Best Day Trips from Benidorm
Benidorm is one of the Costa Blanca’s most popular holiday destinations. However, there is much more to discover beyond its famous beaches and skyline. Charming seaside towns, mountain villages, waterfalls, and colourful fishing ports all lie within easy reach. Whether you travel by car, bus, tram, or organised tour, these destinations make excellent day trips. This guide highlights the best places to visit from Benidorm and explains why each one deserves a place on your itinerary.
Altea – The White Jewel of the Costa Blanca
Just 15 kilometres north of Benidorm, Altea is one of the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca. Its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and blue-domed church create a completely different atmosphere from nearby Benidorm.
You can reach Altea in around 20 minutes by tram or by car. If travelling by train, use the local TRAM network to connect with the town. Check connections.
Start your visit in the historic old town. Wander through narrow lanes filled with art galleries, craft shops, and cafés before reaching the beautiful Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Its striking blue tiled dome is visible from across the bay.
Afterwards, browse the boutiques around Plaza de la Iglesia before enjoying lunch on one of the terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. Fresh seafood and traditional rice dishes are local favourites.
Later, walk along Altea’s palm-lined promenade before relaxing on the pebble beach. Unlike Benidorm, the atmosphere here is peaceful throughout the year.
If you decide to drive, the journey follows the scenic N-332 coastal road. Hire a Car.
If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Guadalest – A Spectacular Mountain Village
Few places near Benidorm are as impressive as Guadalest. Perched high above a turquoise reservoir, this fortified mountain village regularly appears among Spain’s most beautiful destinations.
The drive from Benidorm takes about 30 minutes through the mountains. Hire a Car.
If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Enter the village through the tunnel carved into the rock before exploring the medieval streets. The official Guadalest tourism website provides visitor information and opening times.
The ruins of San José Castle offer breathtaking views across the Guadalest Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Bring your camera because the scenery is unforgettable.
Guadalest also surprises visitors with its unusual museums. The Casa Orduña Museum explores local history, while miniature, dollhouse, and vintage vehicle museums add something different to your visit.
Allow time to enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the valley. Many serve traditional Valencian dishes made with local ingredients.
Algar Waterfalls – A Natural Escape
If you want to cool off during the warmer months, head to the beautiful Algar Waterfalls. Officially known as Les Fonts d’Algar, this protected nature area lies close to Callosa d’en Sarrià.
The waterfalls are only around 30 minutes from Benidorm by car. Hire a Car.
If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Crystal-clear pools, small waterfalls, and shaded walking paths make this one of the Costa Blanca’s most refreshing attractions. Visitors can swim in designated areas while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Because visitor numbers are limited during busy periods, purchasing tickets online before your visit is recommended. You can buy them through the official Les Fonts d’Algar website.
Several picnic areas and restaurants nearby make this an excellent destination for families as well as couples.
Villajoyosa – Colourful Streets and Chocolate
South of Benidorm lies Villajoyosa, often called La Vila Joiosa. This attractive fishing town is famous for its brightly painted waterfront houses and long chocolate-making tradition.
You can reach Villajoyosa in around 20 minutes by tram. Check connections.
Alternatively, driving takes less than 20 minutes. Hire a Car.
If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Begin by exploring the colourful old town, where rows of vibrant houses overlook the beach. According to local tradition, fishermen painted their homes in bright colours so they could recognise them from the sea.
Next, visit the famous Valor Chocolate Museum. Admission is free, but guided tours are popular. Booking in advance is recommended through the official website, especially during peak season.
After the museum, enjoy a walk along the seafront before relaxing on Playa Centro. The sandy beach is much quieter than Benidorm’s main beaches and offers calm waters for swimming.
Alicante – History, Castles and the Mediterranean
Alicante is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Benidorm. The city combines historic landmarks, attractive beaches, lively squares, and an excellent food scene. It is around 45 minutes away by car or about an hour by TRAM.
If you travel by train, Check connections.
If you prefer to drive, the journey follows the AP-7 motorway. Hire a Car.
If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Begin your visit at Santa Bárbara Castle. Sitting high above the city on Mount Benacantil, the fortress offers spectacular views across Alicante and the Mediterranean. Admission is free, although guided tours can be booked through the official website.
After exploring the castle, stroll through the colourful Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Its whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, and narrow streets provide countless photo opportunities.
Continue to the elegant Explanada de España. The famous promenade features more than six million marble tiles arranged in a wave pattern. Palm trees provide welcome shade while cafés line the waterfront.
If time allows, relax on Playa del Postiguet before enjoying fresh seafood in the marina. Alicante offers an ideal balance of sightseeing and relaxation.
Calpe – Home of the Peñón de Ifach
Calpe is another outstanding destination north of Benidorm. The town is famous for the enormous limestone rock known as the Peñón de Ifach. Rising 332 metres above the sea, it dominates the Costa Blanca skyline.
The drive from Benidorm takes around 35 minutes. Hire a Car.
If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Begin at the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park. The walking trail climbs through a tunnel before reaching spectacular viewpoints. The higher section requires sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness. Visitor numbers are often limited, so booking your free entry online through the official website is recommended.
After your walk, visit the historic centre. Murals decorate many streets, while Plaza de la Villa offers pleasant cafés and traditional architecture.
Next, explore the fascinating Baños de la Reina. These Roman fish ponds were carved into the coastal rock nearly 2,000 years ago and remain one of Calpe’s most interesting archaeological sites.
Finish your visit by relaxing on Playa de la Fossa, where the golden sand and clear water provide the perfect end to the day.
Planning Your Day Trips
Most destinations around Benidorm are easy to reach. The Costa Blanca TRAM connects Benidorm with several coastal towns, including Villajoyosa, Altea, Calpe, and Alicante. Hiring a car provides greater flexibility, especially when visiting mountain villages and natural attractions.
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. During summer, start early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Carry water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes wherever you go.
If you plan to visit popular attractions such as Terra Mítica, Les Fonts d’Algar, or the Peñón de Ifach, booking tickets or reserving entry before your visit can save time and help avoid disappointment. Buy Tickets
Final Thoughts
Benidorm is far more than a beach resort. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the Costa Blanca. Within an hour, you can discover medieval mountain villages, colourful fishing towns, dramatic coastal scenery, natural waterfalls, and vibrant cities.
Whether you choose the whitewashed streets of Altea, the breathtaking views from Guadalest, the refreshing pools of Les Fonts d’Algar, the chocolate heritage of Villajoyosa, the historic landmarks of Alicante, or the iconic Peñón de Ifach in Calpe, each destination offers something unique.
These day trips allow you to experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty surrounding Benidorm. Together, they create unforgettable memories and show a completely different side of Spain’s beautiful Costa Blanca.