What to see in the Costa Blanca in five days

The Costa Blanca is a quintessentially Mediterranean destination. Incredible beaches, delicious cuisine and age-old traditions come together on this stretch of the coastline, offering up boundless opportunities to explore. Our five-day itinerary will break down the very best places to spend your time in the Costa Blanca. Keep reading to make sure you don’t miss out on something special. 

What to see in the Costa Blanca in five days

Day 1: Dénia and Jávea

The itinerary starts in two beautiful seaside destinations separated by the mountain of El Montgó natural park. Capital of the Marina Alta county, Dénia is a modern cosmopolitan town with a great history behind it. During your time in the municipality, make sure you take time to wander the streets of the historic centre and visit its great castle. The views and sunsets from the fortress are mesmerising. 

Dénia is also blessed with fine sandy beaches that are ideal for a day of sun, sea and sand. If you love snorkelling, Les Rotes is the best place to go as it has the most incredible seabed. Once you’ve worked up an appetite on the coast, we recommend you sit down for a delicious meal. The cuisine in Dénia is particularly good and the town has been listed a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. 

Nestled between two capes, Nao and San Antonio, sits the sparkling town of Jávea. The destination offers three separate areas: the town, the port and the beach. A wonderful place defined by a long fishing tradition and the most beautiful crystalline waters. 

Day 2: Calp, Teulada-Moraira, Altea

The next stop on our tour of the Costa Blanca is Teulada/Moraira. This destination has not one, but two towns: one in the inland and the other on the coast.

The historic centre of Teulada is a joy to explore with its beautiful places of worship, such as the Renaissance church. On the coast, Moraira will take your breath away with incredible wild coves, caressed by the sea breeze, where you can spend hours snorkelling and exploring the underwater world. 

Calp is a must-visit. If you want to get a bird’s-eye view of this slice of the Costa Blanca, climb up to the top of Peñón de Ifach, a rocky outcrop jutting into the sea. The views will be worth the effort. Wherever you go in this seaside town, you will be delighted, from the hidden coves to the historic centre replete with vestiges from the past. If you want to venture a little bit further, hire a bike and peddle to the salt pans, La Fossa beach and Cala Calalga. What isn’t there to love? 

To conclude your second day, there is nothing better than taking a look around the town that defines the Costa Blanca. Altea paints a pretty picture with its whitewashed houses, blue cupulas and tranquil streets. Wander around the historic centre, take some photos, breathe in the sunset from the viewing point and, if you’re in the mood, do some shopping. 

Day 3: Benidorm, Callosa d’en Sarrià and El Castell de Guadalest

The third day of the itinerary combines the treasures of the coast and the inland. Our first stop is in the holiday destination famed for its high-rises. Benidorm enjoys over 300 days of sun a year, ideal for enjoying its boundless beaches and tourist attractions. While the skyline of the new town is distinctive, the historic centre is equally so, emanating the charm of a traditional fishing village. 

Once you’ve explored the old town, head to Balcón del Mediterráneo, a viewing point where you can breathe in spectacular vistas over Benidorm and the Mediterranean. And now the time has finally come to go to the beach: Tío Ximo and La Almadrava coves and Levante and Poniente beaches are excellent options. 

If you love the inland, the Costa Blanca will win your heart. Callosa d’en Sarrià has dreamy landscapes and a Medieval centre that will transport you back in time. Situated just outside the town, Fonts de l’Algar are natural pools you’ll find it hard not to jump into and Forat de Bèrnia is a spectacular hiking route. As you make your way under the natural arch of the mountain, you will be instilled with a sense of total calm. 

The third and final destination on the itinerary for the day is El Castell de Guadalest. It is no exaggeration to say that the village is a real treasure. As you arrive, you will see a fortress perched atop a precipitous rock, giving you the sense that the streets of the village ooze history. Peculiarly, El Castell de Guadalest is home to a large number of museums, ranging from the most unusual, Museo de Microminiaturas, to the museum with the most original pieces. 

That said, it is the scenery that will leave the greatest impression on you. The sight of Guadalest reservoir is well-known for its hypnotic tones of turquoise. Want to find out more? Come and explore. 

Day 4: Jijona and Alcoy

On day four, the itinerary remains in the inland of the Costa Blanca. The first stop is Jijona, which is famed for its turrón or nougat. You simply have to try some during your time here, even if it’s not Christmas, when it is traditionally eaten. Beyond the sweet treat, the town has an historic centre filled with captivating buildings and monuments. And if you’re feeling energetic, head out into the surrounding scenery to go for a long walk and soak up the views. 

Alcoy, is the second inland destination for the day. The town is embraced in the landscapes of Sierra de Mariola natural park and El Carrascal de la Font Roja. This is an incredible place to enjoy the great outdoors, as well as the town’s traditions and culture. During your visit, make sure you try some of its delicious cuisine and try to coincide with the dates of the town’s vibrant festivals. 

Day 5: Alicante

Our itinerary for the Costa Blanca concludes in Alicante, a beautiful city bathed in sunlight. Quintessentially Mediterranean, the destination is steeped in history that is still very much alive today. 

Start your visit at Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a castle affording incredible vistas over the city. If the fortress piques your interest about Alicante’s past, you could take a guided tour around the city, and specifically the historic centre. 

The beaches lining the coastline will tempt you to take a swim in the Mediterranean. And there are several to choose from: San Juan, La Albufereta and El Postiguet. Whichever you go to, you’ll love the clear waters and soft sand. 

And that’s it for our itinerary of the Costa Blanca. That said, this guide only scratches at the surface: there is plenty more to explore. So what are you waiting for? Book a trip and start exploring this beautiful slice of the Region of Valencia.