Alicante: coast, cities and excursions

The northern Costa Blanca is characterised by a varied coastline with larger holiday resorts and smaller coves. Benidorm is a good fit for travellers looking for well-developed tourist facilities, urban beaches and a wide range of leisure activities. Further north, Altea with its historic old town and L’Alfàs del Pi offer quieter alternatives. Calpe combines a beach holiday with the striking Peñón de Ifach.

Around Dénia and Jávea, sandy beaches, rocky stretches of coast and smaller bathing spots alternate. Dénia is a good base for a stroll around town, a visit to the castle and trips by sea. Jávea particularly appeals to people who want to explore different parts of the coast and scenic viewpoints. Further south are Torrevieja, Santa Pola and Guardamar del Segura, among others, where the scenery ranges from harbours and salt flats to dunes and expansive beaches.

The provincial capital, Alicante, is a convenient place to begin or end many trips. The old town, promenade and Santa Bárbara Castle can easily be combined with time at the city beach. If you want to visit several places, you can stay in the city and plan day trips; for a beach-only holiday, a coastal resort closer to your preferred beaches is often more convenient. Find out more about the city and its neighbourhoods in our overview of Alicante city.

Alicante-Elche Airport is outside the city centre and serves many international routes. Depending on your destination, onward travel options include bus, taxi, hire car, or a combination of train and tram. The official tourism information provides details on getting to the airport and the airport bus; departure times and operating conditions may change. Check the latest service with the operator on the day of travel. If you plan to continue along the coast, take the journey time to your accommodation into account rather than relying on distance as the crow flies.

The coast offers both easily accessible urban beaches and smaller, sometimes rocky bathing spots. Facilities, shade, lifeguard services and accessibility vary by location and season. Check local flags, currents and swimming restrictions, and take water and sun protection when visiting more remote coves. Families may find a central beach with short walking distances more comfortable; if you are looking for peace and quiet, arrive early and check how easy it is to reach the area you have in mind.

Boats to Tabarca Island depart from Santa Pola; seasonal services may also run from Alicante. Tabarca is a small island destination for a day trip, where you can combine a swim, a walk and a meal in the village. Departures, return services and weather conditions are not the same throughout the year. Book in good time when demand is high and leave yourself enough time for the return journey. The official tourism information provides details on services and visiting the island.

The inland area also deserves a place in your itinerary. In Elche, visitors can discover the historic palm grove and the city’s connection to its irrigation landscape. Further inland, smaller towns and villages offer a change of pace from the beach. Orihuela has historic architecture and cultural attractions; it is especially worth a detour if you are already travelling in the southern part of the province. When planning nature walks, temperature and shade are important: in summer, early morning is best, and you should stay on marked trails.

The province is not one single holiday resort, but a region with a variety of centres. A day in Alicante can be combined with a visit to the beach, while Dénia and Altea each offer their own old-town charm and harbour atmosphere. Elche is known for its palm landscape and history; Benidorm is better suited to a day of beaches, views and leisure activities. Choose just a few highlights for each outing so that driving does not take up most of the day.

Festivals, museums and attractions have their own opening hours and, in some cases, seasonal programmes. For specific dates, admission prices or opening days, don’t rely on older travel accounts; check the latest information from the organisers. For popular attractions, it is worth checking whether you need to book and how best to get there. For a more relaxing holiday, avoid scheduling city sightseeing and longer trips during the hottest part of the day.

A hire car makes it easier to visit smaller towns and remote stretches of coast, but it is not essential for every trip. Bus and train services connect the larger towns, while the coastal tram serves parts of the northern coast. The most practical option depends on your starting point, the day of the week and the season. Check connections and the last return services, especially if you plan to have dinner outside the place where you are staying. Parking in central areas of cities is limited or paid; choosing a hotel with parking can make planning easier.

For a road trip, it can make sense to split your stay between different places—for example, spending a few nights in Alicante or the south before heading further north. This helps you avoid long return journeys. For a short stay, however, a single base with easily accessible day-trip destinations is often more relaxing. The pages on Costa Blanca and Villajoyosa can help you compare other coastal towns.

The peak travel season usually means busier beaches and holiday resorts. Spring and autumn can be good times for sightseeing and hiking, though weather and opening hours vary. In summer, water, a hat and sun protection are essentials; when hiking, take the heat and any restrictions in protected areas seriously. If you need accessible routes, are travelling with family or are without a car, check the specific access arrangements and transport options for your chosen destination in advance.

Plan your days around locations rather than trying to fit in the longest possible list of sights. You can combine a coastal town with a nearby viewpoint or market; for a more distant excursion, allow a full day. This leaves time for breaks and spontaneous discoveries. If this is your first visit to the region, start by comparing your accommodation’s location with the beaches, train stations and excursion destinations you want to visit.

Is Alicante city a good base for the whole holiday?

It depends on what you want to do. The city is convenient for culture, restaurants and day trips. If you want to swim at different beaches every day, staying in a coastal resort can save you time travelling.

Can you travel around the province without a hire car?

Public transport connects the larger towns. A car is often more flexible for reaching smaller coves and rural destinations. Before booking, check the connection between your accommodation and the places you most want to visit.

How much time should I allow for Tabarca?

Tabarca is usually a day trip. The actual length depends on your departure point, the timetable and the weather; check the return service in advance.

Which places are suitable for families?

Places with easily accessible beaches, short walking distances and suitable facilities can make planning easier. Available facilities vary by beach and season.

What should you bear in mind when taking trips in summer?

Plan activities for early in the day where possible, take plenty of water and follow local advice on heat, swimming conditions and protected natural areas.

Where can I find the latest timetables?

Use the official websites of the relevant transport operators or the tourism information service. Timetables and seasonal services may change.