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On the South-eastern coast of Spain you’ll find an area called the Costa Blanca, which encompasses over 200km of glittering coastline, jaw-dropping beaches, and a tonne of wonderful things to do and see.
The Costa Blanca also has a number of traditional Spanish towns and cities, and you’d really miss out if you didn’t visit at least a few during your time here!
Since the Costa Blanca is an incredibly popular holiday destination, plenty of visitors to the area find themselves struggling to choose which of the many Costa Blanca towns and cities to visit.
That’s where I come in!
I spent three months living in the Costa Blanca, and during that time I learnt a lot about the area and the best things to do and see there. So, today, I’m going to share the very best places to visit on the Costa Blanca to help you plan your next trip!
Where is the Costa Blanca?
First things first, though – where is the Costa Blanca?
You’ll find the Costa Blanca on the south-eastern coast of Spain in the Alicante province. It’s a sandy stretch of over 200km of coastline and contains many towns, villages and stunning beaches – that’s why it’s such a popular holiday destination!
The Best Towns to Visit on the Costa Blanca
1. Denia
Among the numerous tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca, Denia is one of the most charming towns. It’s also the one I’m most familiar with because I lived there!
If you’re looking for a memorable beach holiday with some fascinating things to do, Denia is the perfect place for you. The mediaeval historic centre is the main tourist attraction of Denia and is great to explore on foot.
If that wasn’t enough, Denia also has an active harbour area, meaning it’s easy to take boat tours like this one along the gorgeous coastline. You’re even able to catch the ferry from Denia to Ibiza if you fancy it!
The historic centre of Denia provides a fascinating blend of contemporary architecture and mediaeval structures, such as the Denia Castle.
The castle is Denia’s tourist magnet and exploring its walls is one of the best things to do in Denia. From the top of the castle you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the old town and the coast!
For the best views over Denia, you head out on a hike in the Montgó Natural Park which is home to 650 different species of foliage and fauna.
The best hiking route in the natural park is up the Montgó mountain itself, which towers above Denia and the coastline.
For many visitors, Denia’s beaches are where they’ll spend most of their time. The town has a shoreline of nearly 15km, which is divided into two areas.
There’s Las Rotas, characterised by rocky and quiet bays, and Las Marinas, with long and gorgeous sandy beaches.
I’d argue that Denia is the best place to live in the Costa Blanca – you can read my pros and cons of living there in this post!
Where to stay in Denia: If you’re looking for a break from the bland chain hotel rooms, look no further than this boutique art hotel in Denia!
Its rooms are affordable (starting at around €55 per night for a double) and it’s right in the centre of the town.
2. Jávea/Xàbia
This town actually has two names – Jávea and Xàbia, and you’ll see them used interchangeably. Xàbia is the town’s name in the local Valencian dialect, and Jávea is the town’s name for everybody else.
The town is just a 40-minute drive north of Benidorm, in between the towns of Denia and Moraira, and it’s one of the most traditional Spanish towns on the Costa Blanca.
Positioned on a plain at the bottom of the Montgó, the historic centre of Jávea originally developed inland around the fortress church of San Bartolomé.
This church is the most important building in Jávea’s historic centre, with parts of it dating back to 1304!
As well as its role as a church, this building also acted as the town’s defence against attacks from the sea for hundreds of years.
Another one of the best things to do in Jávea is the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, where you can discover everything you need to know about the history of the town and the area in general.
To round off your sightseeing in Jávea head to the harbour area where you’ll see the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto, which resembles the keel of a boat!
As is common in Valencian towns, the star ingredient in Jávea cuisine is rice. Paella is perhaps the most famous recipe, but here the traditional paella comes with with turnip. Don’t leave Jávea without tasting this amazing dish!
Where to stay in Jávea: If you’re looking for beachfront accommodation in Jávea you can’t go wrong with this sea-view hotel. It has a tonne of excellent reviews, and some of the cheapest prices in Jávea!
Most of the rooms have sea views, it has an on-site spa, and it’s just a short walk from Jávea town centre.
4. Altea
Altea is one of the best towns on the Costa Blanca to kick back and relax in the sun. The city has two parts – the picturesque Old Town, perched on the side of a hill, and the more modern, cosmopolitan side of town.
Both are worth wandering around, but Altea’s Old Town is one of the area’s top attractions!
It goes without saying that Altea has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Blanca. After all, this is one of the top beach towns in the region!
Aside from lounging on the beach, though, there are actually quite a few things to do in Altea for more active travellers.
If you fancy something active then lace up your hiking boots and head out on the trials of the Sierra Heralda mountain for sweeping views over the Mediterranean sea.
Or, if you’d prefer to check out Altea from the water, hop on this Altea catamaran cruise!
One of the most unusual things to do in the Costa Blanca is right here in Altea – it’s Altea’s Russian Orthodox Church! The church was designed to resemble a 17th-century Russian church, is built from wood and is adorned with gold.
It’s a marvellous attraction to check out!
Where to stay in Altea: Your top priority in Altea should be relaxing, and staying at this top-rated resort will help you do just that!
With luxurious boutique rooms, a spacious pool and breathtaking ocean views, this resort is the perfect place to enjoy a sun-soaked holiday in Altea.
5. Moraira
Around 80km north of the city of Alicante is the delightful town of Moraira, another excellent choice for a laid-back beach vacation.
L’Ampolla is the most popular beach in Moraira, where you’ll find vibrant turquoise waters and soft sand perfect for sunbathing on. If you fancy doing some beach hopping, there’s also the lovely Playa del Portet beach that also has a few beach bars.
Hiking is one of the key attractions in Moraira, and the Moraira Port to Cap d’Or, Cala Llebeig, and Cala del Moraig route is the most popular if you’re looking to discover some of the best hidden beaches on the Costa Blanca!
For a cultural fix, head over to the Castillo de Moraira, which overlooks the beach and previously protected the town from pirate attacks!
Obviously, there are no pirate attacks to look out for today, but with the wonderful views on offer from the castle it’s worth spending some time looking out for them just in case.
Intrigued? You can read my full guide to visiting Moraira here!
Where to stay in Moraira: For affordable luxury on a mid-range budget, check out this elegant hotel. Surrounded by lush green countryside, it’s hard to imagine a more relaxing setting for a sunny Spanish getaway.
6. Benidorm
Travelling to Benidorm is a rite of passage for many Brits. It’s even sometimes referred to as “England in the sun”! I promise, though, that you can still find authentic Spanish experiences in this town – we’ll get to that in a minute.
If you’re looking for the classic Costa Blanca holiday destination, Benidorm is where it’s at. There are fantastic beaches, a lively nightlife, very cheap prices and, given the booming tourism industry, pretty much everyone you meet will speak English.
If you’re bored of lounging on the beach and drinking, there are still plenty of things to do in Benidorm.
In Benidorm’s historic centre you’ll find all the main monuments and points of interest located on a slope that separates Playa de Levante and Playa de Poniente.
This is also where you’ll get the best panoramic views in the town centre. Around Plaza Santa Ana, the main square in Casco Antiguo, you’ll also find several viewpoints where you can enjoy perfect views of the shore.
The stunning Mirador del Castillo and Balcón del Mediterráneo, located at the ends of the slope, are both definitely worth a visit!
You really shouldn’t miss taking a tour to the Algar Waterfalls from Benidorm – it’s epic!
When it comes to food, Calle Santo Domingo is the place to go for a tapas session in true Basque style.
Leaving Benidorm without having a glass of horchata along with some fartones (doughnut-like pastries) at lunchtime or a glass of Cava (Valencian sparkling wine) would be a wasted opportunity!
Since Benidorm has a year-round population, it’s the perfect place to visit in the Costa Blanca in the winter months of November, December, January and February.
No matter what time of year you visit Benidorm, though, you’re bound to have lots of fun!
Where to stay in Benidorm: If you’re travelling to the Costa Blanca on a budget Benidorm is the best town to base yourself in. You can find high-quality accommodation here for very low prices!
This four-star hotel, for example, which is right on the beach and just 600 metres from the old town, costs as little as €60 per night for a double room!
7. Torrevieja
One of the best towns on the Costa Blanca is Torrevieja, a place where life revolves around the ocean and salt. Its two huge salt flats, La Mata and Torrevieja, have actually been declared a natural park!
This town is one of the hidden gems on the Costa Blanca since not too many people have heard of it.
The extraction of salt here dates back hundreds of years, but the industry saw a huge boom in the 19th century. Today, Torrevieja salt is exported all over the world and the town’s annual salt production exceeds one million tons.
The two salt flats are the town’s main tourist attractions, and the fact that Laguna de Torrevieja has a pink tinge makes it very popular with Instagrammers!
As well as snapping photos, visitors can float in the thermal part of the lagoon.
To learn more about Torrevieja’s salt, visit the Museum of the Sea and Salt which documents the salty history of the area.
Whilst you’re in Torrevieja it’s worth seeing the Torre del Moro, a lookout tower from the region’s Moorish period. It was built in the 14th-century to help defend the town from pirate attacks, which all sounds very dramatic!
Where to stay in Torrevieja: There aren’t a tonne of well-reviewed hotels or resorts in Torrevieja – probably because it’s still one of Costa Blanca’s hidden gems.
There are plenty of very high-quality apartments you’re able to rent for your holiday, though – you can check what’s available for your dates here.
8. Albir
You’ll find Albir next to Benidorm, but these two Costa Blanca towns couldn’t be any more different! Albir is one of the best places to visit on the Costa Blanca if you want a quiet, relaxed holiday destination.
Despite being quiet and relaxed, it’s within reach of everything Benidorm has to offer. By staying in Albir you get the best of both worlds!
Albir beach, also called Racó del Albir beach, is a beach of pebbles, not sand. Don’t let that deter you, though, as it’s still beautiful. Due to its position next to the Serra Gelada Natural Park, the waters at this beach are particularly clear and vibrant.
You’ll see that it pops up often on lists of the best beaches in the Costa Blanca!
The Frax Foundation is a private foundation located right on the beachfront of Albir that’s worth a visit. Its role is to promote culture, arts and sciences in all of their many forms.
On a visit here you’ll get to check out a rotating number of exhibitions covering all areas and artistic forms.
To finish your trip to Albir you definitely have to visit the town’s most popular visitor attraction, the Albir Lighthouse. It’s so popular that over 300,000 visitors go here every year!
The Albir Lighthouse is located in Serra Gelada, and to access it you must follow a path that runs over cliffs and coves. With more than 150 years of history, this lighthouse is well worth a visit on your trip to the Costa Blanca.
Where to stay in Albir: These apartments with a refreshing swimming pool are the obvious choice for where to stay in Albir.
The apartments come with air conditioning and a balcony, have an impressive 9.1/10 rating on Booking.com, and the beach is just 600 metres away!
9. Benissa
If you want to rest a few days between the sea and the mountains, Benissa is one of the best places to visit in the Costa Blanca. It’s a very chill town in the heart of the Marina Alta and also one of the hidden gems on the Costa Blanca.
Unlike many of the towns on this list, Benissa is actually inland, not on the Costa Blanca coast. At just 5km away, though, the ocean certainly isn’t far away.
One of the best places to see in Benissa is the Calle Puríssima, a traditional mediaeval street full of history and with interesting monuments and cute buildings.
As you walk along this street you’ll also see stately homes with latticework balconies, adding to the beauty of the town.
If you’re into hiking, you can’t miss Sierra de Bèrnia, a mountain range that towers over Benissa. It acts as a huge natural wall that separates the Marina Alta and Baja with a beautiful circular hiking route.
From the hiking path you have to cross the mountain through a natural tunnel dug into the stone.
Coming out of the other end of this tunnel, you’ll reach a place with magnificent views of the coastline of the Costa Blanca and the valleys and mountains of the Mediterranean.
The Sierra de Bèrnia is one of the essential places to see in Benissa that you cannot miss if you’re a nature addict!
During your Benissa visit you can’t forget to explore the historic centre of Benissa. This place will transport you to another era! I recommend you walk along Calle Puríssima and Calle Desamparados, two of its best streets.
If you want to explore one of Benissa’s stately homes, head to the Abargues House-Museum.
Where to stay in Benissa: Sea views. Mountain views. Pool views. At Villa Vinyent, you can have it all. If that wasn’t enough, the rooms here are huge and you’ll get to use the hotel’s sun terrace during your stay!
10. Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is one of the best and most popular towns to visit on Costa Blanca, with a history that dates back to the times of ancient Rome.
At the entrance to the town of Villajoyosa you’ll find one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches on the entire Costa Blanca, Playa del Bol Nou Beach.
Even if you’re visiting from elsewhere on the Costa Blanca, this beach is easily accessible by car and has plenty of parking. It’s a slightly rocky beach but, since it’s far from the town centre, is never overcrowded. Plus, there’s a bar on the beach!
In the town itself, the harbour of Villajoyosa is a beautiful place to walk and chill.
You’ll notice from the smell of the area that there are a lot of restaurants in this area, and, given the town’s status as a fishing area, you’ll find some of the best seafood in the region.
If you’d prefer something sweet, the best thing for you to do in Villajoyosa is to visit the Chocolate Museum. It opened in 1998 and is connected to the Valor Chocolate Company, which has a factory right there.
Visitors to the museum get learn about the chocolate-making process, which will leave you drooling!
If you’re unsure when to visit Costa Blanca, visit between July 24 and 31 and head straight to Villajoyosa! The Moor and Christian festivals that take place in this town during that week are something special!
Where to stay in Villajoyosa: For both mountain and sea views, you need to stay here on your trip to Villajoyosa! Not only do you get an entire, stylish apartment all to yourself, but you’re just a stone’s throw away from the sandy beach.
11. Calpe/Calp
Most famous for being home to the iconic Rock of Ifach, also called Calpe Rock, Calpe is actually one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca to visit!
The iconic rock formation of the Rock of Ifach rises 322 metres above the Mediterranean sea, and you can actually walk up Calpe Rock! This activity attracts active travellers from all over the Costa Blanca, since the views from the top are so spectacular!
Aside from the Calpe Rock, there are a few other things to do in Calpe to keep you occupied for a day or two.
You can get out onto the ocean to swim and explore on this affordable catamaran cruise, lounge on the gorgeous Arenal Bol beach, and explore the narrow streets of the Calpe Old Town!
You’ll see Calpe referred to as both Calpe and Calp. It’s the same situation as Jávea/Xàbia, which we discussed earlier. The locals call it Calp, which is the town’s name in the Valencian dialect. Everybody else calls it Calpe.
Where to stay in Calpe: With views of the Rock of Ifach and the ocean, this lush hotel, which has pool open year-round, is THE place to stay in Calpe, Spain.
Rooms are beautifully decorated with the different colours of the ocean, and most rooms have sea views!
The Best Cities to Visit in the Costa Blanca
12. Alicante
It’s easy to fall in love with Alicante, and I spent a lot of time here during my three months living on the Costa Blanca. Alicante is actually a city, not a town, but its captivating small historic centre will definitely make you feel like you’re in a town.
I guess we could call Alicante one of the best cities in Costa Blanca, but there aren’t many so it doesn’t sound as impressive!
This city has beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, top-notch cuisine and a location that’s ideal to use as a base to visit other towns in the Costa Blanca region.
Alicante is also a wine region, and going on a wine tasting tour is one of the most fun things to do in the Costa Blanca!
Since I’ve already mentioned the historic centre of Alicante it makes sense to start your visit there. Stroll through the avenues, discover the restaurants with local dishes, and check out the galleries and monuments that deserve a closer visit.
After that, go up to the Santa Bárbara Castle, getting a panoramic view over Alicante’s historic areas and beautiful coastline.
When you’re getting hungry, it’s time to head to Calle de San Francisco, which has an array of restaurants and tapas houses which are the perfect stop if you want to dive into Alicante’s cuisine. It’s also called “mushroom street”. Yup, you read that right.
A few years ago, someone had the idea of livening up the street by gathering some giant toy mushrooms there, and now it’s one of the most visited streets in Alicante. This is such a bizarre concept, but it’s a lot of fun to visit!
Where to stay in Alicante: Stay in the heart of Alicante at these modern apartments which share a rooftop pool! You’ll have your own kitchen, meaning you’ll get to save on the costs of eating out, and there’s also a sun terrace you’ll get to enjoy!
FAQs About Costa Blanca Towns & Cities
What is the Costa Blanca Like?
Overall, the Costa Blanca is warm and sunny, with beautiful beaches, making it the ideal destination for a holiday in Spain.
The Costa Blanca isn’t particularly known for its historical attractions and culture, since its pristine beaches and affordable hotels are the biggest attraction of the region. However, since the Costa Blanca is a large region, each town, village and city offers something slightly different.
If you’re looking for historical attractions, hidden gems, or authentic Spanish cuisine this is still possible to find in the Costa Blanca – you’ll just have to look a little harder.
What is the Costa Blanca Known For?
The Costa Blanca in Spain is known for sun, sand and sea! The Costa Blanca’s year-round Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and affordable prices make it a very popular destination for European tourists on package holidays, as well as expats.
Is the Costa Blanca Too Touristy?
There’s no doubt about it – the Costa Blanca is very touristy. However, it’s certainly not too touristy. It’s possible to break away from the tourist crowds in the Costa Blanca by visiting its hidden gems and quieter towns such as Albir and Benissa.
Where is the Cheapest Place to Live in Costa Blanca by the Sea?
Alicante and Benidorm are both strong contenders for the cheapest place to live in the Costa Blanca by the sea. Since both locations are larger settlements, there are more properties to choose from, which makes rental prices lower.
There are also large expat communities in both towns, making it easy to meet others and learn about the cheapest places to eat, drink and shop.
Costa Blanca or Costa Del Sol?
Both Costa Blanca and Costa Del Sol are world-famous for their sunny and warm climates with beautiful beaches. However, if I had to choose just one, I would recommend the Costa Blanca.
The Costa Blanca is slightly more affordable and less crowded than the Costa Del Sol. It’s also a little calmer (but only just!) than the Costa Del Sol, which is famous for its crazy nightlife!
Is the Costa Blanca Worth Visiting?
With some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, lovely weather year-round and affordable prices for tourists, the Costa Blanca is definitely worth visiting.
So, have you decided which towns you’re going to visit on the Costa Blanca on your next trip to Spain?
As you can see, you have loads of great options to choose from for your Costa Blanca trip, and this list really does offer the perfect town for every type of traveller.
My favourite is Denia, but obviously that’s because it’s the place I spent the most time, so it makes sense!
Do you have a favourite town on the Costa Blanca?
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