The ever popular holiday resort of Benidorm on Spain’s Costa Blanca captivates visitors with its sandy beaches, world-class theme parks and lively nightlife. However, for those seeking to explore beyond the city’s sun-drenched shores, the region offers a treasure trove of exciting destinations which serve as unforgettable day trips from Benidorm. From the historic charms of Valencia to the breathtaking natural wonders of the Guadalest Valley, this article will unveil a curated selection of must-visit locales, each offering a unique perspective on the rich tapestry of culture, history and natural beauty that surrounds this Mediterranean holiday destination..
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa lies just a few kilometres south of Benidorm on the main N332 towards Alicante. First impressions are worrying as you enter this grotty looking town with a sign pointing to its Chocolate Museum which is one of its few tourist attractions. However, don’t be put off as a unique former fishing community awaits you. Look out for the left turn as you’re driving through (turn right for a left) and head for the town centre (centro urbano).
Try to park anywhere you can and walk down to the beach. You’ll get the feeling that the town lives with the hangover of having been a thriving fishing port in the past whilst today’s reality sees the idol men folk sitting on their step watching the world go by.
On the walk down you’ll see streets with multi-coloured houses and the day’s washing hung out to dry from the terraces of the houses. Once you get down to the sea you’ll be confronted by a very attractive beachfront area consisting of numerous restaurants all offering daily 3 course menus for a reasonable price as well as locally caught fish dishes.
After lunch walk back up towards the old town through some of the most run down streets of Villajoyosa which are again usually painted in bright colours with the day’s washing hanging out. Interestingly a lot of the name plates on doors show the owners to be foreigners.
The old town itself has been largely renovated and the run down feeling of the streets nearer the coast is absent. At the heart of the old town, you’ll find the central square framed by the 16th century Church of La Asunción and the Renaissance-era Tard Palace. The beautifully preserved tower of the Palace offers spectacular views over the town’s terracotta rooftops and out to the Mediterranean.
Finally take your hire car down to the beach and head back towards Benidorm where you’ll see smart apartment blocks, nice restaurants and a marina at the most northerly part of Villajoyosa. First impressions most certainly can be deceiving. Villajoyosa is highly recommended for a lunch break from Benidorm.
Calpe
Dramatically set between towering golden cliffs and the azure Mediterranean, the coastal town of Calpe makes an ideal day trip around 45 minutes from Benidorm. Its main landmark is the 332 metre high Peñón de Ifach which is an imposing limestone rock jutting out to sea.
This striking natural monument is a protected nature reserve which separates the two main beach areas of Playa la Fossa and Playa Cantal Roig. It is a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking. After working up an appetite scaling the trails you can refuel at one of Calpe’s exceptional fish restaurants which serve up the daily catch from the local fishermen.
Playa de la Fossa is a first class beach with golden sand and excellent facilities which has a pedestrianised promenade (Paseo Infanta Cristina) with a fine selection of bars and restaurants. On the other side of the Peñon is a smart marina followed by narrow, rocky beach called Playa Cantal Roig.
A promenade (Paseo Infanta Elena) runs from here past a Roman fish farm and Roman baths as far as another superb beach at Playa Arenal-Bol. The end of this 2000m long beach is pretty much in the old town. Just follow c/Valencia for two minutes and you’re in the Plaza Mayor.
The old town of Calpe is worth a wander around to see some historical buildings and squares. There’s a street market every Saturday in the town and a flea market every Wednesday. In the summer months there are crafts fairs in the old town. Another worthwhile visit is to the daily fish auction at La Lonja in the port. These take place every weekday afternoon at 5pm. The salt flats just inland from Playa Levante date back to Roman times and are an important location for many species of migrating birds so don’t forget your binoculars.
Moraira and Teulada
Moraira is a gem of a town located 40km along the coast to the north-east of Benidorm. Formerly a quaint fishing village with stunning views across to El Peñon de Ifach, the rock of Calpe, it now survives from tourism whilst retaining much of the charm which has long attracted visitors and foreign residents. Visitors should explore the historic town centre with its charming plazas, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and visit Moraira’s 18th-century castle which overlooks the sea.
Fridays are a good day to visit Moraira as this is when the town’s weekly street market is held providing visitors with an opportunity to sample local produce and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
The resort has two attractive beaches at L’Ampolla and El Portet which have golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Beaches immediately south of Moraira are rocky rather than sandy but are excellent for snorkelling. For more extensive beaches it’s only a short drive to Javea and Denia where some of Spain’s finest beaches can be found.
Another of the Costa Blanca’s popular street markets takes place in the nearby medieval town of Teulada on Wednesdays. Teulada is actually the old town of Moraira and is well worth a visit to see Santa Catalina Church and the Divina Pastora Chapel amongst others. You can also sample some of the regions wines at the San Vicente Ferrer wine cellar. The Moscatel Festival in early September is another good time for a tipple!
Guadalest
Just 20km inland from Benidorm is the medieval town of Guadalest which is perched on sheer rocky peaks at 600 metres above sea level in the Aitana Massif. It is one of Spain’s most visited villages due to its proximity to the Costa Blanca but, in spite of the hordes of tourists, is still worth a visit.
To get to Guadalest take the CV70 road out of Benidorm. This is the same road that goes to Terra Mitica. Follow signs for La Nucia until a roundabout sends you off to the right heading for Guadalest. It’s no more than a 30 minute drive and many local agencies offer half day excursions there.
Try to arrive in Guadalest early as the village isn’t big enough for the tourist masses though there is sufficient parking to cater for everyone. Stop at Bar Mora for a coffee just in front of Museo Microgigante as you enter the village. This is a fascinating museum. Some works of art are displayed through magnifying glasses because they are so small that they can’t be seen by the naked eye. Examples include a bullring constructed on a pinhead, an ant playing the violin and an El Greco painting on a grain of rice.
From the museum you wander up the steps towards the town hall and then the the entrance to the Municipal Museum. This is the house of the Orduña family which was built after the great earthquake of 1644. Having looked around the house you can follow the steps up to the Castillo de San José, the village castle which offers great views over the surrounding countryside.
If you’ve got your own car you’ll find more authentic villages by just taking a drive through the mountains (Polop is an interesting spot on the way up the mountain). Also stop off at Algar and go for a swim in the waterfalls.
Algar Waterfalls:
The Algar Waterfalls are located near the picturesque village of Callosa d’En Sarrià some 20km north of Benidorm. The destination is a real gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.Visitors can book guided tours or explore the area independently, following the well-marked trails that wind through the canyon. The journey includes navigating through narrow passages, crossing wooden bridges, and encountering several lookout points that offer spectacular views of the waterfalls and their surrounding cliffs.
One of the most exhilarating experiences is the chance to swim in the refreshing waters of the natural pools, surrounded by the towering rock formations and lush vegetation. For the more adventurous, there are opportunities to dive from designated jumping points or try your hand at rock climbing along the canyon walls.
Altea
Altea lies just 10km along the coast to the northeast of benidorm. It is the prettiest town on this stretch of the Costa Blanca with its stylish marina, lively seafront promenade and its beautiful old centre high above the glittering Mediterranean below. From here there are spectacular views towards El Peñon de Ifach in Calpe to the north and Benidorm’s skyscrapers to the south.
You can get there by car by following the N332 towards Valencia then park down on the seafront and walk up to the old town or if you’re not keen on the climb you can drive to the top and park near the church. Alternatively you can hop on the number 10 bus from Benidorm which runs frequently.
Down at the seafront in Altea there’s no shortage of seafood restaurants serving mainly local rice based dishes such as paella and ‘arroz a la banda’. The Hotel San Miguel (c/Mar, 65) is a popular choice with a nice terrace overlooking the sea. Playa de la Roda is the main beach in Altea. It’s quite narrow with pebbles which helps explain why Altea has avoided the worst of mass tourism. Views across towards Calpe and the Sierra Helada (a rocky outcrop separating Altea from Benidorm) are spectacular.
It’s not surprising that this picturesque village of Altea has long been a popular haunt for artists. Cross the main N332 Valencia road and take a wander through the winding, whitewashed streets as far as the Placa L’Esglesia right at the top. Here you’ll find the blue domed village church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo which is well worth going inside to see.
On the way up the hill you’ll see the occasional small art gallery or craft shop depending on which route you take then the street heading down from the main square has all kinds of arty shops. In fact, if you’re in Altea during the summer months there’s an art market in the square every evening. If shopping isn’t on the agenda take a seat at Bar Plaza in this same square and enjoy some mellow blues or jazz music which befits this laid back location.
Valencia
For a full-day excursion you can travel 140km north of Benidorm to the vibrant city of Valencia. This is a perfect option for a full day of immersing yourself in Spanish art, architecture, cuisine and a dynamic urban culture. This coastal gem boasts an exceptionally well-preserved old town with Gothic and Renaissance buildings surrounding charming plazas.
Don’t miss the 13th century Valencia Cathedral, renowned for its breathtaking interior and purported chalice from the Last Supper. Other highlights include wandering the winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood, exploring the magnificent City of Arts and Sciences museum complex, and admiring the dazzling contemporary architecture of the futuristic Arts and Sciences district designed by Santiago Calatrava. Valencia is also home to the iconic La Lonja de la Seda, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Elche
This historic city of Elche lies 70km south-west of Benidorm. It is best-known for its impressive Palmeral de Elche, a vast palm grove that dates back to the 10th century and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This verdant oasis, comprising over 200,000 palm trees, provides a serene escape from the bustling city and offers visitors the opportunity to stroll through its shaded pathways and admire the lush greenery.
In the heart of Elche, the Basilica of Santa María stands as a remarkable example of Baroque architecture, boasting a stunning interior adorned with intricate tilework and a magnificent altarpiece. Nearby, the Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche showcases a rich collection of archaeological finds, including the famous Dama de Elche, an iconic Iberian bust dating back to the 4th century BC.
No visit to Elche would be complete without experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of its lively markets. The Mercado Central, a covered market, offers a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies and handicrafts whilst the weekly outdoor market, held on Mondays, provides a true taste of the region’s vibrant culture.
Xàtiva
For a full day excursion from Benidorm you could visit the historic town of Xàtiva which is a 120km drive to the north-east of Benidorm by road. Its main attraction is Xàtiva Castle which dates back to the 12th century and is one of Spain’s most impressive castles. The town’s historic centre is made up of winding cobblestone streets and picturesque plazas lined with buildings showcasing a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. The town’s crowning jewel is the Colegiata de Santa María, a stunning 16th-century church adorned with intricate carved stonework and a beautiful Renaissance-style façade.
