Are you visiting Spain but might want to add some day trips to your Spain itinerary? Check out these amazing day trips from Benidorm that are totally worth the effort!
This list of day trips from Benidorm Spain was co-written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Guest post by Ella Moore
It’s no secret that sunny Benidorm, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain, especially for Brits.
Thanks to its location in the middle of the Costa Blanca, it’s an ideal base for exploring the rest of this magnificent region.
From beautiful beaches to incredible mountain ranges and quaint authentic towns, there’s far more to the Costa Blanca than Benidorm!
So, if you’re able to tear yourself away from Benidorm’s beaches, you’ll be well rewarded. Here are the best day trips from Benidorm!
8 Best Day Trips from Benidorm Worth Adding to Your Spain Itinerary
Javea
If you’d like to escape the madness of Benidorm and enjoy a town with a more authentic feel, Javea is the solution!
This small and charming town is located to the north of Benidorm. Its calm and peaceful beaches will be a welcome change to Benidorm’s crowding.
Although Javea is also a holiday destination, wandering its cobbled streets feels far more authentic than Benidorm, and you won’t need to look far to find a mouth-watering dish of local paella.
You may also find Javea written down as Xabia. That’s because Xabia is its name in the local dialect, Valencian.
There are plenty of lovely things to do on a day trip to Javea/Xabia. You’ll wish you had longer! One of the highlights of visiting Javea is exploring its stunning beaches.
The most famous beach is Playa El Arenal, which is about 500 metres long and is lined with numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes. If you have the energy to get out of town, Playa La Granadella is known as the crown jewel of Javea’s coast.
If you want to get to know the historical side of Javea, the old town is a must-visit. It’s a delightful area that boasts narrow cobbled streets, white houses, and Gothic-style churches.
Don’t miss taking a stroll through the Placa de l’Esglesia, a town square that’s surrounded by shops, cafes, and bars.
A trip to Javea wouldn’t be complete without exploring the beautiful Montgo Natural Park. The park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The Montgo mountain offers breathtaking views of the town and coastline.
This is one of the best day trips from Benidorm if you enjoy hiking!
Getting there: Javea is a 45-minute drive from Benidorm or a 90-minute bus.
Moraira
If you’re looking for a relaxed and picturesque destination for a day trip from Benidorm, then Moraira is definitely a great choice.
Like Javea, it’s another coastal town to the north of Benidorm. It offers visitors a peaceful and authentic taste of Spanish coastal life. You won’t find any crazy party groups here!
Moraira is a delightful, unspoiled gem situated between Calpe and Javea. The town’s stunning marina is the perfect spot to take a stroll and admire the yachts and fishing boats bobbing in crystal-clear waters.
The marina is lined with some great restaurants and cafes. These serve fresh seafood, caught that very morning by local fishermen. Yum!
I’ll be honest – there aren’t a million things to do in Moraira. The name of the game here is mostly just sunbathing and relaxing! That said, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for just one day.
One of the most popular things to do in Moraira is to explore the town centre and its historic buildings.
The town is small but perfectly formed, offering plenty of quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. Relax with a coffee or a glass of wine and watch the world go by!
Another highlight of Moraira is the beautiful long sandy beach of El Portet. This bay is perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun, as well as admiring the scenic views from one of the beachfront bars.
You’ll notice that, although it’s busy in summer, it’s mostly filled with couples or families. This is a far cry from some of the rowdy Benidorm beaches!
And if you’re in the mood for some adventure, Moraira has got you covered. The town loves water sports, and kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling are all possible here.
Prefer to stay on dry land? No problem – several hiking trails offer fantastic views of the rugged coastline. Any hike that goes to Cap d’Or, Cala Llebeig, or Cala del Moraig is one worth going on!
Getting there: Moraira is one of the best day trips from Benidorm by car since the drive is only 35 minutes. Getting here by bus takes a whopping two hours – you’ll have to change buses at Calpe.
Altea
Altea is another fantastic day trip destination from Benidorm. It’s so close that the towns are practically neighbours! Whether you’re a culture vulture, foodie or beach bum, you’ll love it in Altea.
One of the best places to visit in Altea is its picturesque Old Town. It feels far more “authentic” than anything you’ll find in Benidorm.
It’s a photographer’s paradise, with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses adorned with colourful flower boxes.
There are plenty of quaint shops, cafes and restaurants to explore here, as well as the iconic blue-domed church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo.
If you’re looking for a chilled-out beach day, Altea can deliver.
The most popular beach is Playa de la Roda. It’s located near the Old Town and offers a range of water sports activities. Your other option is Playa de Cap Blanch, another beach in the centre of town.
In Altea, food is a big deal, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants to try. The town is known for its seafood dishes, which are often seasoned with locally-grown herbs and spices.
For an authentic taste of the region, head to one of the many tapas bars and indulge in some delicious patatas bravas or grilled sardines.
Getting there: Altea is one of the easiest day trips from Benidorm. The drive takes around 20 minutes, and the tram takes just 15 minutes. Easy!
Denia
Looking for another great day trip from Benidorm? Then you should definitely add Denia to your list!
This historic coastal town is located a little further north from Benidorm than Javea and Moraira. But the journey is definitely worth it.
There are loads of fun activities in Denia, and you’ll probably enjoy yourself so much that you’ll want to stay longer, or even live there!
One of the main reasons to visit Denia is its fascinating history. The town has been inhabited since the Roman Empire and has preserved many beautiful historic buildings and monuments.
The most famous of these is the imposing Denia Castle. This dates back to the 11th century and dominates the town skyline.
On your Denia day trip, be sure to take a walk around the castle walls and enjoy the amazing views of the coast and surrounding countryside.
Another must-visit attraction in Denia is the Old Town, which is jam-packed full of mediaeval charm.
We’re talking narrow streets, brightly coloured buildings, and traditional shops and restaurants where you won’t hear any English spoken!
Of course, no trip to Denia would be complete without a visit to its beautiful beaches. It’s known as a beach destination for a reason!
The town has a stunning 20-kilometre-long coastline, which is home to what feels like hundreds of lovely sandy beaches.
My favourites include Punta del Raset and Les Albaranes. Both of these offer lots of space and calm water perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.
Getting there: Denia is one of the best day trips from Benidorm without a car since the bus takes almost the same amount of time! Driving takes 35 minutes, and the express bus takes just 45 minutes.
Alicante
Alicante is a city, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. In fact, it often feels less hectic than Benidorm – especially if you hit some of the beaches outside the centre of town.
If you want a day trip from Benidorm full of activities, attractions and cultural things to do, Alicante is your best bet.
One of the most iconic attractions in Alicante is the Santa Barbara Castle. It’s perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city.
The castle dates back to the 9th century and you’ll be rewarded for the climb up with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Another must-visit site in Alicante is the historic Old Town, known locally as El Barrio. This charming area of the city is full of narrow streets, historic buildings, and iconic landmarks.
Highlights include the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas, the Basilica of Santa Maria, and the Santa Faz Monastery.
If you’re after some beach time, Alicante has plenty of options. The most popular beach is Playa del Postiguet, which is just a stone’s throw from the Old Town.
The beach stretches for over a kilometre and offers plenty of space to sunbathe and swim.
Another great option is San Juan Beach, which is a little further out of the city centre but has gorgeous crystal-clear water.
Getting there: The drive from Benidorm to Alicante takes around 35 minutes. The tram takes around 70 minutes, but the journey hugs the coastline the entire time, making getting there part of the experience!
Valencia
There’s no other way to say it: Valencia is a must-see if you’re visiting the Costa Blanca. This beautiful city feels a million miles away from Benidorm, full of museums and delicious food, making it an excellent day trip option.
One of the most iconic landmarks that you can’t miss seeing in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences.
Designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, this futuristic complex boasts a planetarium, an aquarium, and a science museum.
Even if you don’t go inside, you need to stop by during your time in the city just to marvel at how cool this building looks!
Don’t miss out on the Central Market, which is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods, as well as some delicious bites to eat. It’s the perfect place to hold your very own tapas tour.
For a bite to eat that’s truly authentic, enjoy a traditional Valencian breakfast of horchata and fartons, doughnut-like pastries.
Of course, no visit to Valencia would be complete without trying some authentic paella. This famous rice dish originated in Valencia, and there are plenty of restaurants serving up delicious versions of it.
For the quintessential Valencian paella, head to La Pepica, which has been serving up the dish since 1898!
Getting there: It takes around 90 minutes to drive from Benidorm to Valencia, and 1 hour 45 minutes on the bus, making this one of the longer day trips from Benidorm on this list.
Guadalest
Let’s break away from the coast for a while and head inland. After all, Benidorm has plenty of beautiful beaches, so maybe you’re seeking something different for your day out. That’s where Guadalest comes in.
This stunningly beautiful mountain-top village is a Spanish hidden gem, boasting breathtaking landscapes without a beach in sight!
The village is built around a castle, inventively called the Guadalest Castle, which dates back to the 11th century. The castle was originally constructed by the Moors and was later used as a fortress during the reconquest of Spain by the Christians.
Today, you can explore the castle and the museum inside it which houses various artifacts and exhibitions from different periods of Spanish history.
One of the top attractions of Guadalest is the mirage-like cascade of the Algar waterfalls. The Algar waterfalls are located just outside of the village, so having your own vehicle will come in handy.
You’ll find several walking paths through the forests and riverside, all leading to the waterfall, where you can cool off in the gorgeous pools and splash under the falls.
To enjoy the panoramic views of Guadalest’s stunning landscape, take a stroll up to the Mirador Plaza San Gregorio, a lookout point that provides sensational views of the bright blue water beneath.
Getting there: The drive to Guadalest from Benidorm takes just over 30 minutes. Another option is to get there in around 1 hour and 15 minutes on the bus, but you’ll have to change buses halfway through the journey.
Albacete
Albacete may not be as well-known as some other day trip options from Benidorm, but that only adds to its charm. It’s another inland day trip from Benidorm, perfect for those seeking a break from the sea and sand.
Start your day trip to Albacete by exploring the Museum of Albacete. This museum offers a crash course on the area’s history, from prehistoric times through to the present day.
From there, head to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the most significant religious monument in the city.
This Gothic-style cathedral dates back to the 16th century and boasts an impressive bell tower that is definitely worth climbing to for the panoramic views.
I can’t lie – there aren’t loads of things to do in Albacete, but if you’re looking for non-touristy places to visit near Benidorm Albacete will tick all of your boxes!
It’s pretty much the complete opposite of Benidorm, making it the perfect day out for those looking for a break from the town.
Getting there: The drive to Albacete takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes, and the express bus takes 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Benidorm Day Trips FAQs
Guadalest is approximately 25 kilometers from Benidorm. It’s renowned for its stunning castle and breathtaking views, making it worth the visit.
Yes, there are numerous boat trips available from Benidorm, including trips to the island of Tabarca, around Peacock Island, and along the Costa Blanca.
Yes, Valencia is about 1.5 hours away by car, making it a feasible day trip from Benidorm. Valencia offers various attractions including the City of Arts and Sciences and the Oceanogràfic.
Yes, many companies offer guided tours for day trips from Benidorm to surrounding attractions. These tours often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes even meals.
Altea is known for its beautiful old town with white-washed houses, blue-domed church, and its stunning sea views. You can also enjoy its art galleries and local cuisine.
Yes, but it will be a long day. Ferries from Denia (around 45 min from Benidorm by car) to Ibiza take around 2 hours. Flights are also available from Alicante.
Benidorm Day Trips Wrap Up
I hope this helps you figure out your Spain itinerary! These are some of the best day trips from Benidorm that are perfect for people who love to explore!
About Ella
Ella Moore is the travel blogger behind Many More Maps, a travel blog focused on exploring the coolest parts of the UK. Having spent three months living on the Costa Blanca in Spain, she loves nothing more than telling the world about the best travel experiences in this awesome region.
Looking for more Spain travel content? Check out my top Madrid travel tips, things to do in Barcelona with kids, Barcelona travel tips, day trips from Madrid by train, Barcelona day trips, things to do in Madrid with kids, tourist attractions in Seville, Europe travel tips, how to plan a trip to Spain, and Mallorca travel tips!
