Places to Visit, Costa Blanca North
There are so many places to visit on the Costa Blanca, both on the cost and further inland that we have divide the Costa Blanca into two sections, the North - Alicante to Denia and The South - Alicante to Pilar de la Horadada. This page will concentrate on the NORTHERN area.
The word Costa Blanca literally means "White Coast" and the Costa Blanca covers an area of over 200 kilometres (120 miles) on the Mediterranean coastline in the Alicante province, on the south eastern coast of Spain. It extends from the town of Dénia in the north, beyond which lies the Costa del Azahar (or Costa dels Tarongers), to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, beyond which lies the Costa Cálida. There are plenty of places to visit on the Costa Blanca.
Northern Costa Blanca
Alicante, Alcoy, Algar Waterfalls, Altea, Alfaz del Pi/Albir, Benissa, Biar, Benidorm, Calpe, Cocentaina, Denia, El Campello,, Elda-Petrel, Guadalest, Jalon, Javea, Jijona, Moraira, Ondara, Orba, Ontinyent, Teulada, La Villajoyosa, Xativa
Many of the places listed above in the North are easily accessible by local trains or buses, or hire a car for a few days to really explore the area
Elche, Guardamar del Segura, Novelda, Orihuela, Santa Pola, Tabarca Island, Torrevieja
Discover the Best Beaches on the Costa Blanca
North Costa Blanca Area
Click on the links for a FULL information page on each location.
Places to Visit, Costa Blanca North - ALICANTE, Coastal
Alicante is a port city and the capital of the Alicante province. Its old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, has narrow streets, coloured houses and a lively nightlife scene. From here, an elevator or a steep climb leads to medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast. For lots more information and the top 10 things to do in Alicante click here
ALCOY, Inland
Alcoy is a large Spanish city located Located in the Valencian Community, inland from the coastal resorts on the Northern Costa Blanca and is also known as and referred to as Alcoi, Alcoy is the biggest industrial town in the area but still has lots of history and things to see.
This attractive city is situated at the foot of Serra Mariola and the Font Roja natural park.
Places to Visit, Costa Blanca, North - ALGAR FALLS, Inland
Algar Waterfalls at only 15 km from Benidorm and 3 km from the center of Callosa d'en Sarrià, direction Bolulla, this area was declared a Wetland protected by the Valencian Government.
The visit is a route through a circuit of 1.5 km in length along, where you can walk through the bed of the river Algar ("cave " in Arabic), see the spectacular waterfalls and the numerous sources springs that spring from the rock, the "tolls" (pools of water) where you can take refreshing swims in crystal clear very cold water.
ALTEA Coastal
Altea is without doubt one of the most charming towns to be found on Spain’s ‘White Coast’, located in the region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The town is just 11 kilometres north of Benidorm, yet the two resorts are worlds apart. Altea is similar to other Costa Blanca towns in that it has a new and an old neighbourhood. The old section is perched on top of a hill from where you will find really spectacular views.
All in all, Altea is a pretty town, popular with both holidaymakers and those fortunate enough to be able to live in the area; For lots more information on Altea click HERE
ALFAZ DEL PI or L’Alfàs del Pi
Alfaz del Pi is a town located in the province of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, Spain. The town nestles in the foothills of the Sierra Helada, in the district of the Marina Baixa, just 6km from Benidorm.
ALBIR Coastal
Albir boasts a wonderful beachfront, with spectacular views to the huge rock Peñon de Ifach at Calpe.
Albir is actually classed as part of Alfaz del Pi area. The first thing you will notice about Albir is no high-rise buildings or hotel blocks. Albir has grown from a small community in the last few years into a great holiday destination.
Surrounding Albir is the Sierra Helada (meaning Frozen Mountain), which is a protected nature reserve. Albir beach is a pebble beach with clear water and has been awarded the blue flag of the European Community for the quality of its water, available facilities and for having all kinds of events on and around the beach.
BENIDORM, Coastal - this website is all about Benidorm so not much needed to be said here.
Benidorm has been a tourist destination within Spain since 1925, when its port was extended and the first hotels were built, though it would not be until the 1950s that it became renowned as a summer destination for people coming from inland Spain, especially Madrid. Today it is known for its hotel industry, beaches and skyscrapers and receives as many tourists from abroad as from Spain.
You will find lots of information on this website all about Benidorm
Places to Visit on the Costa Blanca BENISSA Inland
Benissa is the oldest and prettiest of the inland towns of the area. In the late 1980s and 1990s the local authorities started to rescue the historical part of the town from gradual decay. They did a magnificent job restoring the town's splendid 17th and 18th century town houses, so taking a stroll around Benissa's perfectly conserved Historic Centre is a true pleasure. Ironwork balconies and heraldic shields decorate the historic buildings that line the narrow streets of the town. The parish church which is dedicated to Puríssima Xiqueta, the Town Hall, the old Council rooms, the house of Juan Vines and the Franciscan Monastery are just a few of the historic buildings which are worth a look. More information HERE
CALPE, Coastal
Calpe, also spelt without the 'e' as Calp, is instantly recognised by the mighty Penon de Ifach, the huge rock which rises 332 meters out of the Mediterranean sea. This has stood guard over the town and witnessed its transformation from sleepy little fishing village into tourist magnet.
Calpe is best known for its fine sandy beaches and great value fish restaurants. There are two stunning beaches to choose from, one either side of the mighty rock. Both beaches have beautiful long promenades and a great selection of bars and cafes. The fish restaurants are to be found mainly around the marina and the town centre has some excellent local shopping facilities, including a large street market.
Places to visit on the Costa Blanca DENIA Coastal
Denia is situated 51km North of Benidorm, about a 45 minute drive it is set on the northern edge of the Alicante region and backed by the impressive mountains of the the Montgo Natural Park.
A lovely place to visit when in Benidorm! There is the ruined castle which guards the town and has stunning views out over the marina, the natural park of Montgo and the Torre del Gerro.
There is also 20 kilometers of coastline which include both rocky and sandy beaches, the fish market, the old town and the impressive tree lined main shopping street as well as the museums
Places to visit, Costa Blanca North
Costa Blanca North EL CAMPELLO Coastal
El Campello is a modern coastal resort, which boasts 23 kilometres of quiet, pearly white, sandy beaches. Situated 14 kilometres north of Alicante and just a 30 minute drive from Benidorm, it is also easily accessible from Benidorm by Tram (train)
Located facing the Lalmadrava beach, near the residential development Poble Rspañol, El Campello boasts a beautiful natural environment, with an outlook to the beach and sea, and a mountain backdrop.
The Paseo del Mar (promenade) is almost 2 miles long and makes for a lovely evening stroll in the setting sun. During the day take advantage of the beaches and sea.
FINESTRAT Inland and La CALA FINESTRAT Coastal
Finestrat, The Village - The picturesque village, which hugs the mountain side of Puig Campana, has beautiful views from the mountains down to the sea; the architecture has a distinct Moorish influence and many of the houses are colourfully painted. Friday is market day.
La Cala Finestrat - Just a short 15 minute ride or so from Benidorm to the wonderful sandy beach area of Finestrat which is ideal for families, grab a coffee in one of the many beach side cafes (a wonderful place to just sit and watch the world go by)
GATA de GORGOS, Inland
Gata de Gorgos is an old Spanish town situated on the main N332 from Alicante to Valencia. Set inland, Gata is in-between the inland towns of Pedreguer and Teulada.
It is famous for its basket and cane ware made out of esparto and palm, sold in the local shops. Gata is also well known for its Moscatel grapes, these are grown and then using traditional methods, dating from Muslin times, made into the famous wine.
You will also find the famous Las Cuevas Rojas, (red caves) here, there are three cavities, between 10 and 20 meters high, of an intense red color (hence the name), located in the Canela ravine, next to the valley that forms the Gorgos river.
GUADALEST, Inland
The 'Eagle's Nest', is located about 25 km inland from Benidorm along the CV-70 road, It enjoys one of the most spectacular locations of any village in Spain, set high up on a pinnacle and carved out of a mountain top in the midst of truly stunning scenery.
It has a population of only 200 but is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain.
Costa Blanca North, Jalon and the Jalon Valley, Inland
The Jalon Valley, comprises of nine villages and small towns, each one offering something different, Alcalali, Benigembla, Benissa, Castell de Castells, Lliber, Murla, Parcent, Senija and Jalon (Xalo). Jalon boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Spain, with its landscape of olive and pine trees, intermingled with orange groves and vineyards
Jalon town is located around 1 hour 15 minutes drive to the north east of Alicante airport, 14 kilometres, about 20 minutes drive from the northern Costa Blanca town of Calpe and about 30 minutes drive from Benidorm itself.
Costa Blanca North - JAVEA, Coastal
Javea is a small, historic town, free of high rise buildings. The clean, warm, blue Mediterranean Sea laps the beautiful beaches and coves that Javea has to offer.
Places to visit, Costa Blanca North
With its variety of landscape, ranging from sandy coastlines to rugged mountain areas, its mild year-round climate, its careful planning policies and extensive tourist facilities, Javea is a jewel on the Costa Blanca, combining beauty and modern facilities with the charm of an ancient fishing village.
The town is situated between the San Antonio and La Nao points and enjoys the impressive and magnificent protection of Mount Montgó.
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Alicante towards the north-eastern tip of the Costa Blanca. More information about Javea HERE
LA NUCIA, Inland
La Nucia is a municipality of the Marina Baixa (21km2), Alicante, in the Valencian Community.
La Nucia overlooks fields of fruits and vegetables and has become a popular place for expats to live as it is so close to the coast. Popular urbanizations in La Nucia include: Barronco Hondo, Colloma, Bello Horizonte and El Tossal
In the town you find different architectural styles, in the old town area there are picturesque Gothic buildings; the old Hermitage of San Vicente Ferrer, the Purísima Concepción Parish; the magnificent Library Building. It is also worth visiting: the Avenida Portilla viewpoint, the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de los Musicos.
Costa Blanca North, MORAIRA, Coastal
Moraira is small coastal town situated in the beautiful mountainous north-eastern tip of the Costa Blanca, about 45 mins drive from Benidorm (42km)
The town itself has pleasantly grown from a small fishing village to an attractive holiday and retirement resort, retaining its considerable charm that attracts visitors from all over Europe. It’s also particularly popular with Spanish holidaymakers from Madrid and Valencia.
Costa Blanca North, POLOP, Inland
The village of Polop is located inland in the Costa Blanca North in an area known as the Marina Baja (Baxia). The local economy is based mainly on agriculture, almond, citrus fruits and olive trees are among the major crops so much of the surrounding countryside is covered in polythene to act as giant greenhouses.
The village is a delight to explore and perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll. The hill, where the old castle used to be is encircled by a medieval wall, and is a 'must' to walk up you will also find the old Municipal Cemetery here. Follow the zig zag path and you'll be well rewarded with some fabulous views.
RELLEU - The mountain village of Relleu, located approx. 25/30 minutes from Benidorm.
The name Relleu, means "relief" in Valencian, and this village is known for its unique position, nestled among the mountains. Cabeçó d’Or (1,209 m), Sierra de la Grana (1,095 m), El Aguilar (895 m) and the famous Puig Campana can also be seen in the distance.
The village itself, although quite small, is a maze of narrow streets, pretty stone houses and steep hills, with several monuments worth seeing and of course the famous Pasarela de Relleu which is a The footbridge made up of wooden planks cantilevered along the wall of a canyon, it is 212 metres long (one way), at the end you reach a glass floored viewing platform which sits at 60 metre above the canyon (not for the faint hearted).
Costa Blanca North - La VILA JOIOSA (formally VillaJoyosa), Coastal
Villajoyosa or as from 17th September 2020 to be known only as La Vila Joisa in Valencian the name literally means the 'joyful village'. This wonderful town is located just South of Benidorm (10 km) and only a 30 minute drive North from Alicante, on the N-332 along the coast.
It is famous as a centre for the production of chocolate, which could be the reason for its name! The town has three chocolate factories, all of which can be visited. The Valor Chocolate factory is perhaps the most famous, but there is also the Perez Factory and the Clavileno Factory, so you'll be spoilt for choice!
Xativa or Játiva is situated in the Province of Valencia, 117km from Benidorm and is the capital of the La Costera region. The town is famous for being the birthplace of the Spanish painter El Espanoleto and two popes from the Borgia dynasty.
If you love castles then this is definitely the place to visit, with one of the most spectacular castles in the area.
Why travel is good for you - Relax Like a Boss
Obviously there are many more towns and villages to visit, if you would like to see a certain place listed on the page above please comment below and we would be happy to produce an information page.
