Discover charming villages, natural parks, and historic cities all within easy reach of Benidorm.
Benidorm's central location on the Costa Blanca makes it an ideal base for exploring one of Spain's most diverse and beautiful regions. Within an hour's drive, you can discover charming mountain villages, dramatic natural landscapes, historic cities, and world-class attractions. Whether you have a car or rely on public transport, day trips from Benidorm reveal dimensions of the Costa Blanca that complement the beach experience with cultural richness and natural beauty.
Altea: The Artists' Village (10-15 minutes)
Just north of Benidorm, Altea represents everything that mass tourism development isn't. This picturesque village has attracted artists, writers, and those seeking authentic Mediterranean charm for generations, and its character remains remarkably preserved despite proximity to Benidorm's high-rises.
The old town (casco antiguo) climbs a hillside crowned by the distinctive blue-and-white-tiled dome of the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church. Narrow, cobblestone streets wind between whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea and jasmine, opening occasionally onto small plazas with sea views. Art galleries, craft shops, and cafes occupy many ground floors, reflecting the creative community that has made Altea home.
The seafront promenade stretches along a pebble beach, lined with excellent restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and traditional rice dishes. Sunday lunch on a terrace watching the Mediterranean is a quintessential Costa Blanca experience. The quality of restaurants in Altea generally exceeds what you'll find in more tourist-oriented Benidorm.
The weekly market on Tuesday mornings brings local produce, crafts, and household goods to the town center. Arriving early provides the best selection and the opportunity to observe local life before tourist crowds gather.
Getting there: The TRAM connects Benidorm to Altea in about 15 minutes, with stops in the town center and near the seafront. By car, follow the N-332 or take the coastal road for scenic views. Parking can be challenging in the old town – use the lots near the seafront and walk up.
Guadalest: Mountain Drama (30-35 minutes)
El Castell de Guadalest ranks among Spain's most visited villages, and the dramatic setting justifies the popularity. Built into and around a massive rock formation, with a reservoir of stunning turquoise water below, Guadalest offers visual drama unmatched anywhere on the Costa Blanca.
The village is accessed through a rock tunnel, beyond which narrow streets climb toward the castle ruins perched impossibly atop the rock. Views from various points encompass the reservoir, surrounding mountains, and on clear days, the distant Mediterranean. The castle itself (or what remains) requires climbing steep steps but rewards the effort with panoramic vistas.
Guadalest has developed a quirky identity as a village of museums, with numerous small private collections covering subjects from vintage motorcycles to torture instruments, salt and pepper shakers to micro-miniatures. The quality varies, but exploring two or three provides entertainment between viewpoint visits.
The village can become crowded during peak hours (roughly 11am-3pm), when tour buses arrive en masse. Visiting early morning or late afternoon provides a more peaceful experience. The winding road through the mountains is part of the journey's appeal, with several viewpoints worthy of stops.
Getting there: By car only – there's no public transport to Guadalest. Follow the CV-70 from La Nucia through spectacular mountain scenery. The drive itself is a highlight, with hairpin turns and expanding views as you climb. Parking lots at the village entrance charge modest fees.
Alicante: The Provincial Capital (45-50 minutes)
The city of Alicante offers urban sophistication that contrasts pleasantly with Benidorm's resort character. As the provincial capital, it provides excellent shopping, cultural attractions, historic sites, and authentic city atmosphere while remaining easily accessible for day trips.
Santa Bárbara Castle dominates the city from Mount Benacantil, with fortifications dating to Moorish times and expanded over subsequent centuries. The views from the castle walls encompass the city, port, and coastline. A lift built into the rock provides easy access, or paths wind up from the old town for those preferring to walk.
The old town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) clusters beneath the castle, its narrow streets and colorful houses creating an atmospheric quarter for exploration. The Cathedral of San Nicolás and various churches reflect the city's religious heritage, while small squares host terrace bars and restaurants serving local cuisine.
The Explanada de España ranks among Spain's most beautiful promenades, its distinctive marble mosaic pavement creating wave-like patterns along the palm-lined seafront. Evening strolls along the Explanada capture Mediterranean city life at its finest.
Shopping opportunities range from international brands along the main commercial streets to traditional markets including the Mercado Central, housed in a beautiful modernist building. Alicante offers genuine retail therapy that Benidorm's tourist-oriented shops cannot match.
The MARQ (Archaeological Museum of Alicante) ranks among Spain's best regional museums, with excellent presentations of local history from prehistoric times through the present. Interactive displays and thoughtful curation make it engaging even for those with limited archaeological interest.
Getting there: The TRAM L1 line connects Benidorm to Alicante, taking about 75 minutes for the scenic coastal route. By car, take the AP-7 motorway (tolled) for fastest access or the N-332 coastal road for a longer but free alternative. Parking in central Alicante requires patience; use underground garages or park-and-ride facilities.
Villajoyosa: Chocolate and Color (15-20 minutes)
Between Benidorm and Alicante, Villajoyosa (Vila Joiosa in Valencian) charms visitors with its colorful fishermen's houses and chocolate heritage. This working fishing town offers authentic local character without the self-consciousness of more tourist-oriented destinations.
The iconic painted houses along the Playa Centro create the town's most photographed scene. Tradition holds that fishermen painted their houses in bright colors to identify them from sea, though the practice may simply reflect Mediterranean aesthetic sensibilities. Whatever the origin, the rainbow facades create a distinctive and photogenic streetscape.
Chocolate production has defined Villajoyosa's identity since the 18th century, when cacao arrived from Spanish colonies in the Americas. Valor, one of Spain's leading chocolate brands, maintains its headquarters here. The Valor chocolate museum offers tours explaining production processes, historical context, and generous tastings. The factory shop provides opportunities to stock up on products not available elsewhere.
The old town rewards wandering, with narrow streets, traditional houses, and views toward both mountains and sea. Several good restaurants serve fresh seafood – Villajoyosa maintains an active fishing fleet whose catches appear on local menus the same day.
The Roman archaeological site of Allon (2km south of town) preserves remains of a settlement and baths, adding historical depth to a visit.
Getting there: The TRAM stops in Villajoyosa on the line between Benidorm and Alicante. By car, follow the N-332 south – the coastal views are pleasant, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. Parking is readily available near the colored houses and beach.
Fonts de l'Algar: Natural Refreshment (20-25 minutes)
When summer heat becomes oppressive, Fonts de l'Algar provides natural relief in a setting of exceptional beauty. This series of waterfalls and natural pools in the mountains above Callosa d'en Sarrià has become one of the Costa Blanca's most popular natural attractions.
The main falls cascade into pools where swimming is permitted – a refreshing experience when the water temperature remains noticeably cooler than the sea. Wooden walkways and stone paths wind between falls of varying sizes, with opportunities to paddle, swim, and simply enjoy the sound of rushing water and cool mountain air.
The site is managed to balance accessibility with preservation. Entry fees fund maintenance and conservation. Facilities include changing rooms, a restaurant, and botanical garden. Peak summer weekends can become crowded; weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience.
Beyond the main falls, trails extend into the surrounding mountains for those seeking longer walks. The landscape combines natural Mediterranean vegetation with cultivated terraces – this area is known for níspero (loquat) production.
Getting there: By car only – follow signs from Callosa d'en Sarrià, which is reached via the CV-70 from La Nucia. The final approach road is narrow but paved. Parking is available at the site. Bring swimwear, water shoes (rocks can be slippery), and a towel.
Terra Mítica and Theme Parks (10-15 minutes)
For family entertainment, the area around Benidorm offers multiple theme parks within easy reach.
Terra Mítica, Spain's third-largest theme park, themes its attractions around ancient Mediterranean civilizations – Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and the Islands. Rides range from family-friendly to thrill-seeker level, while shows and interactive experiences add entertainment variety. The park typically operates from Easter through autumn, with peak summer extending to late evening.
Aqualandia, adjacent to Terra Mítica, ranks among Europe's largest water parks. Multiple pool areas, extensive water slides of varying intensity, and wave machines provide full-day entertainment. Summer heat makes water parks particularly appealing.
Terra Natura combines zoo and water park elements, with animal exhibits organized by geographical region and Aqua Natura providing aquatic entertainment. The focus on animal welfare and natural habitats distinguishes it from traditional zoos.
Mundomar, also near Terra Mítica, focuses on marine life with dolphin and sea lion shows, along with exotic bird exhibits.
Getting there: All parks are accessible by car within 10-15 minutes from central Benidorm. Bus services run during peak season. Combined tickets offer savings for those planning multiple park visits.
The Interior: Mountain Villages
Beyond the major destinations, the mountains behind the Costa Blanca harbor numerous small villages that reward exploration for those with transport and adventurous spirits.
Polop de la Marina: A pretty village with stunning mountain backdrop, famous for its Fuente de los Chorros – a fountain with 221 spouts from different Spanish municipalities. The castle ruins offer panoramic views.
Tárbena: A remote village in the mountains popular with expats seeking rural peace. The dramatic approach road through cherry orchards and mountains makes the journey memorable.
La Nucia: Once a quiet village, now a thriving town, but retaining a pleasant old quarter and excellent Sunday market. The modern auditorium hosts cultural events throughout the year.
Finestrat: The old village perches picturesquely on a hillside, while the modern town below provides services. The contrast between old and new Finestrat illustrates Costa Blanca development patterns.
Sella: A tiny, authentically Spanish village in the mountains, with narrow streets unchanged for generations. No tourist facilities – just authentic local life for those who appreciate it.
Practical Considerations for Day Trips
Transport: Having a car provides maximum flexibility, especially for mountain destinations. Car rental is affordable and roads are generally good. For coastal destinations, the TRAM offers convenient and scenic connections.
Timing: Start early to maximize your day and avoid peak heat. Many Spanish attractions close for siesta (roughly 2-5pm), so plan lunch accordingly.
Meals: Embrace Spanish meal times – lunch around 2pm, dinner after 9pm. Many excellent restaurants exist beyond Benidorm, and seeking them out enhances day trips considerably.
Seasons: Summer brings crowds and heat but extended opening hours. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter provides peaceful exploration but some attractions close or reduce hours.
Conclusion
The Costa Blanca offers remarkable diversity within a compact area, and Benidorm's central location makes exploring this variety straightforward and rewarding. From the artistic charm of Altea to the dramatic heights of Guadalest, from urban sophistication in Alicante to natural refreshment at Fonts de l'Algar, day trips reveal dimensions of the region that complement beach relaxation with cultural richness and natural beauty. For visitors and residents alike, exploring beyond Benidorm creates a more complete and memorable Costa Blanca experience.