The best towns on the Costa Blanca for a day trip

13 March 2024

If you are lucky enough to stay at Casa Llibertat Boutique B&B, you will find yourself in the perfect starting point for several fun day trips in the area. From this comfortable and stylish base, the Costa Blanca's most enchanting towns and villages are easily accessible.

In this blog, we have collected especially for you the 10 best places you absolutely must visit during your stay. And to make things easier for you, we have added to each location the travel time from Casa Llibertat Boutique B&B by car. That way, you can plan optimally and get the most out of your day. Whether you want to stroll through the colourful streets of Villajoyosa, take in the breathtaking views of Guadalest, or immerse yourself in the history and culture of Elche, this blog (written by ReisCheck) helps you discover the Costa Blanca's hidden treasures.

1. Calpe (20 min)

Calpe is a bustling seaside resort on the Costa Blanca, perfect for sun, beach and nature lovers. With 12 sandy beaches, including the spacious Playa Arenal and the busier Playa De La Fossa, you'll always find a spot under the sun. Calpe is more than just beach; the impressive limestone rock Peñón de Ifach steals the show. This natural park, Spain's smallest, offers beautiful views and nature. Also don't forget to explore the old centre, where Calpe's history as a fishing village comes alive. Authentic fishermen's houses and historic streets offer a glimpse into the past. Calpe effortlessly combines sun, sea, nature and culture, giving every visitor an unforgettable time here.

2. Denia (30 min)

Denia is an emerging gem on the Costa Blanca that has managed to retain its charm. With kilometres of beaches, such as the family-friendly Playa les Bovetes and the adventurous Playa les Deveses, there is something for everyone. But Denia offers more than just beaches; its old town, castle and cosy harbour invite you to explore. For nature lovers, the nearby Montgó Natural Park is a must-visit. Whether you like hiking, cycling, snorkelling or diving, Denia offers adventure in abundance. The heart of the city, the Baix la Mar district, and the atmospheric Plaza de Constitucion are perfect places to experience local culture and cuisine. More inspiration? Also check out the most beautiful beaches along the Costa Blanca here!

3. Javea (30 min)

Set in a beautiful bay, Javea is one of the cosiest destinations on the Costa Blanca. The town benefits from a favourable microclimate thanks to the protection of Montgó, making it an ideal place for summer visitors and winter visitors alike. With a 20-kilometre coastline full of beaches and coves, such as the sandy beach Playa El Arenal and the beautiful Playa de Granadella, there is plenty of choice for beach lovers. Javea's historic centre, with narrow streets, cosy terraces and shops, offers an atmospheric end to a day at the beach. The fishing district of Duanes offers not only an urban beach but also excellent dining options. Whether you come for the beaches, nature or culture, Javea has something for everyone.

4. Altea (30 min)

Altea, a charming village on the Spanish coast, is perfect for people who love the sun but also want to see something beautiful. This village is located on a hill, which means you walk up and down through narrow streets. You'll see white houses everywhere, and on top of the hill is a beautiful church with blue domes that you really have to see. When you are in Altea, there is always a beach nearby to laze around. But you can also wander around the old centre with quaint shops and galleries. And don't forget to take a break on a terrace, especially those by the church give you great views over the sea. Or visit the marina for even more cosy restaurants and maybe even a glimpse of luxury yachts.

5. Alicante (1 hour)

Alicante looks like a big city at first glance, but in many places it has the charm of a small village. The city is set against a mountain, and from the top you can only see how big it really is. But if you wander through the quiet side streets, the traffic of the big city seems far away. Alicante is perfect for those who love the beach but also like a bit of hustle and bustle. It is a real city, but not overrun by tourists. You'll find beautiful beaches, a marina to stroll along, and the Explanada de España, the place to people-watch from a terrace.

6. Moraira (25 min)

Moraira is a lovely place on the coast where you can perfectly relax on the beach. But there is more than just sun and sea. The centre buzzes with life, with lots of quaint shops, pavement cafes and places where you can eat delicious Spanish tapas without spending a fortune. For those looking for a little more luxury, there are places like La Cabana, where you can enjoy Ibiza-style dining, albeit a little more expensive. Moraira is not only a place to relax, but also to enjoy the view of the sea while eating something delicious in the sun.

7. Villajoyosa (40 min)

Villajoyosa, or La Vila Joiosa, really is a picture with its brightly coloured fishermen's houses along the promenade and river. It feels a bit like you've stepped into a rainbow. And if you like chocolate, you're in the right place. In fact, they have a Valor brand chocolate museum, where you not only see how chocolate is made, but also get to taste it! Besides the colourful houses and chocolate, Villajoyosa also has a lovely long sandy beach surrounded by palm trees. This makes it one of the most beautiful places on the Costa Blanca to relax and enjoy the sun.

8. Guadalest (1 hour)

Guadalest is a place not to be missed when on the Costa Blanca. This village is a bit further from the coast, about a 45-minute drive, but the journey there is beautiful. You drive through a landscape full of pine, olive, almond and orange trees. Guadalest is about 1,000 years old and used to be difficult to reach. It was a strategic place for the Moors to defend themselves against the Spanish. Today, the village is easier to reach and a popular spot for tourists, despite only 300 people living there. In Guadalest you will find El Castell de Guadalest, a 12th-century castle, which you can visit via a mansion built on top of it after an earthquake. The castle itself and the views over the reservoir are breathtaking. But there is more to do in this small village. Walk through the old tunnel to the centre, visit the square with the town hall, enjoy village life on a terrace and admire the beautiful church. There are also many nice tourist shops in the old houses. So Guadalest is worth a visit not only for the castle, but also to enjoy the old village atmosphere.

9. Elche (1 hour and 10 min).

Elche, also known as Elx, is a city you really have to visit when in Spain. It is famous for El Palmeral, the largest palm tree park in Europe, with over 200,000 palm trees! This park is not only big, but also very old and is full of walking paths, waterfalls and even playgrounds. It's the perfect place to relax when it's hot outside. And the best part is, you can enter for free.

If you like palm trees, you should also go to the Huerto del Cura botanical garden. Here you will see not only palm trees, but also special citrus trees and succulents. There are also ponds and statues. It costs just €6 to get in, and you get an audio guide with it.

In Elche, many dates also grow on palm trees. These dates are used to make tasty things like cake and syrup. And the fresh dates are super tasty.

Also visit the Basílica de Santa Maria in the centre of Elche. This church is very old and beautiful, and it stands where a mosque used to be. You can visit this church for free. And if you dare, you can climb the church tower for €2. At the top, you have a nice view of the city and the palm trees.

10. Benissa (10 min)

Idyllic bay of Benissa with turquoise waters and sandy beach on the Costa Blanca.

Benissa is a small coastal town not yet well known to tourists, but it is really worth a visit. It is known for its beautiful beaches and coves. There are also a few historical buildings to see, such as the Torres-Orduña palace and the Franciscan monastery. One of the most fun things to do in Benissa is walking on the Paseo Ecológico. This is a route along the coast that connects different bays. It is a great way to see nature and learn more about the area. The walk is also environmentally friendly. Benissa is not far from other well-known spots on the Costa Blanca, so it is easy to visit if you are in the area.

See our rooms Read more blogs