All about Benissa, general & practical information

The geography & neighborhoods in Alicante

The location of Benissa

Benissa is located in the northern part of the Costa Blanca, right between the coastal towns of Calpe and Moraira on the Mediterranean Sea. The territory of the municipality runs from the coastline to the mountains of the Sierra de Bèrnia inland.

Its central position near the N-332 coastal road and the AP-7 highway makes the locality easily accessible from the Alicante and Valencia airports. This makes the municipality a practical place for travelers to discover the various villages and natural areas in the province.

The map of Benissa

The districts of Benissa

• Benissa Centro: this is the city center, where the main shops, restaurants and sights are located. It is a lively area with a mix of historical and modern architecture;

• La Fustera: this is a popular tourist area in Benissa, located on the coast. It has a number of beautiful beaches, including the popular Playa de la Fustera, and there are several bars and restaurants in the area;

• Benimarco: this is a quiet residential area in Benissa, located between the town and the coast. It has a number of beautiful villas and apartments, as well as a number of local shops and restaurants;

• La Pedrera: this is an area in the north of Benissa, surrounded by beautiful nature and mountains. It is a quiet area with a number of beautiful villas and country houses;

• Benissa Costa: this is a popular tourist area on the coast of Benissa, with a number of beautiful beaches and bays. It also has a number of international restaurants and bars;

• Fanadix: this is a quiet neighborhood in Benissa, located between the town and the coast. It has a number of beautiful villas and apartments, as well as a number of local shops and restaurants;

• Llenes: this is a rural area in Benissa, surrounded by beautiful nature and mountains. It has a number of beautiful country houses and farms, and it is a great place to hike and enjoy the peace and quiet;

• Montemar: this is a residential area in Benissa, located in the hills with beautiful views of the coast. It has a number of beautiful villas and houses, as well as a number of local shops and restaurants.

The climate & nature in Benissa

A Mediterranean climate

Benissa enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and warm, dry summers. The sun shines here on average more than 300 days a year, guaranteeing you a wonderful sun-drenched holiday. Thanks to the surrounding mountains, Benissa has a microclimate that ensures a stable temperature and little rainfall.

The weather, the average temperature

Below is a table showing the average temperatures in Benissa per month:

The nature around Benissa

The nature surrounding Benissa consists of a varied landscape of rugged mountain ranges, rolling vineyards and a picturesque coastline with hidden coves:

• Sierra de Bernianature reserve: this mountain range is 11 kilometers long and lies between the coast and the interior. A hiking trail leads through El Forat, a natural tunnel in the rocks. After the tunnel, you have views of the coast from Altea to Alicante;

• The ecological coastal route: this 4-kilometer path, called Paseo Ecológico, runs along the coast of Benissa. The route connects coves such as Cala Llobella and Cala Advocat. During the walk you will see local plants and the rock Peñón de Ifach;

• Sierra de Oltánature reserve: this area is a 15-minute drive from Benissa. Here, follow the hiking trail past the chapel Ermita de la Vella. The mountains are less steep than the Bernia and offer views of the Jalon Valley vineyards and coastal towns.

The gastronomy of Benissa

Benissa’s cuisine uses products from the land and from the sea. Fresh ingredients from local markets determine the quality of the dishes:

Culinary venues

The place where you eat determines the experience in Benissa:

• The historic center: traditional restaurants and tapas bars line the narrow streets of the old village;

• The coastal road: along the route to Moraira you will find several international restaurants and bistros;

• The coves: at coves like Cala Fustera, you eat in restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean.

Flavor profiles and specialties

The menu in Benissa focuses on local dishes:

• Putxero de polp: this is a well-known stew with octopus, potatoes and chickpeas;

• Cocas: these are small dough bottoms from the oven with a topping of vegetables, fish or meat;

• Local sausages: the region is known for artisanal cured meats such as blanquet and botifarra;

• Regional wines: the vineyards surrounding the village produce high-quality white and red wines.

Gastronomic peculiarities

Various traditions and events promote the food culture in Benissa:

• Benissa Amb Sabor: this is an annual event where local restaurants present their dishes and tapas;

• The weekly market: every Saturday morning buy fresh local produce directly from the farmers here;

• Gastronomic days: the village regularly organizes weeks dedicated to a specific local product.

Restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide

Bars and restaurants in Benissa can be found in Benissa itself and the surrounding area, especially towards the beach. A number of restaurants in Benissa or the surrounding area are recommended by the Michelin Guide:

• Casa Cantó: on the west side of Benissa on the main street Av. del Pais Valenciá;
• Casa Bernardi: in the middle of nature with a view of the Mediterranean Sea and Penyal d’Ifac;
• Orobianco: the same applies to Casa Bernardi, but more towards Calpe.

Transportation & accommodation in Benissa

By plane to Benissa

For a holiday to Benissa, the airport Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC) is the most logical choice. From this airport it is approximately 80 kilometers to Benissa, a car ride that usually takes 60 to 75 minutes.

There are numerous direct flights from the Netherlands and Belgium to Alicante with companies such as Transavia, KLM, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly, which makes Benissa easily accessible.

On holiday to Benissa

Benissa offers an authentic Spanish experience, characterized by the separation between the historic village in the interior and the idyllic coastline. The destination is ideal for various holidays:

• Cultural and authentic holidays: with a well-preserved medieval center, the impressive “sea cathedral” and a quiet, local atmosphere, Benissa is perfect for travelers who want to experience the real Spain;

• Nature and coastal holidays: the 4 kilometer long coastline connects Calpe and Moraira and consists of intimate bays (cala’s) with clear water, ideal for snorkeling, diving and escaping the crowds;

• Active holidays: the area is a paradise for walkers and cyclists, with routes through the mountains, the Jalon Valley and along the coast. The central location makes it an excellent base for exploration tours;

• Wintering: thanks to the mild climate and the quiet surroundings, Benissa is a favorite place for winter visitors looking for a peaceful and traditional stay.

You can opt for an organized package tour or book your flight and accommodation yourself for maximum flexibility.

Holiday stay in Benissa

• Hotels: in the historic center you will mainly find charming boutique hotels and ‘casas rurales’ that offer an authentic experience. Larger hotels are limited;
• Apartments: these can mainly be found along the coastal road (Moraira-Calpe), often in small-scale complexes near the bays and beaches;
• Holiday homes and villas: this is the most popular choice in Benissa. Between the village and the coast lies an extensive rural area full of holiday homes, fincas and luxury villas, usually with a private pool and lots of privacy.

Accommodations in the center offer direct access to the local culture, while stays on the coast or in the hills are perfect for peace, nature and privacy.

Parking in Benissa

There are plenty of parking spaces in Benissa. Several parking spaces are easily accessible from the Av. del Pais Valencià. There are two large free parking spaces on both the north and south sides of Benissa.

Everything at hand with the free Benissa app

Do you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything from your favorite place on the Costa Blanca? Then download the free app and turn your phone into the ultimate travel guide for the entire region:

• All ‘website’ content is available: all travel guides, blogs and other tips for restaurants, activities and sights, but also accommodations;

• Simple navigation: all available information is clearly presented (per location) and you can easily navigate back and forth;

• Interactive map: explore the Costa Blanca and easily plan your routes to the most beautiful places;

• Smart location recognition: when you approach a place on the Costa Blanca, you automatically receive a notification that allows you to directly open the travel guide for that place;

• Your favorites: you can save and easily find your favorite locations, such as restaurants.

The CostaBlanca.nl app is completely free to download and use. Start planning your perfect trip today!

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Benissa (Tourist information)
• Benissa Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Albir (Tourist information)

More tips for your visit to Benissa