A Local Guide to Alicante Coastal Villages

The best Costa Blanca days often begin away from the big resort promenades: coffee in a palm-shaded square, a short coastal ride, then a swim in water clear enough to see the seabed. This guide to Alicante coastal villages is for visitors who want that slower, more local side of the province, whether you are staying in Benidorm, Altea, Calpe or Alicante city.

The coastline is not one continuous beach road, and that is part of its charm. It changes quickly from fishing harbours and colourful old houses to limestone cliffs, pebbled coves and vineyard-covered hills. A little planning makes all the difference, especially in July and August when parking and beach access can be more complicated.

How to use this guide to Alicante coastal villages

If you have a car, electric motorcycle or eBike, choose one or two places for the day rather than trying to cover the whole coast. The distances look short on a map, but narrow roads, viewpoints and the temptation to stop for a swim make journeys longer in the best possible way.

From Benidorm, Villajoyosa is about 20 minutes south, Altea around 20 minutes north, and Calpe around 35 minutes north. From Calpe to Moraira, allow 25 to 30 minutes. Alicante city to Villajoyosa is roughly 35 minutes by road, depending on traffic. The coastal TRAM is also a useful option between Alicante, Villajoyosa, Benidorm and Altea, though it will not take you directly to the smaller coves.

Villajoyosa: colour, chocolate and an easy beach day

Villajoyosa is an excellent first stop if you are based in Benidorm or Alicante. Its old waterfront houses are painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, pink and red, a tradition often linked to fishermen recognising their homes from the sea. The central beach is long, sandy and close to cafés, so it works particularly well for families, cruise visitors and anyone who prefers facilities nearby.

Take time to walk beyond the main promenade. The old town streets behind the seafront are quieter, and the harbour area gives you a more working-town feel. Villajoyosa is also closely associated with chocolate making, making it a good place for a mid-morning stop before the heat builds.

For a less busy swim, head south towards the coves around La Caleta and El Paraíso. They are prettier and more natural than the central beach, but bring water shoes for the pebbles and arrive early in summer. This is a good area for snorkelling when the sea is calm, although visibility drops after strong easterly winds.

Altea: old-town streets above the sea

Altea feels different from neighbouring Benidorm almost immediately. Its old town climbs a hill above the waterfront, with whitewashed houses, blue-domed church views and narrow lanes that reward a slow wander. The climb is real, so allow time and wear sensible footwear. It is less suitable for some mobility scooter users, but the flat seafront promenade is accessible and enjoyable in its own right.

The beach at Altea is mostly pebble rather than sand. That puts off some visitors, but it also means clearer water and a more relaxed atmosphere outside peak season. A folding beach chair or thicker towel helps. Along the seafront, choose a simple lunch of grilled fish, arroz a banda or tapas rather than rushing back to the resort.

For couples, sunset in Altea old town is hard to beat, but it is popular. Visit in late afternoon, explore the streets before dinner, then book a table if you have a particular restaurant in mind. In winter and early spring, the town is especially pleasant because you can enjoy the views without the summer crowds.

Albir: a gentle route with a lighthouse reward

Between Benidorm and Altea, Albir is a practical choice for an active morning. The beach is broad and pebbled, while the promenade is mostly level and well suited to a relaxed cycle, mobility scooter outing or family stroll.

The real highlight is the route to Faro de l'Albir, the lighthouse at the edge of Serra Gelada Natural Park. The paved path is around 2.5 kilometres each way from the entrance and offers open views across the bay towards Benidorm. It is manageable for many visitors, but it is exposed, so avoid the midday sun in summer and bring more water than you think you need.

This is a place where an eBike makes a real difference. You can cover the flat coastal stretch comfortably, then save your energy for the viewpoint and a long lunch afterwards.

Calpe: more than the Peñón de Ifach

Calpe is known for the Peñón de Ifach, the huge rock rising above the town, and it is certainly worth seeing. Yet the most enjoyable way to experience Calpe is to combine its busier sandy beach with its quieter edges. The old town has murals, local shops and a more traditional rhythm than the hotel-lined seafront.

North of the rock, the harbour has seafood restaurants and boats coming in during the afternoon. South of it, the salt lake often has flamingos, with the Peñón as a dramatic backdrop. Both are easy to reach by bike or electric motorcycle, but traffic around the beaches can be heavy in high season.

If you plan to walk the Peñón, check access conditions before setting off and wear proper shoes. The route is not simply a casual promenade walk, and windy weather can change the experience completely. For many people, the coastal views from below are just as rewarding.

Benissa Costa and Moraira: coves worth slowing down for

The coastline between Calpe and Moraira is where many visitors find their favourite swimming spots. Benissa Costa is a series of small coves rather than a single village centre, connected in parts by the Paseo Ecológico coastal path. Cala La Fustera has useful facilities and easier access; Cala Advocat and Baladrar feel smaller and more tucked away.

These are not the beaches to arrive at 1 pm in August expecting an easy parking space. Go early, consider two wheels, and pack lightly because some access paths involve steps. The reward is clear water, rocky edges for snorkelling and a landscape that feels much wilder than the distance from the main road suggests.

Moraira itself is polished but still retains the scale of a small coastal town. Its sandy beach, El Portet bay and little castle beside the seafront make it a good choice for a full day. El Portet is beautiful, but small, so visit early or outside the busiest summer weeks. For lunch, look for rice dishes, grilled prawns and local wines from the Marina Alta area.

A scenic coastal day from Benidorm or Altea

A well-paced route begins in Altea for coffee and an old-town walk, continues through Albir, then follows the N-332 towards Calpe. Stop near the salt lake or harbour, then continue to Cala La Fustera for a swim before ending in Moraira. Without stops, it is only around 55 kilometres from Altea to Moraira. With viewpoints, lunch and a beach break, it easily fills a memorable day.

The trade-off is simple: a car gives you shade and space for beach gear, while an eBike or electric motorcycle makes parking easier and turns the journey itself into part of the holiday. In summer, begin early. In spring, autumn and the warmer winter days, take your time and enjoy the quieter roads.

When to go and what to bring

May, June, September and October are the sweet spots for most coastal exploring. The sea is usually warm enough for swimming by late spring, restaurants are open, and there is more room on the beaches. July and August bring the liveliest atmosphere, but also full car parks, hot pavement and busy coves.

A small dry bag, refillable water bottle, sun protection and water shoes are genuinely useful along this coast. For snorkelling, choose a calm morning and stay clear of boat channels. Never assume a small cove has lifeguards, toilets or shade simply because it looks close to a resort on the map.

FAQs

Which Alicante coastal village is best for families?

Villajoyosa is often the easiest choice thanks to its central sandy beach, promenade and nearby cafés. Moraira is another good option, particularly for a quieter day. For families with older children who enjoy snorkelling, the coves of Benissa Costa are more exciting, though less convenient with pushchairs and lots of equipment.

Can I visit these villages without hiring a car?

Yes, particularly Villajoyosa, Benidorm, Albir and Altea, which are connected by the TRAM and local transport. For Benissa Costa, El Portet and more remote beaches, a rental vehicle, guided outing or taxi gives you much more freedom.

Are the coastal routes suitable for beginners on an eBike?

Many are, especially the promenades around Villajoyosa, Albir and Altea. The hill into Altea old town and sections around Moraira are steeper, but an eBike takes the strain out of them. Ask about range, route length and your confidence level before setting off.

Costa Blanca is best experienced at a pace that leaves room for the unexpected: a quiet cove, a market stall, a restaurant full of locals, or a viewpoint you had not planned to stop at. If you would like help choosing a route, Aura Rent & Tours can help you plan a coastal day around the way you like to travel, with online booking and quick WhatsApp support available before you set off.