Deciding where to stay on the Costa Blanca is an important question for holidaymakers planning a visit to this popular stretch of Spanish coastline. The high-rise resort of Benidorm stands out as the most popular destination whilst the neighbouring town of Altea offers a quieter, more traditional Spanish ambiance. A little further north-east is Calpe which is another excellent choice dominated by the impressive Peñón de Ifach rock formation.
Other notable destinations include the picturesque resort of Moraira, upscale Jávea and family-friendly Dénia. Alternatively, you can stay in the city of Alicante which provides a blend of urban amenities and beach life. Each of these towns offers its own unique character and attractions, ensuring that every tourist visiting the Costa Blanca will be able to find the perfect place to stay.
Where to Stay on the Costa Blanca?
Benidorm
Benidorm stands as the most recognized resort on the Costa Blanca, often regarded as the epitome of Spanish beach tourism. This former fishing village has transformed into a bustling metropolis of high-rise hotels and apartments. There are countless things to do in Benidorm which is why the resort continues to attract a diverse profile of tourists ranging from young partygoers to retirees.
Its main draws are the two large Blue Flag beaches: Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente. The former tends to be more crowded and lively, while the latter offers a somewhat calmer atmosphere. The resort is also home to several world-class theme parks, including Terra Mítica and Aqualandia which provide for perfect days out for all the family.
Benidorm’s nightlife is particularly noteworthy, with a vast selection of bars, clubs and entertainment venues. With its fine selection of restaurants and traditional tapas bars, the Old Town of Benidorm provides quite a contrast to the rest of the resort.
Altea
Just 12km along the coast to the north-east of Benidorm lies the charming town of Altea which offers a more tranquil alternative to the region’s bustling resorts. The town is renowned for its picturesque old quarter, dominated by a church with distinctive blue-tiled domes that has become an emblem of the Costa Blanca.
Altea’s beaches are primarily pebbly, which may not appeal to all visitors but contributes to the clarity of the water. Playa de la Roda, the main town beach, runs along a pleasant promenade lined with restaurants and shops. The old town, perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. This area is home to numerous art galleries, craft shops and restaurants which reflect Altea’s reputation as an artists’ colony.
Tourist attractions include the Palau Altea Centre d’Arts which hosts cultural performances and exhibitions and the Torre de la Galera which is a 16th-century watchtower. Altea’s Tuesday market is one of the largest street markets on the Costa Blanca. The town also serves as a good base for exploring the nearby Algar Waterfalls, a series of cascades and natural pools which provide a refreshing escape from the heat of the coast.
Calpe
A further 11km along the coast from Altea is Calpe (Calp in Valencian) which is distinguished by the imposing Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone outcrop rising 332 metres from the sea. This natural landmark, which is now a nature reserve, dominates the town’s skyline and serves as a symbol of the Costa Blanca.
The resort offers a blend of old and new, with a modern hotel zone contrasting with the historic old town. Calpe’s coastline features several beaches, with Playa de la Fossa-Levante and Playa del Arenal-Bol being the most prominent. These expansive, sandy beaches are well-equipped with facilities and water sports options.
Calpe’s fishing industry remains active and the fish auction at the port is a unique attraction for visitors. The town’s cuisine naturally emphasizes fresh seafood, with numerous restaurants around the port area offering local specialties.
The old town, with its narrow streets and colourful houses, provides an insight into Calpe’s history. Notable sites include the Iglesia Antigua, a church that incorporates elements of Gothic and Mudéjar architecture and the remains of the Baños de la Reina, Roman-era fish farms carved into the rocky coast. Another major attraction within the urban area the Salinas de Calpe salt flats which attract a variety of bird species including flamingos
Moraira
Continuing along the coast road from Calpe for a further 13km leads to Moraira which is considered to be one of the Costa Blanca’s more upmarket resorts. Originally a small fishing village, it has developed into a sophisticated tourist destination while maintaining much of its traditional charm and character.
Moraira’s growth has been carefully managed, with strict planning regulations limiting buildings to a maximum of two stories in most areas. This approach has preserved the town’s low-rise skyline and picturesque atmosphere, setting it apart from many of the more developed resorts along the coast.
The town boasts several high-quality beaches. L’Ampolla, the main beach, is a crescent of golden sand situated near the town centre. Its calm waters and gradual slope make it particularly suitable for families with young children. El Portet, a smaller beach located in a sheltered bay, offers crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Both beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status, recognizing their cleanliness and excellent facilities.
Moraira’s marina is a focal point of the town, home to a mix of fishing boats and luxurious yachts. The surrounding area features a variety of restaurants and cafes, many specializing in fresh seafood and local Valencian cuisine. The weekly Friday market, held near the town centre, is popular among both residents and visitors who come to buy fresh produce, clothing and artisanal products.
The town’s historical attractions include the 18th-century watchtower, Torre Vigia Cap d’Or, and Castillo de Moraira which is a small fortress built in the 18th century to defend against pirates.
Jávea
Just 14km due north of Moraira is Jávea (Xàbia in Valencian) which is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca. The resort has successfully managed to preserve much of its traditional character whilst developing as a popular tourist destination.
Jávea is divided into three main areas: the old town, the port and the Arenal beach area. The old town, with its narrow streets, Gothic church and covered market, provides a glimpse into traditional Spanish life. The port area combines a working fishing harbour with a marina and a pebble beach, lined with restaurants and bars. This is venue of the controversial Bous a la Mar Festival which takes place during the summer months.
The Arenal area centres around a crescent-shaped sandy beach, which serves as the main tourist hub during the summer months. Despite its popularity, Jávea has implemented strict building regulations, preventing the high-rise developments seen in the like of Benidorm to the south.
One of Jávea’s most distinctive features is the Montgó Massif, a mountain that dominates the landscape and has been declared a nature park. It offers hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the coastline.
The coastline around Jávea is noted for its coves and rocky beaches, such as La Granadella, often cited as one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. These secluded spots provide alternatives to the more crowded Arenal beach and are popular for snorkelling and diving.
Dénia
Dénia lies just 7km north of Jávea along a spectacular winding mountain road overlooked by the towering Montgó Massif. It is an attractive resort with a fascinating old town, fine restaurants and magnificent beaches stretching for many kilometres to the north. As well as being a popular holiday destination, Dénia is also a busy ferry port offering frequent services to the Balearic Islands.
The town’s main tourist attraction is the Castillo de Dénia which is home to an archaeological museum and provides great views over the town and coastline. The surrounding Montgó Natural Park provides opportunities for hiking and nature observation.
Dénia’s 20km of coastline encompass a variety of beaches, from the sandy stretches north of the town to the rocky coves to the south. Las Rotas, a series of small coves with crystal-clear water, is particularly popular for snorkelling and diving.
Dénia is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly its seafood. and has been recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy which reflects the quality and innovation of its culinary scene. The Llotja del Peix, or fish market, is a centre of this gastronomic tradition.
The marina area is a focal point for nightlife and dining, while the main shopping street, Marqués de Campo, offers a range of boutiques and cafes. Dénia also serves as a base for exploring the Marina Alta region, known for its picturesque villages and vineyards.
Gandia
Lying on the very north of the Costa Blanca, some 35km north-west of Dénia lies Gandia. Popular mainly with Spanish tourists, Gandia is home to the 14th-century Ducal Palace of Gandia which is an important historical landmark located close to the town’s commercial centre. The main attraction for most tourists is the long, sandy beach of Playa de Gandia which lies 4km from the city centre.
Foreign tourists are unlikely to find Gandia to be as attractive a destination as the resorts of Dénia and Jávea to the south. Having said that, you won’t be disappointed with the stunning beaches along this coastline. As well as the excellent Playa de Gandia, you can head south to Oliva and cut across to the coast where you’ll come across more superb beaches such as Platja Pau Pi and Aigua Blanca. These are made up of long stretches of unspoilt golden sand with little commercialism in sight apart from the occasional beach bar (‘chiringuito’). Just the place to get away from it all..
Alicante
As the capital of the province, Alicante offers a more authentic Spanish urban experience compared to purpose-built resorts. The city combines historical charm with modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between beach holidays and cultural exploration.
The focal point of Alicante’s coastline is Playa del Postiguet, a city beach located at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle. This 900-metre stretch of golden sand provides an urban beach experience with the convenience of proximity to the city centre. It is also the scene of an amazing firework display during the Hogueras de San Juan in June which is one of the most popular festivals on the Costa Blanca.
Santa Bárbara Castle, perched atop Mount Benacantil, is a key historical attraction. Dating back to the 9th century, it offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. The old town district of El Barrio, with its narrow streets and traditional architecture, is another area of historical interest.
Alicante’s gastronomic scene is noteworthy, with a range of restaurants offering both local Valencian cuisine and international options. The Explanada de España, a marble-tiled promenade lined with palm trees, serves as a popular evening meeting point and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
For those interested in art, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA) houses an impressive collection of 20th-century Spanish art. The city also serves as a gateway to other Costa Blanca destinations, with good transport links to nearby resorts and villages.
