smaller towns and nature destinations. If you hire a car, check parking at your accommodation, access routes and local parking rules. In peak season, even a short journey can take much longer because of traffic and the time it takes to find parking.

If you’re visiting several places, plan your route geographically: explore the north or south first, rather than driving long distances back and forth every day. Having one base often makes for a more relaxing stay. Our guide to Alicante province will help you get your bearings; further south, you can add Guardamar del Segura.

The warmer months are an obvious choice for classic beach days, but many places are busier then. Spring and autumn are often better for sightseeing, walks and hikes, weather permitting. Tourist services may also be limited seasonally outside summer. There’s no guarantee of beach weather. For longer trips, plan alternatives such as visits to old towns, museums or shorter excursions.

Choose your accommodation based on the activities that matter most to you. A central location is convenient for restaurants and the promenade; if you’re after quiet coves or hikes, accommodation outside the centre may make more sense, provided you have transport. Check distances to the beach, supermarket and bus stop on a map, and look out for steep paths or stairs. Book accommodation and special activities well in advance during busy travel periods.

Where is the Costa Blanca?

The name refers to the Mediterranean coast of Alicante province in the Valencian Community. It is not the same as the city of Valencia, which lies further north.

Which places are good for a first visit?

Alicante and Benidorm offer urban infrastructure and plenty to do. Dénia, Calpe, Altea and Jávea are a good fit if you’d like to combine coastal scenery with excursions. The best choice depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for, how you plan to get around and when you’re travelling.

Can you travel around the Costa Blanca without a car?

This is often possible in larger towns and along well-connected routes. A car or a planned excursion is more convenient for remote coves and some nature destinations. Check connections for your specific travel dates.

Can you travel from Santa Pola to Tabarca?

Excursion boats operate depending on the season and weather. Departure times, tickets and conditions can change, so check them shortly before your trip. On the island, stick to designated paths and respect protected areas.

How many days should I plan for?

A few days are enough for a single destination; combining the north, Alicante and the south calls for more time. A week usually allows for a more relaxed mix of beach time, city visits and one or two excursions, depending on how you arrive and what interests you.

What should I check before setting off?

Check timetables, beach and nature-park notices, the weather, reservations and seasonal opening hours. If you’re hiking, bring water and sun protection, and make sure the route is realistic for your abilities.

Illustrative photo: Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. Photo: Werner Wilmes, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.