7 Day Costa Blanca Itinerary
The Costa Blanca suits almost every kind of holiday. Families head to Benidorm for theme parks and long sandy beaches. Couples prefer the quieter charm of Altea and Jávea. History lovers explore hilltop castles and whitewashed old towns. Meanwhile, hikers climb dramatic coastal rocks and mountain villages. This seven day route mixes all of these experiences. You’ll enjoy city life in Alicante, island boat trips, waterfalls, and beach towns. Consequently, you’ll leave with a genuine feel for the whole region, not just one resort.
For total freedom along the coast, it’s worth hiring a car for the week. Hire a Car before you land, so it’s waiting at the airport. Alternatively, buses and the coastal TRAM link most towns on this route.
Day 1: Arrive in Alicante
Your trip begins at Alicante Airport. It sits just nine kilometres from the city centre. Therefore, you’ll reach your hotel within twenty minutes by taxi or bus.
Explanada de España
This palm-lined seafront promenade is famous for its wavy marble mosaic paving. Street performers and pavement cafés line the route towards the marina. Get directions
Santa Bárbara Castle
Next, ride the lift through the rock to reach this ninth-century Santa Bárbara Castle. From the top, you’ll see the whole bay of Alicante and, on a clear day, Tabarca Island. Entry to the grounds is free, though the lift carries a small charge. Get directions
Mercado Central Alicante
Finish the day at this bustling Art Nouveau market hall. Stallholders sell local seafood, jamón, and fresh fruit under a striking domed roof. Get directions
Alicante offers plenty of choice for your first night. The Hospes Amerigo is a five-star boutique hotel in a former convent, known for its rooftop pool and city views; it scores around 4.6 on Google, with reviewers regularly mentioning attentive staff and stylish rooms. Meliá Alicante sits right on the marina and scores near 4.3, with guests praising the spa and waterfront location. SH Ciscar, a modern city-centre option, scores around 4.2, and reviewers often highlight great value and a short walk to the beach. Eurostars Alicante Centro scores close to 4.3, with comments about comfortable beds and a handy location near the market. Finally, budget-friendly Hotel Los Ángeles scores around 4.0, and visitors frequently mention its proximity to Postiguet Beach. Book Accommodation
Day 2: Tabarca Island Boat Trip
Today, swap the mainland for Spain’s only inhabited island. Ferries depart from Alicante’s harbour throughout the morning.
Nueva Tabarca
This tiny fortified island offers crystal-clear water, a marine reserve, and a walled old town. Snorkelling here is excellent, and the seafood restaurants are superb. Because crossings fill up fast in summer, booking ahead makes sense. Buy Tickets Get directions
Return to Alicante for a second night at your chosen hotel above, then rest before heading north tomorrow. Buy Tickets
Day 3: Villajoyosa to Benidorm
Today, drive or catch the TRAM north along the coast towards Benidorm. Check connections
Villajoyosa Old Town
Break your journey here to photograph the famously colourful harbourside houses. Fishermen once painted them in bright shades so sailors could spot home from the sea. Get directions
Benidorm Old Town and Poniente Beach
Wander the narrow lanes around the whitewashed church of San Jaime first. Afterwards, walk the full length of Poniente Beach, one of Europe’s finest urban beaches. Get directions
Benidorm has accommodation for every budget. The Gran Hotel Bali, one of Spain’s tallest hotels, scores around 4.2, with reviewers mentioning sweeping views and lively pools. Meliá Benidorm is adults-only and scores near 4.3, praised for its rooftop infinity pool. RH Bristol Park is family-friendly and scores about 4.4, with guests regularly mentioning the water park and buffet breakfast. Hotel Poseidon Playa sits directly on the seafront and scores around 4.1, noted for its central beachfront position. Rosamar Garden Resort offers good value near 4.0, with comments about its gardens and pools. Book Accommodation
Day 4: Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls
Head inland today towards the mountains for a change of scenery.
Castillo de San José, Guadalest
Guadalest perches dramatically above a turquoise reservoir. Climb through a tunnel cut into solid rock to reach the castle ruins and the Casa Orduña museum. Because this excursion combines several stops, joining a guided tour saves time. Buy Tickets Get directions
Fuentes del Algar
Afterwards, cool off at these natural waterfalls and pools near Callosa d’en Sarrià. A gentle 1.5 kilometre path leads past turquoise swimming holes shaded by trees. Get directions
Return to your Benidorm hotel this evening for a well-earned rest.
Day 5: Terra Mítica and Altea
Choose your pace today between thrills and gentle sightseeing.
Terra Mítica
This ancient-world theme park recreates Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Islands across five zones. Highlights include the Titánide roller coaster and the Vuelo del Fénix drop tower. Since queues build quickly, buying tickets online first is wise. Buy Tickets Get directions
Altea Old Town
Alternatively, spend the afternoon among Altea’s blue-domed church and cobbled artists’ quarter. Small galleries and terrace cafés fill the steep, whitewashed streets. Get directions
Day 6: Calpe to Jávea
Pack up this morning and move north towards the Marina Alta coastline.
Peñón de Ifach
This towering limestone rock dominates the skyline above Calpe. A moderate hiking trail leads through a tunnel to the 332 metre summit. Visits to the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park require a free advance booking, so plan ahead. Get directions
Jávea Old Town and Arenal Beach
Continue to Jávea for the evening. First, explore the sandstone old town, then relax on the lively Arenal promenade. Get directions
Jávea rewards visitors with excellent accommodation choices. Hotel El Rodat is a boutique hillside retreat scoring around 4.6, with reviewers praising its pools and sea views. Parador de Jávea sits directly on the beach and scores near 4.4, noted for its modern rooms and location. Hotel Cristina offers a central budget base scoring about 4.1, with guests mentioning its proximity to the port. Hotel Miramar scores around 4.0, praised for friendly staff and sea-facing balconies. Hotel Amaia Jávea scores close to 4.0, with comments about its quiet garden setting. Book Accommodation
Day 7: Dénia and Departure
On your final day, explore one more historic town before flying home.
Castillo de Dénia
This thousand-year-old fortress overlooks Dénia‘s harbour and the Montgó mountain. Climb through the Portal de la Vila to reach the castle grounds and archaeological museum. Afterwards, browse the tapas bars near the marina before your journey south. Get directions
Finally, return your hire car and head back to Alicante Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, regular buses run from Dénia to the airport, so booking ahead avoids delays. Buy Tickets
Over seven days, this itinerary combines beaches, mountains, castles, and islands across the best of the Costa Blanca. From lively Benidorm to peaceful Jávea, every stop offers something different. Consequently, you’ll return home having seen far more than a single resort could ever show you.