THE SURROUNDINGS
Mountain villages, waterfalls, theme parks and one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Spain — most day trips are less than half an hour away. With the tram, you don’t even need a car.
From a colourful fishing town to a mountain village with a castle — all within an hour’s drive.
2 km · 5 min by car
The colourful fishermen’s houses along the seafront are the emblem of the region: they were once painted so that fishermen could recognise their homes from the sea. Behind them lies the Casco Antiguo, with narrow streets, a promenade full of terraces and a beach more than three kilometres long.
12 km · 15 min by car or ± 20 min by tram
Two long city beaches, Levante and Poniente, separated by the rocky headland with the Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint. Lively, with plenty of terraces, and in the evening the busiest spot on the Costa Blanca.
± 30 min by car
A whitewashed hill village above the coast. Climb the narrow lanes to the square in front of the church with the blue domes — at its most beautiful at sunset.
32 km · 30 min by car or ± 55 min by tram
Santa Bárbara Castle stands on top of Mount Benacantil, with views over the whole bay. Below lie the palm-lined Explanada de España promenade and the colourful houses of the Santa Cruz quarter.
± 45 min by car
A mountain village with fewer than two hundred inhabitants, built on and into a rock in the Sierra de Aitana. You enter through a tunnel; from the castle ruins you look out over a turquoise reservoir.
± 45 min by car
The Peñón de Ifach rises 332 metres straight out of the sea. The walk to the top is challenging and goes partly through a tunnel; book in advance, as visitor numbers are limited.
Cliffs, waterfalls and mountain trails — often less than half an hour’s drive from the apartment.
Callosa d’en Sarrià · ± 30 min
Waterfalls and natural swimming pools in a gorge, with a marked route along the water. The water is cold even in August. Go early: it is popular and visitor numbers are limited.
± 25 min by car
A paved, almost flat route of about 2.4 kilometres along the cliffs to the lighthouse. Easy to do with children or a pushchair, with views over the bay of Altea along the way.
Villajoyosa · 2 km
The largely dry riverbed on the western edge of the old town has been turned into a green city park with wide footpaths.
Right on your doorstep
North and south of the beach lie rocky coves. Below the hill with the Iberian archaeological site of La Malladeta is a rocky seabed with posidonia meadows — the best spot for snorkelling.
Four large parks lie side by side on the edge of Benidorm, about twenty minutes’ drive away.
Benidorm · ± 20 min by car
Theme park built around the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean: Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Iberians, with roller coasters and water rides.
Benidorm · ± 20 min by car
Water park on the hill above Levante beach, with slides, a large wave pool and plenty of shady spots.
Benidorm · ± 20 min by car
Park with marine animals, parrots and primates, right next to Aqualandia. Easy to combine in one day.
Benidorm · ± 20 min by car
Animal park where the enclosures have been designed without visible fences, with a separate water park next door for the summer.
The water starts right outside the door. From the sea, you see the coast at its most beautiful.
From Playa Paraíso · 1 min
In summer you can hire equipment on the beach. From the water you can reach coves that are hard to find from land. Full-moon trips are also organised.
± 15 min on foot
Rocky seabed with seagrass meadows below the hill with the Iberian archaeological site. Bring water shoes — the way into the water is stony.
From Benidorm, Alicante or Santa Pola
A small island with a walled village and a protected marine reserve around it — the clearest water on this coast. Allow half a day to a full day.
Boat from Benidorm
The triangular island off the coast of Benidorm. A short crossing, a walk up to the top and snorkelling in clear water.
Villajoyosa has been making chocolate since the nineteenth century — and has a surprisingly rich past.
Villajoyosa · 2 km
Valor has been making chocolate here since 1881. The museum in the old factory building next to the modern factory tells the story of the cocoa bean and shows the old machines. The tour ends with a tasting and the factory shop; admission is free.
Villajoyosa · 2 km
The town’s archaeological museum, with finds from the Roman necropolis and from shipwrecks off the coast. Designed to be accessible to everyone, including children.
Villajoyosa · 2 km
Besides Valor, Villajoyosa has two more chocolate factories, each with its own museum and shop. Together they make the town the chocolate capital of Spain.
Villajoyosa · 2 km
The church of La Asunción was built as a fortified church to defend against pirates. Sections of the medieval wall, a watchtower and a Roman bridge also survive.
Alicante · 30 min
The province’s archaeological museum, award-winning and modern in design, with changing exhibitions.
Visit in July or around St John’s Day and you will see the region at its liveliest.
Villajoyosa · last week of July
Villajoyosa commemorates the repelled attack of 1538 with one of the best-known festivals in the region. The highlight is the landing on the beach at dawn, after which the parades continue for days.
Alicante · around 24 June
Alicante fills the city with giant figures that are set alight on the last night, with fireworks over the beach.
Villajoyosa · every Thursday
Vegetables, fruit, cheese, herbs and clothing. Go early, when it is quieter and the stalls are at their best.
TRAM LINE 1
The tram runs right along the coast and is the easiest way to explore the region without a car. From Benidorm, line 9 continues through the mountains to Dénia — one of the most beautiful train journeys in Spain.
