Things to do on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca offers a wide variety of things to do in terms of culture, nature and history. The region is best known for its beaches, but you will also find many historic castles, white villages and marinas.
In the northern part of Alicante province, there are many viewpoints and old fortresses located directly on the coastline.
In the south and inland, the landscape changes to an environment with palm gardens and large salt lakes. The cities in this part of the region have their own architectural styles and long histories.
This variety makes the costa blanca a suitable destination for both hikers and visitors interested in Spanish culture and local traditions.
This page consists of 2 parts:
- Things to do by location
- Choices and more information
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Albir
Albir is a quiet seaside resort with a long promenade with some nice restaurants.
Take a walk to the lighthouse or visit the open-air museum with Roman ruins.
Alicante
Alicante is a vibrant city with a rich history.
Visit the Santa Bárbara Castle and view the city from a great height.
Stroll along the famous boulevard or explore the old Santa Cruz district.
Benidorm
Benidorm is a city with many faces and an impressive skyline.
You will find wide sandy beaches and a lively nightlife.
Visit the Balcón del Mediterráneo for stunning views of the bay.
Benissa
Benissa combines a historic center with a rugged coastline.
Explore the village’s medieval streets and grand cathedral.
Follow the ecological hiking trail along the many bays and cliffs.
Calpe
Calpe immediately stands out because of the large rock protruding from the sea.
The city has a fishing port and extensive sandy beaches.
Visit the salt lake downtown to see flamingos.
Elche
Elche is known for its large amount of palm trees.
The city park and historic gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the basilica and discover history in the museums.
Guadalest
Guadalest is a mountain village situated on the rocks.
You will find a castle surrounded by several souvenir shops and small museums. Enjoy the view of the blue reservoir in the valley.
Jalón
Jávea has a port, a historic center and a sandy beach.
The cliffs and capes offer beautiful viewpoints over the sea. Explore the bays with clear waters.
Jávea
Jávea has a port, a historic center and a sandy beach.
The cliffs and capes offer beautiful viewpoints over the sea. Explore the bays with clear waters.
Moraira
Moraira is a coastal town with a modern marina.
The center is compact and has stores and restaurants.
Visit the beachfront castle for a historical view of the region.
Pilar de la Horadada
Pilar de la Horadada is the southernmost municipality in the region.
The place has sandy beaches and a watchtower from the 16th century.
Explore the natural areas and golf courses nearby.
Santa Pola
Santa Pola is a fishing town with a castle-fortress in the center.
Visit the salt lakes for bird and flamingo spotting.
From the port, the boat leaves for the island of Tabarca.
Torrevieja
Torrevieja is known for its pink lakes and salt mining.
The city has a long promenade and floating museums in the harbor.
Explore natural swimming opportunities along the coast.
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa stands out for its colorful fishermen’s houses on the coast.
The city has a long history of chocolate production. Visit the chocolate factories or relax on the wide sandy beach.
Which Things to do suit you? Choice Guide
With so many options in the region, it can be hard to choose. Find out which Things to do match your interests here:
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For the culture enthusiast:
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Historic castles: castle of Santa Bárbara (Alicante) and the castle of Dénia;
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Unique architecture: the blue domes in Altea and the red wall in Calpe;
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World Heritage Site: the palm gardens in Elche.
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For the nature lover:
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Views: the rock Peñón de Ifach (Calpe) and the cliffs at Benitachell;
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Hiking: natural park Sierra Helada and the route to the lighthouse in Albir;
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Water: the waterfalls of Algar and the pink lake in Torrevieja.
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For families:
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Attractions: Terra Mítica (Benidorm) and Rio Safari (Elche);
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Educational: the Roman villa in Albir and the museums in the port of Torrevieja;
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Sailing: a crossing to the island of Tabarca from Santa Pola or Alicante.
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The different types of things to do
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Historic fortresses: castle ruins and defense towers all along the coastline;
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Natural parks: protected areas with marked hiking trails and local flora;
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Traditional villages: white inland towns with narrow streets and squares;
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Museums and art: galleries and museums about local industries such as chocolate or salt;
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Religious heritage: ancient churches, basilicas and cathedrals with their own architectural style.
General tips for your visit to Things to do
Please consider the following advice for a pleasant visit to the various locations:
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Reserve tickets in advance: reservations are required for popular spots such as the Peñón de Ifach or Guadalest;
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Wear good shoes: many sites have uneven paths or steep inclines;
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Check opening hours: museums and castles often have lunch breaks during the hottest hours;
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Transportation: some mountain villages are more accessible by car than by public transportation;
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Water and sun: bring plenty of drinking water and protect yourself from the sun during hikes.
