Your Dream Trip to the Costa Blanca: Top Places to Go, What to Do & Where to Stay
Sunshine, stunning beaches, mountain views, and beautiful whitewashed towns – welcome to the Costa Blanca! Whether you’re planning your first visit to this part of Spain or returning to explore more of the area, the Costa Blanca has some for everyone.
We’ve lived on the Costa Blanca for 6 years now and in this time we’ve visited lots of towns, villages and cities along this wonderful coast. Using our local experience we’ve put together this guide to walk you through some of the best places to visit on the Costa Blanca, amazing things to do, and where to stay – from seaside resorts to boutique stays in the mountains. You’ll also find links to tours and hotels that we recommend, and if you’re planning a trip soon, don’t forget to download my free 7-day Costa Blanca itinerary at the end of the post!
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Where to Go on the Costa Blanca
The region of the Costa Blanca stretches over 200km of coastline in the Alicante province, located in southeastern Spain. It’s an area full of variety, from busy resorts to quiet fishing villages and picturesque inland towns and villages. You can relax on the beach, hike in the mountains, or spend time in a bustling city.
If you’re visiting as a family this is an ideal area, with family-friendly hotels, themeparks, waterparks, zoos, and plenty of things to do with children.
For visitors without kids, you can find towns with lively nightlife and beachside bars, as well as activities, excursions and walking tours to keep you busy.
Here are some of our favourite locations on the Costa Blanca to add to your dream trip:
Altea
Altea is one of the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca, with its blue-domed church, cobbled streets, and whitewashed buildings. It’s perfect for a relaxed day of exploring, photography, and eating great seafood by the beach.
We love sitting in the plaza by the church with tapas and a drink watching the world go by. You can also walk to the top of the town to take in the views of the coast, or do some shopping in the unique boutiques in the old town.
Jávea (Xàbia)
Located between cliffs and coves, Jávea (Xàbia in Valencian) is a beautiful seaside town with some of the most stunning coastal scenery you’ll find along the Costa Blanca.
Don’t miss the historic old town, Arenal beach, and a favourite of ours the views from the miradors including Cabo de San Antonio which are not to be missed!
You can jump on the tourist train, go on a boat trip, hike up to the viewpoints, have a beach day, or eat a delicious meal in one of the many beachfront restaurants.
Moraira
Moraira is a quieter and more upscale alternative to some of the larger resorts along this coast, it’s a popular location with both families and couples. Moraira is known for its lovely beaches, laid-back vibe, and fresh seafood restaurants.
When you visit Moraira you can relax on the beach, take a boat trip, visit the Friday market, or wander the old town with its traditional whitewashed houses.
Guadalest
If you fancy heading inland, Guadalest is an absolute must visit. This small mountain village is located high above the valley with some stunning views over the surrounding mountains and the bright blue reservoir. There’s also a castle, a few quirky little museums, and some great restaurants.
It’s a great villages for a half-day trip. We always make sure that we walk up to the castle to take in the views over the lake and of course to snap a few photos! You can also visit the museums to learn more about the area, do some souvenir shopping in the cobbled streets, and have lunch looking out over the valley and mountains.
Alicante
The capital of the province, Alicante is a great mix of city and beach life and one of our favourite places to spend time. You can explore the Santa Bárbara Castle, stroll along the Explanada de España, and enjoy tapas in the Old Town. If you’re visiting different places along this coast, Alicante is a great place to start or end your trip as this is where the airport is located.
Kids will enjoy a walk down the famous Calle de las Setas (Mushroom Street), trip to the castle, and playing in one of the parks on the beach. There are lots of museums to learn more about Alicante and the surrounding areas, fiestas throughout the year, and plenty of beautiful sandy beaches to relax on.
Other Places to Add to Your List:
- Calpe for its iconic Peñón de Ifach rock and amazing beaches.
- Villajoyosa for the colourful houses and chocolate factory.
- Dénia for a charming port, and a lively foodie scene.
- Benidorm for nightlife and theme parks (and a surprisingly pretty old town)
What to Do on the Costa Blanca
One of the reasons that we love the Costa Blanca so much is because there’s so much more to the area than just sun and sand. Whatever your ages, interests or budgets, you can find plenty of things to do that don’t just involve laying on the beach.
Here are a few must-try activities, excursions, and tours when visting the Costa Blanca:
Explore Local Markets
Many towns on the Costa Blanca have weekly markets – like Jávea on Fridays or Altea on Tuesdays. You can even find indoor markets every day of the week in Alicante, Jávea, and Benidorm full of stalls selling local meat, cheeses, fruit & vegetables, wine and more. Costa Blanca markets are great for souvenirs, local produce, and people watching.
There are even group tours of some of the local markets where you can learn more and chat with local stall holders. We have done the Alicante Secret Flavours Food Tour which was a fun couple of hours trying different food and wines at the Central Market.
Take a Boat Trip
The beauty of being on the coast is that there’s no shortage of boat trips on offer. You can sail along the coast on a catamaran, snorkel in hidden coves, or hire your own boat for the day.
We’ve hired a boat and been on a Catamaran Cruise from Alicante and would highly recommend both of these if you want to spend a few hours on the water.
Go Hiking
If you don’t like to sit still and fancy taking in some amazing views, there are so many hikinh trails along the Costa Blanca for all abilities. Try the Sierra Bernia circular hike or walk along the Benissa Coastal Path, or for something more chilled, stroll the wooden boardwalks in Calpe.
For anyone who would like to join a hike with a local expert, there are plenty of those on offer too.
Wine & Food Tastings
The Jalón Valley is well known for local wine (try the sweet Mistela!). You can join a wine tasting tour, book a wine tasting experience or visit a bodega.
Foodies who want to try as many local delicacies as possible can join a tapas tour, a tour of a local market, or even a beer tasting tour.
Visit Castles & Historic Sites
From Castillo de Santa Bárbara in Alicante to the medieval walls of Guadalest, there’s plenty of history to explore along the Costa Blanca.
You’ll find castles, cathedrals, ruins, and museums in most towns to help you learn more about the really interesting history of this part of Spain. There’s even historic caves to visit if you want something a bit different!
Try an Adventure Tour
Want a bit more adventure on your trip? How about kayaking, parasailing, e-biking, canyoning or jeep safaris? You can find lots of fun and adrenilin filled adventures on the Costa Blanca, whether on the coast or in the mountains.
Spend the Day at a Theme Park
If you’re visting the Costa Blanca with kids (or are just a big kid at heart!) you’re in luck as there are plenty to choose from. This part of Spain is filled with theme parks, waterparks, zoos and other fun-filled attractions perfect for a family day out or to cool off in the summer.
Where to Stay on the Costa Blanca
When it comes to finding somewhere suitable to stay on the Costa Blanca, there’s so many different options to choose from. Whether you want beach access, mountain views or boutique charm, hotels, hostals, apartments or villas, there’s something for everyone.
Here are a few of the best accommodation options on the Costa Blanca:
For a Beach Holiday
- Hotel Cap Negret, Altea – beachfront and family-friendly
- Parador de Jávea – luxury stay right on Arenal Beach
For a Peaceful Escape
- Boutique Hotel La Serena, Altea Old Town – adults only, stunning views
- Casa Rural El Tossal, near Guadalest – mountain charm, great for hikers
For Families
- Alannia Costa Blanca – affordable and fun for kids
- Magic Robin Hood – A Medieval-themed complex with entertainment for children
Don’t Miss This: Free 7-Day Costa Blanca Itinerary
Want a ready-made plan for your trip? Grab my FREE 7-day Costa Blanca itinerary, packed with local tips, hidden gems, and flexible options depending on your travel style.
FAQs About Travelling the Costa Blanca
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. July and August are hottest and busiest.
You can use buses and trams between some towns (especially from Alicante to Benidorm), but having a car gives you much more freedom – especially for inland villages and beaches off the beaten path.
Yes! With calm beaches, themeparks, zoos and waterparks, and child-friendly hotels, the Costa Blanca is a top pick for family holidays.
It can be budget-friendly or luxurious depending on your choices. Eating out is generally affordable, and there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do.
The main airport is Alicante-Elche (ALC). It has excellent connections across Europe and is a great base to start your trip.
We hope this guide to the Costa blanca has give you plenty of ideas for your dream trip – where are you hoping to visit first?
