Free Things to Do on the Costa Blanca (10+ Ideas for a Budget-Friendly Trip)
One of the best things about the Costa Blanca? You don’t have to spend lots of money to enjoy it!
If you want to keep the costs down, there are so many things you can do in this area for free – from beaches and coastal walks to pretty towns and scenic viewpoints, you won’t be short of activities.
After living on the Costa Blanca for almost 7 years, we’ve found some of the best days out don’t cost anything at all… so here are our favourite free things to do on the Costa Blanca.
Spend the Day at the Beach
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth saying! The Costa Blanca has some of the best beaches in the world and of course they’re completely free. You can even park for free for most of the year.
You’ve got:
- Postiguet Beach in Alicante (easy and central)
- Levante Beach in Benidorm (busier, but great if you want atmosphere)
- Playa de la Fossa in Calpe (amazing views of the rock)
- Playa Moncayo in Guardamar del Segure (quiet, natural, away from the town)
You could easily spend a few days just beach-hopping and you won’t feel like you’ve missing out on anything.
Wander Through the Prettiest Old Towns
One of our favourite things to do is to drive to a new town and just walk around and explore.
Places like Altea, Villajoyosa, and Jávea all have that classic Spanish town feel, with narrow streets, little plazas, and plenty of photo spots.
You don’t need a plan or to spend lots of money, just wander, stop when something catches your eye, and take your time exploring.
Get Out Into Nature
If you want a break from the beach, there are some really nice natural spots along the Costa Blanca too.
- Peñón de Ifach in Calpe (even part of the walk is worth it)
- Lagunas de La Mata in Torrevieja (great for a quieter walk)
It’s one of the things people don’t always expect from this area as they often assume it’s all beaches, but there’s a lot more to it than just the coast.
Visit Castles & Viewpoints
You’ll notice pretty quickly… Spain loves a castle!
Some of the best ones:
- Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante
- Dénia Castle
- Guadalest (definitely worth the inland trip)
Some are free to enter (Santa Bárbara) while some might cost a few euros, but even if you don’t go inside, the views from the top are usually the best part, and completely free.
You can find a list of 10 castles on the Costa Blanca here.
Walk the Promenades
Every coastal town here has a promenade, and they’re perfect for a slow walk, especially if you don’t feel like just sitting on the beach.
Our favourites are Alicante & nearby Playa San Juan, Santa Pola, Altea, and Calpe.
There will always be plenty of bars and restaurants along the way, plus benches to stop for a rest!
Browse Local Markets
Markets are a really easy way to experience local life without spending much.
You’ll find everything from fresh food to clothes and souvenirs, and even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth a wander just for the atmosphere.
Some great markets to try are Alicante Central Market, plus the street markets in Guardamar, Torrevieja, Dènia and Villajoyosa.
Look Out for Street Art & Small Details
This is something people often miss, but it’s another way to see a town or city.
In places like Alicante, Elche and Villajoyosa, there’s some amazing street art, sculptures, and little details you’d walk past if you weren’t paying attention.
Go for a slow wander around the town, usually some of the streets away from the centre, and you’ll notice some new and interesting things!
Find a Viewpoint (Especially at Sunset)
This is one of the best completely free things you can do on the Costa Blanca, especially if you’re stuck for things to do of an evening.
A few good spots to try are:
- Altea (from the church square)
- Calpe (views of the coastline and rock)
- Jàvea´s clifftop viewpoints
Get there just before the sun goes down and you’re guaranteed a fantastic sunset.
Visit Museums
When you want something a bit different from beaches and walking around, there are quite a few museums across the Costa Blanca that are either free or have free entry on certain days (usually Sundays).
A few worth knowing about:
- Alicante – there are several free museums including Volvo Ocean Race Museum, Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art, and Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante at Santa Bàrbara Castle.
- MAHE (Elche Archaeological Museum & Castle) – a really interesting one if you want a bit of history about the area
- Valor Chocolate Museum (Villajoyosa) – a fun option, especially if you’re visiting with kids (and yes… there’s free chocolate too!)
They’re also a good option when you need a break from the sun.
Make sure you check ahead, as opening times and free entry days can sometimes vary.
Try a Free Walking Tour
One of our favourite discoveries has been free walking tours!
If it’s your first time visiting, these are really easy way to explores and get some inside knowledge and interesting facts from a local.
A few places on the Costa Blanca that offer free walking tours include:
They’re usually tip-based, so you just pay what you feel at the end.
Free Things to Do with Kids
If you’re visiting the Costa Blanca with kids, you don’t need to plan loads of expensive activities. This is one of the top reasons why we love living here!
Some of the easiest (and best) options:
- beach days
- promenades where they can run around
- parks and playgrounds in most towns
- museums to hold their attention
- watching boats in marinas
Villajoyosa is a great spot for this – the beach is wide and the colourful houses make it a bit more fun.
Alicante has lots of great parks including our favourite Parque el Palmeral.
Free Things to Do for Couples
If you’re visiting the Costa Vlanca as a couple, some of the best moments are the simple ones.
- sunset viewpoints
- evening walks along the promenade
- wandering old towns
- finding a quiet beach or cove
Altea and Jávea are especially good for this – they’ve got a more relaxed, and slightly romantic feel.
Tips for Enjoying Costa Blanca on a Budget
If you’re trying to keep costs down whether on holiday or when living on the Costa Blanca, a few simple things make a big difference:
- Visit in spring or autumn (cheaper and less crowded)
- Mix free days with the occasional paid activity
- Use local markets or bakeries for cheaper food
- Take picnics and eat on the beach or in a park, Spain has picnic areas everywhere!
- Walk where you can – most towns are easy to explore on foot
If you want more ideas and suggestions you can download some of our free itineraries here for suggestions of places to visit and things to do.
Enjoy your trip!
