Top Towns on the Costa Blanca
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The Costa Blanca is a region in southern Spain that features over 200 kilometers of stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of exciting attractions.
There are a number of authentic Spanish cities and towns on the Costa Blanca that you should definitely check out.
Since the Costa Blanca is such a well-liked vacation spot, many guests have a hard time deciding which of the many cities and towns in the region to see.
Where exactly is the Costa Blanca?
The Costa Blanca is located in the Alicante province of southeast Spain. It’s a popular vacation spot because of the beautiful beaches and towns that dot its more than 200 kilometers of coastline.
Denia
Denia, one of the many popular resort towns along the Costa Blanca, is a beautiful place to visit. And having once called that area home, I know it well.
Denia is the best place to go for a vacation at the beach if you want to relax, have fun, and learn something new. Denia’s main draw is its medieval historic center, which can be easily explored on foot.
Denia also has a busy harbor, so trips like this one along the stunning coast are a breeze to arrange. And if you really want to, you can take the ferry from Denia to Ibiza!
Denia’s medieval castle stands out among a fascinating mix of modern buildings in the city’s historic core. Denia’s castle is a major draw for visitors, and exploring its grounds is a top activity in the city. Amazing coastal and historic district vistas can be seen from the castle’s peak.
Hiking through Montgó Natural Park, which is home to over 650 plant and animal species, will reward you with some of the best views over Denia. The hike up Montgó, which overlooks Denia and the coast, is widely regarded as the best in the natural park.
For many guests, the beaches of Denia are the main attraction. The city’s shoreline spans nearly 15 km and is split in half. In contrast to the rocky and peaceful bays of Las Rotas, Las Marinas boasts long stretches of beautiful sand.
Read about the benefits and drawbacks of living in Denia, which I believe to be the best location on the Costa Blanca.
If you’re tired of staying in the same old, boring chain hotels, this Denia art hotel is the place for you. It is conveniently located in the heart of town, and its rooms are reasonably priced (at around €55 for a double).
Jávea/Xà bia
You may encounter the names Jávea and Xà bia, both of which are commonly used to refer to this city. The native Valencians refer to their city as Xà bia, but the rest of the world calls it Jávea. Located between Denia and Moraira, only 40 minutes north of Benidorm, this is one of the most authentically Spanish places along the Costa Blanca.
Jávea’s historic center, located on a plain at the foot of the Montgó, grew inland around the fortress church of San Bartolomé. Parts of this church date back to 1304; it is the oldest building in Jávea’s historic district.
For hundreds of years, this structure served as both a place of worship and a fortress against seaborne invasions of the town.
Visiting the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum in Jávea is also highly recommended, as it houses a wealth of information about the region’s past.
The church of Nuestra Seora de Loreto, shaped like a ship’s keel, is a fitting conclusion to your visit to Jávea.
Jávea’s cuisine features rice as its hero ingredient, as it does in many other Valencian cities. The most well-known dish is paella, which is served with turnip in this country. This dish is not to be missed before leaving Jávea.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Jávea, this hotel with a view of the ocean is a great option. It’s got some of the best ratings and lowest prices in Jávea. In addition to its convenient location in close proximity to the heart of Jávea, this hotel features a spa and a number of rooms with stunning views of the sea.
Altea
When you want to unwind in the sun, Altea is a great place to do so on the Costa Blanca. The city is divided into the historic, hillside Old Town and the cutting-edge, global-minded New Town. Both are interesting to explore, but the Old Town of Altea is especially noteworthy.
Altea, of course, is home to some of the Costa Blanca’s most stunning beaches. After all, it is one of the best coastal communities in the area. However, Altea offers a lot more than just beach time for those looking for an adventure.
If you’re in the mood for some exercise, put on your hiking boots and climb Sierra Heralda for stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean. Or, take this Altea catamaran cruise to see the sights from the water!
The Russian Orthodox Church of Altea is one of the most out-of-the-ordinary attractions on the Costa Blanca. The church is made of wood and is decorated with gold to make it look like a Russian church from the 17th century. It’s a fantastic place to visit.
Staying at this highly regarded resort in Altea will allow you to focus on what matters most: unwinding. This resort in Altea is ideal for a relaxing getaway thanks to its spacious pool, beautiful ocean views, and upscale boutique rooms.
Moraira
Moraira, a charming town about 80 kilometers north of Alicante, is another great option for a relaxing beach vacation.
L’Ampolla is Moraira’s most well-known beach, and for good reason: the water is a gorgeous shade of turquoise, and the sand is fine and soft. Playa del Portet is another beautiful beach in the area, and it’s close to a few beach clubs if you feel like partying on the sand.
For those interested in discovering some of the best secret beaches on the Costa Blanca, a hike from Moraira Port to Cap d’Or, Cala Llebeig, and Cala del Moraig is highly recommended.
Visit the Castillo de Moraira, a fortress that once protected the town from pirates and now serves as a cultural center, if you’re in need of some inspiration. There are no pirate attacks to worry about today, but with such beautiful scenery from the castle, it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity.
Intrigued? Check out my comprehensive Moraira travel guide right here!
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Moraira that offers a bit of luxury without breaking the bank, consider this sophisticated inn. It’s hard to imagine a more tranquil setting for a sunny Spanish vacation than this area, surrounded by lush green countryside.
Benidorm
Many British people consider a trip to Benidorm to be a necessary part of their formative years. At times, it’s even been called “England in the sun”! Just wait a minute and I’ll show you where to find real Spanish culture in this city.
Benidorm is the place to go if you want to experience a traditional Costa Blanca vacation. The beaches are beautiful, the nightlife is exciting, the prices are low, and most people you meet will speak English because of the thriving tourism industry.
Benidorm is not all about the beach and booze, so there is plenty to do if you get bored of that. All of Benidorm’s most important landmarks and attractions can be found clustered together on a slope between the two beaches of Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente in the city’s historic center.
The best sweeping views of the downtown area can be had from here as well. A number of excellent vantage points for taking in the seaside scenery can be found in the area around Plaza Santa Ana, the heart of Casco Antiguo. Both the Mirador del Castillo in the middle and the Balcón del Mediterráneo at the bottom of the slope are breathtaking.
Taking a tour to the Algar Waterfalls from Benidorm is an experience you won’t soon forget.
If you’re hungry, head to Calle Santo Domingo for some authentic Basque tapas. It would be a shame to leave Benidorm without trying some fartones (doughnut-like pastries) and Cava (Valencian sparkling wine) for lunch.
Benidorm is the ideal Costa Blanca destination during the colder months of November through February due to its year-round population. It doesn’t matter what time of year you go to Benidorm, you’ll have a great time!
Benidorm is the best place to base yourself on the Costa Blanca if you’re trying to save money while you’re there. It’s possible to find affordable, high-quality lodgings in this area. Here’s an example: a night at this four-star hotel, located directly on the beach and only 600 meters from the historic district, can be had for as little as €60.
Torrevieja
Torrevieja, a coastal city where the inhabitants live for the sea and the sun, is one of the best on the Costa Blanca. La Mata and Torrevieja, two enormous salt flats, have been designated as a natural park. Since not many people have heard of it, this city is a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca.
The local salt industry has been around for centuries, but the nineteenth century was its golden age. The annual salt production in Torrevieja now exceeds a million tons, and the town’s salt is shipped all over the world.
Laguna de Torrevieja’s pink hue makes it a favorite among Instagrammers, and both salt flats are major draws for visitors to the city. Travelers can float in the lagoon’s thermal area and take advantage of the warm water for more than just taking pictures.
Torrevieja is famous for its salt, and the city’s Museum of the Sea and Salt is a great place to learn more about the history of salt production in Torrevieja.
The Torre del Moro is a Moorish watchtower worth visiting in Torrevieja. Very dramatically, it was constructed in the 14th century to ward off pirate attacks on the town.
There aren’t a ton of highly rated hotels or resorts in Torrevieja, probably because it’s still one of Costa Blanca’s best-kept secrets. For your vacation, however, you can choose from a wide variety of excellent apartments; just use this page to see what’s available during your desired dates.
Albir
While both are located on the Costa Blanca, Albir and Benidorm couldn’t be more different. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend your vacation on the Costa Blanca, Albir is a great option. It’s peaceful and tranquil, but still convenient to all that Benidorm has to offer. When you visit Albir, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Albir beach, also known as Racó del Albir beach, is a pebble beach. Don’t let that stop you, though; despite that, it’s stunning. This beach has exceptionally clear and colorful water because of its proximity to Serra Gelada Natural Park. It consistently ranks among the top beaches on the Costa Blanca!
An excellent private foundation in Albir, the Frax Foundation can be found directly on the beach. Its purpose is to spread various forms of art and knowledge. A trip here will allow you to view a wide variety of exhibitions in all mediums and disciplines.
The Albir Lighthouse, the town’s top tourist attraction, should be your last stop in Albir. More than 300,000 people annually visit because of how popular it is.
The Albir Lighthouse can be found in Serra Gelada, and getting there involves traversing some cliffs and a few small coves. This lighthouse has been standing on the Costa Blanca for over 150 years, making it an interesting stop on any trip there.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Albir, you can’t go wrong with these comfortable apartments, which feature a relaxing swimming pool. The apartments have a 9.1 rating out of 10 on Booking.com, are only 600 meters from the beach, and feature air conditioning and a balcony.
Benissa
Benissa is one of the best spots on the Costa Blanca to spend some time relaxing between the water and the mountains. It’s a tranquil municipality in the center of the Marina Alta, and it’s one of the Costa Blanca’s best-kept secrets.
Benissa is the only town on this list that is not located on the Costa Blanca coast. However, the ocean isn’t too far away, being only 5 km away.
If you’re looking for a great place to spend some time in Benissa, you should definitely check out the Calle Purssima, a charming medieval street lined with historic buildings, monuments, and shops. The stately mansions and latticework balconies that line this street only add to the charm of this otherwise picture-perfect neighborhood.
Hikers should not miss the Sierra de Bèrnia, a mountain range that looms over the city of Benissa. It’s a stunning circular trail that serves as a massive natural wall separating the Marina Alta from the Baja.
In order to get across the mountain from the trailhead, you’ll need to use a tunnel carved out of the rock. When you emerge from this tunnel, you’ll be in a stunning location from which to take in the Mediterranean coastline, including the Costa Blanca.
If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss one of Benissa’s must-sees: the Sierra de Bèrnia!
Make sure you spend some time in Benissa’s historic district. Stepping into this location is like entering a different time. Two of its best streets are Calle Purissima and Calle Desamparados, both of which you should stroll through. Visit the Abargues House-Museum to learn about the history of one of Benissa’s grand mansions.
Benissa lodging options with a view of the water. Expansive vistas of the mountains. Seemingly endless pool vistas. You can have it all at Villa Vinyent. Not only are the rooms spacious, but guests also have access to the hotel’s rooftop sun deck.
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is a must-see destination on Costa Blanca due to its rich history that can be traced back to the days of the Roman Empire.
Playa del Bol Nou Beach, at the gateway to Villajoyosa, is one of the most picturesque and peaceful beaches along the entire Costa Blanca.
This beach is conveniently located near plenty of parking and is within driving distance from anywhere on the Costa Blanca. It’s a bit of a rocky beach, but it’s so far from the city that it’s rarely crowded. Even better, there’s a bar right on the sand!
The Villajoyosa harbour is a lovely spot for a stroll and some relaxation within the city limits. The abundance of restaurants here gives away the town’s status as a fishing area, where you can find some of the freshest seafood in the state.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Chocolate Museum is the place to go in Villajoyosa. The Valor Chocolate Company, which has a nearby factory, opened in 1998, and the two are connected. The museum’s exhibits on chocolate production are sure to whet your appetite.
If you want to know the best time to visit Costa Blanca, it’s Villajoyosa between July 24 and July 31. There is something magical about the week this town celebrates its Moorish and Christian heritage.
Guests staying at this Villajoyosa hotel will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. You have the run of a sleek apartment all to yourself and are a short walk from the shore.
Calpe/Calp
Calpe is one of the most stunning destinations on the Costa Blanca, and not just because it’s home to the world-famous Rock of Ifach (or Calpe Rock).
You can actually hike up Calpe Rock, which is 322 meters taller than the nearby Rock of Ifach, which is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Active tourists from all over the Costa Blanca flock to this attraction to take in the breathtaking vistas at the summit.
There’s more to Calpe than just the Calpe Rock, though. This inexpensive catamaran cruise will take you out onto the ocean so you can swim and explore, let you relax on the beautiful Arenal Bol beach, and allow you to explore the winding streets of Calpe Old Town.
You may encounter the names Calpe and Calp when researching the town of Calpe. Similar to what we talked about earlier with Jávea/Xà bia. Calp is the Valencian name for the town, which is what the locals use. The locals refer to it as “Calpe,” though.
The best hotel in Calpe, Spain is the luxurious All Seasons Hotel, which features a year-round outdoor pool and stunning views of the Rock of Ifach and the Mediterranean Sea. Ocean-themed artwork adorns the walls of the rooms, and many also offer views of the water.
