Best Things to Do on the Costa Blanca: Top Towns, Beaches & Hidden Gems

The Costa Blanca stretches from Denia down to Torrevieja, mixing lively resort towns with quiet coves and dramatic inland scenery. Here are the towns, beaches and day trips worth knowing about.

Alicante city

Alicante's Castillo de Santa Bárbara sits on Monte Benacantil above the city, with sweeping views over the coast. Below it, the Explanada de Espau00f1a promenade and the old town's tangle of streets make for an easy day of wandering, eating and people-watching.

Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach

Calpe is dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a 332-metre limestone rock that rises straight out of the sea. Hike it for the views, snorkel at Cova Tallada nearby, or just admire the striking Muralla Roja apartment building, one of the coast's best-known architectural landmarks.

Altea's old town

Altea has a distinctly bohemian feel — whitewashed streets, a blue-domed church and artist galleries, all overlooking turquoise water. It's one of the prettiest old towns on this stretch of coast and a good spot for a slower afternoon.

Villajoyosa's candy-coloured houses

Villajoyosa is instantly recognisable from its row of brightly painted fishermen's houses along the seafront. It's also known for its chocolate-making tradition and the lively Moros y Cristianos festival held every summer.

Jávea's coves

Jávea has been called one of Spain's most beautiful coastal villages, and its coastline backs that up — from the long sweep of Playa del Arenal to the dramatic Cala de la Granadella, a small cove ringed by pine-covered cliffs.

Torrevieja's pink lakes

Torrevieja's salt lakes turn a striking shade of pink under the right conditions and attract flamingos alongside curious visitors. Combine a visit with a walk along the town's lively seafront promenade.

Inland day trips

Guadalest, a clifftop fortress village with sweeping valley views, is one of the most-visited inland spots on the coast. For something quieter, the waterfalls and natural pools at Fonts de l'Algar make for a refreshing forest walk, especially in the summer heat.

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