Costa Blanca Attractions
The best things to do on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is about much more than beaches. From Moraira, you can explore historic old towns, dramatic mountains, castles, fishing ports, Mediterranean cities and small villages often within an hour’s drive. One day you might walk through the whitewashed streets of Altea. The next, climb towards the Peñón de Ifach, visit the mountain village of Guadalest or spend the day exploring Alicante. That is one of the reasons we enjoy living in Moraira: it is peaceful enough for a relaxing holiday, but central enough to discover a surprisingly large part of the northern Costa Blanca. We have put together some of our favourite places to visit and things to do on the Costa Blanca, with links to our complete guides for each destination.
Last updated: September 2026
Moraira | Our favourite base on the Costa Blanca
Naturally, we start at home. Moraira is smaller and quieter than many of the larger Costa Blanca resorts. Its compact centre sits directly beside the Mediterranean, with beaches, a marina, restaurants and terraces all close together. Things we would not miss include:
- El Portet
- L’Ampolla beach
- Moraira Castle
- the walk to Cap d’Or
- the Friday market
- a boat trip along the coast
- lunch or dinner in the centre
Moraira is also ideally positioned between Jávea and Calpe, making it an excellent base for exploring both the coast and inland areas.
👉🏻 Things to Do in Moraira – 10 Local Tips
Jávea | Beaches, Old Town and Montgó
North of Moraira lies Jávea, or Xàbia. Jávea feels almost like several destinations in one. There is a historic Old Town at the foot of Montgó, a traditional port, the sandy Arenal beach and a rugged coastline with famous coves such as Cala Granadella and Cala Portitxol. Our highlights include:
- Jávea Old Town
- the port
- Playa del Arenal
- Cala Granadella
- Cala Portitxol
- Cabo de San Antonio
- Montgó Natural Park
For a first visit, combine the Old Town and port with lunch and one of the beaches or coves.
👉🏻 Things to Do in Jávea
Dénia | Castle, food and two very different coastlines
Continue north and you reach Dénia.
Dénia is larger and livelier than Moraira and has a strong identity of its own. Its medieval castle overlooks the historic centre and port, while the traditional Baix la Mar fishermen’s quarter sits below. Food is a particularly important part of Dénia. The city is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and is well known for seafood, rice dishes and the famous red prawn of Dénia. Highlights include:
- Dénia Castle
- Baix la Mar
- the historic centre
- Els Magazinos
- the port
- sandy Les Marines
- rocky Les Rotes
- Montgó Natural Park
Calpe | Peñón de Ifach, beaches and flamingos
Just south of Moraira lies Calpe. Its skyline is dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, the enormous limestone rock rising directly from the Mediterranean. You can simply admire it from below or, if you are fit and properly prepared, follow the hiking route towards the summit. Advance reservation is currently required for the walking route. But Calpe has more to offer than the Peñón. Look out for:
- La Fossa beach
- Arenal-Bol
- Calpe Old Town
- the fishing port
- Baños de la Reina Roman remains
- flamingos at Las Salinas
- Ricardo Bofill’s striking architecture
Calpe is one of the easiest half- or full-day trips from Moraira.
👉🏻 Things to Do in Calpe
Altea | Whitewashed streets and blue domes
Altea is one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa Blanca. The historic centre rises above the Mediterranean and is characterised by whitewashed houses, steep cobbled streets, art galleries and Mediterranean viewpoints. At the top stands the famous Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church with its blue-and-white tiled domes. Our favourite Altea experience is simple: seafront · Old Town · Plaza de la Iglesia · long lunch or dinner. Other highlights include:
- the Old Town
- Plaza de la Iglesia
- Mediterranean viewpoints
- La Roda beach
- the marina
- independent boutiques and galleries
- nearby Sierra de Bèrnia
Altea becomes especially atmospheric towards the evening.
👉🏻 Things to Do in Altea
Guadalest | Mountains, castle and turquoise reservoir
Not all of the Costa Blanca’s best places are beside the sea. Drive inland and the landscape changes completely. El Castell de Guadalest sits dramatically on a rocky mountain outcrop overlooking a blue-green reservoir. For such a small village, there is a surprising amount to see. Highlights include:
- San José Castle
- Casa Orduña
- the historic fortified village
- views across Guadalest Reservoir
- several unusual small museums
- walking around the reservoir
Guadalest is also easy to combine with the Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls near Callosa d’en Sarrià. If you want one day away from beaches and coastal towns, this is one of our favourite choices.
👉🏻 Things to Do in Guadalest
Benidorm | More than its skyline
Benidorm is probably the most famous resort on the Costa Blanca. And it could hardly be more different from Moraira. Its high-rise skyline, long sandy beaches and entertainment scene are well known, but Benidorm also has an attractive historic centre and excellent coastal viewpoints. Places worth seeing include:
- Benidorm Old Town
- Balcón del Mediterráneo
- Levante beach
- Poniente beach
- La Cruz viewpoint
- Serra Gelada Natural Park
- Benidorm Island
Families also have a large choice of theme and water parks, including Aqualandia, Terra Mítica, Terra Natura and Aqua Natura. The contrast between peaceful Moraira and energetic Benidorm actually makes it a particularly interesting day trip.
👉🏻 Things to Do in Benidorm
Alicante | Castle, city and beach in one day
Alicante is much more than the airport many visitors use to reach the Costa Blanca. Above the city stands Santa Bárbara Castle, while below you can walk through the historic centre, Barrio de Santa Cruz and along the palm-lined Explanada de España. And only a few steps away lies Postiguet Beach. That makes Alicante especially convenient for a day trip because many of its main attractions are close together. Our highlights:
- Santa Bárbara Castle
- Barrio de Santa Cruz
- Alicante Old Town
- Mercado Central
- Explanada de España
- the marina
- Postiguet Beach
- MARQ Archaeological Museum
Alicante is roughly an hour from Moraira and is easier to cover in one day than Valencia.
👉🏻 Things to Do in Alicante
9. Valencia | Worth travelling beyond the Costa Blanca
Valencia technically lies north of the Costa Blanca, but it is such a good day trip from Moraira that we would absolutely include it in this guide. The city offers a completely different experience from the smaller Costa Blanca towns. You can combine centuries-old architecture with one of Europe’s most striking modern cultural complexes, cycle through the former Turia riverbed and finish the day with paella or an Agua de Valencia. Highlights include:
- Ciutat Vella
- Mercado Central
- Valencia Cathedral
- Turia Gardens
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Ruzafa
- Valencia’s beaches
- Albufera Natural Park
And if you want to explore Valencia in more detail:
Other places worth discovering on the Costa Blanca
The destinations above are our main recommendations, but they are certainly not the only places worth visiting.
Villajoyosa
Known for its colourful houses beside the sea and its long connection with chocolate production.
Jalón / Xaló
A popular inland stop in the Vall de Pop, especially known for its Saturday flea market, local wine and surrounding countryside.
Fonts de l’Algar
A series of waterfalls and natural pools near Callosa d’en Sarrià, often combined with a visit to Guadalest.
Benissa
The historic centre of Benissa is very different from its coastal area and has traditional architecture, squares and the impressive Puríssima Xiqueta church.
Elche
Further south lies Elche, famous for its enormous palm landscape and historic gardens such as Huerto del Cura.
You do not need to visit everything in one holiday. One of the pleasures of returning to the Costa Blanca is always having somewhere new left to discover.
Which Costa Blanca day trip is right for you?
If you are unsure where to go, choose according to what you enjoy.
For beautiful Old Towns
Altea, Jávea and Alicante
For beaches
Moraira, Jávea, Calpe and Benidorm
For nature and walking
Guadalest, Peñón de Ifach, Montgó and Serra Gelada
For food
Dénia, Valencia and El Palmar
For families
Benidorm, Alicante, Calpe and Valencia
For a city day
Alicante or Valencia
For something completely different from the coast
Guadalest
How many day trips should you plan?
That depends on how long you are staying. For a one-week holiday, we would probably choose one or two day trips and leave plenty of time to enjoy Moraira itself.
For two weeks, you can easily add three or four destinations without turning your holiday into a sightseeing schedule. For three weeks, Moraira becomes an excellent base from which to explore much more of the northern Costa Blanca at a relaxed pace. Our advice is not to plan something every day. A holiday afternoon that unexpectedly turns into a three-hour lunch is just as valuable as another attraction.
Do you need a car to explore the Costa Blanca?
For this kind of holiday, we would recommend one. Public transport exists between several larger towns, but many of the most interesting beaches, inland villages, hiking areas and smaller destinations are much easier to reach by car. From Moraira, a car gives you the freedom to explore:
- Jávea and Dénia to the north
- Calpe, Altea and Benidorm to the south
- Guadalest and the Vall de Pop inland
- Alicante and Valencia for city days
You certainly do not need to drive every day, especially if your accommodation is close to Moraira centre, but it makes exploring the wider Costa Blanca considerably easier.
When is the best time to explore the Costa Blanca?
Every season offers something different.
Spring
One of our favourite periods for walking, cycling and sightseeing. Temperatures are generally pleasant and the landscape is greener.
Summer
Perfect for beaches, watersports, evening markets and local fiestas, but sightseeing and hiking are best planned for the morning or later afternoon.
Autumn
The Mediterranean is often still warm, while towns and attractions become less crowded. Excellent for combining beaches with day trips.
Winter
A good period for walking, cycling, golf and city visits. Coastal towns are much quieter, although opening hours can be more limited in some seasonal businesses.
Moros y Cristianos and local fiestas
One of the best ways to experience local culture is to visit during a traditional fiesta.
Moros y Cristianos
Celebrations take place in many towns throughout Alicante province, although every municipality has its own dates and programme. Moraira celebrates its own Moros y Cristianos festivities in June. Other towns such as Altea, Calpe and different inland communities hold their celebrations at other times of year. Because dates change annually, we recommend checking the current events calendar rather than planning from an old timetable.
👉🏻 Moros y Cristianos in Moraira
Why stay in Moraira when exploring the Costa Blanca?
For us, the answer is balance. Moraira is lively enough to offer restaurants, beaches, shops and evening terraces, but small enough to remain relaxed. You can spend one day exploring a city or mountain village and the next do almost nothing beyond swimming, having lunch and relaxing beside your pool. Its location is particularly convenient:
- Jávea and Dénia to the north
- Calpe, Altea and Benidorm to the south
- Guadalest inland
- Alicante and Valencia within reach for longer day trips
That makes Moraira much more than a destination in itself. It is also an excellent base for discovering the region.
Staying in Moraira?
Moraira Holiday Homes has specialised in holiday accommodation in Moraira and nearby Benissa Costa since 2004. Our collection ranges from apartments and penthouses in the centre to private villas with swimming pools, sea views and peaceful residential locations. Because we live locally, we know not only our properties but also the area around them.
If you want to explore the Costa Blanca during your holiday, we are always happy to share our favourite day trips and local tips.
👉🏻 Explore our holiday homes in Moraira
Frequently Asked Questions about the Costa Blanca
What are the best places to visit on the Costa Blanca?
Some of our favourite destinations are Moraira, Jávea, Dénia, Calpe, Altea, Guadalest, Benidorm and Alicante. Each offers something different, from beaches and historic centres to mountains, castles and city attractions.
What are the best things to do on the Costa Blanca?
Popular activities include visiting historic towns, swimming and snorkelling in Mediterranean coves, hiking in natural parks, exploring castles, eating local rice dishes, cycling and taking day trips to cities such as Alicante.
Is Valencia part of the Costa Blanca?
No. Valencia lies north of the Costa Blanca and is in Valencia province rather than Alicante province. However, from Moraira it is close enough to make an excellent full-day trip.
Is Moraira a good base for exploring the Costa Blanca?
Yes. Moraira lies roughly between Jávea and Calpe and provides easy access to Dénia, Altea, Benidorm, Guadalest and the inland Marina Alta. Alicante and Valencia are also within reach for longer day trips.
Which Costa Blanca town has the nicest Old Town?
That depends on what you like. Altea is particularly famous for its whitewashed hillside Old Town, while Jávea, Dénia and Alicante also have attractive historic quarters.
Where are the best beaches on the Costa Blanca?
The coast offers everything from sandy urban beaches in Calpe and Benidorm to smaller coves around Moraira, Benissa Costa and Jávea. The best choice depends on whether you prefer sand, snorkelling, facilities or a quieter setting.
What are the best Costa Blanca attractions for families?
Benidorm’s theme and water parks are popular choices, while beaches in Moraira, Calpe and Jávea work well for family days. Alicante and Valencia also offer museums, parks and attractions for children.
Where can you go hiking on the Costa Blanca?
Popular walking areas include Peñón de Ifach in Calpe, Montgó Natural Park near Jávea and Dénia, Serra Gelada near Benidorm and the mountain landscape around Guadalest.
Do you need a car on the Costa Blanca?
You can enjoy Moraira without driving every day if you stay centrally, but a car makes exploring the wider Costa Blanca much easier because many beaches, inland villages and natural areas are spread across the region.
What is the best time of year to visit the Costa Blanca?
Spring and autumn are particularly good for combining sightseeing, walking and beaches. Summer is ideal for the Mediterranean and evening atmosphere, while winter is quieter and well suited to walking, cycling, golf and city visits.
How many days do you need to explore the Costa Blanca?
You could spend several weeks exploring the region. For a one-week holiday, choose one or two day trips. With two or three weeks, Moraira is a good base for discovering several coastal towns, inland villages and cities without rushing.
