Was this page helpful?
Last update: 16 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Costa Blanca Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Spain – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in Spain, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Credit and debit cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options are available in many establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Spain but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may also be tipped, though it is less common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is restricted in some regions, particularly in tourist-heavy cities. Local laws may vary. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| La Tomatina (August) |
A famous tomato-throwing festival, expect large crowds in Buñol. |
|---|---|
| Semana Santa (March/April) |
Religious parades and events make this a busy time in major cities. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and festive celebrations, with tourist areas becoming busier. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Cabify, Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | Spain is known for its diverse culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals. Public transport is reliable and efficient, making it easy to explore. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Costa Blanca, Spain
Beach season June to September, sea reaches swimming temperature from about June
Heavy autumn downpours possible September to November, sometimes with flash floods
Many beach bars and seasonal businesses close October to April, especially in smaller resorts
Moros y Cristianos festivals in towns like Alcoy and Villajoyosa, dates vary by town, many in April and October
Don't miss
- 🏛️ Explore Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences.
- 🍽️ Sample paella at Alboran Sea restaurants.
- 🌊 Relax on Playa de la Malvarrosa beach.
- 🏺 Visit Sagunto Roman ruins near Benidorm.
- 🎢 Wander Tivoli World amusement park rides.
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Costa Blanca?
The Costa Blanca, stretching from Benidorm to Denia along Spain’s eastern coast, offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and practical amenities that appeal to a wide range of travelers. The region’s Mediterranean climate provides warm, sunny days for beach activities while the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains offer hiking, skiing and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can enjoy pristine sandy stretches such as Playa de Levante in Benidorm or the quieter coves around Calpe, all within easy reach of local restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional paella. Beyond the coast, towns like Altea and Jávea showcase whitewashed streets, art galleries and historic churches that reflect a blend of Moorish and Catalan influences. The area’s well-developed infrastructure – modern hotels, family-friendly resorts and efficient public transport – makes it accessible for solo travelers, couples and families alike. For those interested in history, the Roman ruins at Gorga or the medieval castle of Peñíscola provide tangible links to Spain’s past. The Costa Blanca also supports sustainable tourism initiatives, with many accommodations adopting eco-friendly practices and promoting local produce. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on sunlit beaches, cultural exploration or outdoor adventures, this region offers a well-rounded experience grounded in authenticity and convenience.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Alicante
This Spanish coastal province features Alicante's historic walled city and the towering Castillo de Santa Bárbara. While summer crowds swell the beaches, visitors should explore the quieter inland towns of Elche to experience authentic local culture away from the tourist hubs. -
2
Benidorm
Sunny beaches stretch along this Mediterranean resort town, offering wide promenades, vibrant nightlife and family‑friendly attractions. The skyline features modern towers beside historic streets, while nearby parks provide green retreats from the bustling coast for all visitors. -
3
Calpe
This Mediterranean coastal town offers stunning beaches, historic fortifications and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore charming old streets, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants or relax on golden sands while taking in breathtaking sea views from nearby cliffs.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
-
1
Levante Beach
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Paratge Natural Municipal Serra de l'Ombria
🛍️Shopping
🍽️Eat & Drink
-
1
Quique Dacosta
Valencian fine-dining restaurant in Dénia. The tasting menu uses red prawns, local rice, fresh fish, shellfish, citrus fruit and vegetables. It is a luxury choice for travellers planning a long meal built around ingredients from the Alicante coast. -
2
BonAmb
Marina Alta fine-dining restaurant outside Xàbia. Seafood, rice and garden vegetables appear in seasonal tasting menus. The luxury restaurant changes its dishes during the year and suits visitors looking for a long meal in a quiet countryside setting. -
3
El Xato
Valencian fine-dining restaurant in La Nucía. The family team prepares local seafood, seasonal vegetables and Polop beef with blood-orange sauce. Guests can also find updated versions of traditional recipes from Alicante and other parts of eastern Spain. -
4
Nou Manolín
Alicante tapas and rice restaurant in the city centre. Arroz a banda, rice cooked in fish stock, is a popular order. Other choices include red prawns, fried squid, fresh fish and almond-nougat soufflé with chocolate ice cream. -
5
Tula Restaurante
Xàbia seafood restaurant near Arenal beach. The menu includes pork belly with smoked eel in a shisho taco, made with a scented Japanese herb. Grilled kokotxas, soft meat from under a fish’s jaw, are another choice. -
6
Tasca Les Monges
Spanish tapas restaurant on Calle Loreto in Dénia. Guests can order fried squid, mussels, fresh fish and small plates with local ingredients. Groups can share paella or other rice dishes from the Marina Alta area. -
7
D'Tablas Alicante
Inexpensive Spanish tapas restaurant in central Alicante. Servers carry small dishes on wooden boards between the tables. Choices often include croquettes, tortilla, a thick potato omelet, calamari, anchovies and cured meats served in small portions. -
8
Cafetería Magallanes
Spanish café inside Dénia’s municipal market. It serves breakfast, tapas and almuerzos, large late-morning meals. A popular sandwich contains figatell, a seasoned pork-and-liver patty, with grilled onion and sweet mustard-honey sauce. -
9
Bar La Tapita del Papi
Inexpensive tapas restaurant near Dénia’s port. The menu includes fried calamari, whitebait, small fish, homemade croquettes and Russian salad. Venezuelan empanadas, pastries filled with meat or vegetables, add another choice for sharing. -
10
La Cuarentena
Traditional seafood restaurant near Dénia’s harbour. Grilled octopus, fresh fish, Spanish omelet and rice make up much of the menu. Seasonal Valencian stews are also available for visitors who want a filling lunch or dinner.
Knowledge before you go
- Pack light clothing; Costa Blanca is warm year-round.
- Reserve beach umbrellas and chairs in advance during peak summer months, especially near popular resorts like Benidorm.
- Use local public transport passes for cost‑effective travel between towns such as Alicante, Torrevieja and Calpe.
- Explore the historic old town of Altea on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy authentic Spanish cafés and artisan shops.
How to travel to Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca in Spain is accessible via several transportation routes. The region has three main airports: Alicante–Elche Airport, Valencia Airport and Murcia Airport, all of which offer domestic and international flights. Trains connect major cities along the coast to Madrid and Barcelona through high-speed rail lines, with stops in towns like Alicante, Benidorm and Torrevieja. Bus services operated by companies such as ALSA provide extensive coverage across the region, linking coastal towns and inland areas. The A7 motorway runs parallel to the coastline, enabling car travel between major destinations. Ferry services also connect coastal towns with nearby islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
Access summary
- From Barcelona–El Prat (BCN): High‑speed train to Costa Blanca towns, 30–45 min.
- From Valencia Airport (VLC): Bus or taxi to Benidorm, 1 hour; from Alicante Airport (ALC), 40 min by bus.
- By ferry from Barcelona to Denia: 4 hours; popular cycling route along Costa Blanca coast.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca offers a wide spectrum of lodging, from budget-friendly apartments and hostels to luxury beachfront resorts. Many towns feature well‑maintained holiday rentals – self‑contained studios or family homes – often equipped with kitchens and balconies overlooking the Mediterranean. Mid‑range hotels typically provide comfortable rooms, free Wi‑Fi and on‑site dining, while upscale properties boast private pools, spa facilities and panoramic sea views. The area is renowned for its “pension” style accommodations: small, family‑run guesthouses offering a homely atmosphere at modest rates. In coastal hotspots like Benidorm or Torrevieja, you’ll find boutique hotels that blend contemporary design with local charm, catering to both leisure travelers and business visitors.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Costa Blanca
To explore Costa Blanca efficiently, opt for a mix of transportation methods suited to its coastal and inland diversity. The region’s compact size makes trains ideal for connecting major cities like Alicante, Valencia and Elche, offering scenic views and frequent departures. For flexibility, renting a car is highly recommended – ideal for reaching beaches, villages and rural areas where public transit is sparse. Buses serve smaller towns and coastal roads but may lack frequency outside peak hours. Taxis provide convenience for short trips in urban centers. Cycling suits flat stretches near the coast, though hilly inland routes demand caution. For a unique experience, consider ferries between coastal towns like Benidorm and Alicante. Prioritize driving or public transit with advance planning to navigate Costa Blanca’s varied terrain smoothly.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 31% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Costa Blanca is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and well‑policed tourist areas. Keep usual precautions: avoid isolated beaches at night, secure valuables, stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and follow local advice on traffic safety.
Health & Medical
Costa Blanca offers excellent medical care with accredited hospitals and experienced clinicians. Clean air, mild climate and low pollution reduce health risks. Travelers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen and be cautious of food‑borne illnesses while enjoying the region.
Accessibility
Costa Blanca offers many accessible beaches with ramps and tactile paths, plus modern public transport and wheelchair‑friendly hotels. However, older towns still have uneven cobblestones and limited elevator access in some historic sites. Plan ahead for mobility aids and check local signage.
Tap water
Tap water in Spain’s Costa Blanca is safe, clean and widely available throughout towns and resorts. Municipal supplies meet EU standards and public fountains or refill stations are common, making it easy for travelers to stay hydrated without purchasing bottled water.
Packing recommendations for Costa Blanca
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Light jacket
Evenings can be cooler, especially near the coast.
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
🩱
Swimwear
🏖️
Beach towel
📕
Guidebook with offline map
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type F
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Popular districts of Costa Blanca
Related articles & guides for Costa Blanca
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies in Europe
Europe is one of the more manageable continents for allergy conscious travelers, thanks to strict food labeling rules that apply across the entire European Union. Restaurants…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies
Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…
Read more
Discover
Top digital nomad destinations and remote work hubs in Europe
Europe offers remote workers a level of infrastructure that is hard to beat, along with enough cultural variety to keep even a long stay interesting. City based nomads can hop…
Read more
Discover
Top digital nomad destinations and remote work hubs in 2026
Working from anywhere in the world sounds simple until you actually try it and the best digital nomad destinations look different depending on what kind of remote worker you are.…
Read more
Discover
Best couple holiday destinations
Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple holiday destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel like…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations in Europe
Europe has been the backdrop for love stories for centuries, and for couples it remains one of the easiest continents to feel romantic in without even trying. The choice of…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travellers
A first trip abroad works best somewhere that eases you in, rather than throwing every possible culture shock and logistical headache at you at once. Some first-time travellers…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for seniors in Europe
Europe remains one of the easiest continents for older travelers, thanks to excellent trains, reliable healthcare and cities built for walking rather than driving. River cruises…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for seniors
Senior travel covers a wide range, from slow, low effort trips built around comfort to more independent trips for travellers who still want to cover plenty of ground. Some…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travelers in Europe
Europe is often the easiest continent to start with, thanks to short distances between countries and infrastructure built for travelers of every experience level. Trains connect…
Read more
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Stunning national parks and wilderness areas
National parks exist because someone decided that certain landscapes were too important to lose. The best of them protect ecosystems, wildlife and natural processes that would…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
