During our 8-week stay in the Province of Alicante, we lived in Benidorm. It’s a town, which in just about 50 years it evolved from a small sleepy fishing village to one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. Great weather all year round, lots of leisure activities, and cultural attractions attract thousands of travelers. Benidorm is often affectionately called the “Manhattan of Spain”, and one look is enough to tell that this city is indeed totally different from most Spanish ones.
Besides the unique coastline look with many skyscrapers, the town has a lot to offer: beautiful beaches, mountain views, vivid nightlife, and plenty of attractions both for adults and kids. But Benidorm isn’t only a perfect spot for typical beach holidays. This city might also be a great home base for discovering amazing places on Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. Sounds good? Stay with us, and discover the best day trips from Benidorm, Spain. All max 1.5h away from the city if you’ll be traveling by car. Ready? Let’s go!
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Benidorm, Spain
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One-day trips from Benidorm, Spain – Villages, towns & cities
Altea
Altea is located only about 20km from Benidorm. It’s a peaceful seaside town where it seems as if time has stopped. Altea has something magical in it – narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning beaches with calming sea views come together perfectly. The town is also known as the Cúpula del Mediterráneo which refers to the blue dome of the town’s main church, which even from afar is an iconic landmark of the Altea. In town you’ll also find numerous workshops, small art galleries, and craft shops with various handmade items – it’s a real paradise for artists and art lovers.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Altea, Spain In One Day
Calpe
Calpe is located only about 25km from Benidorm, which makes it an amazing day trip from the city. The town is most famous for Peñon de Ifach mountain, a mighty rock that dominates the landscape and gives the area a very unique look. Calpe also stands out for its colorful and charming old town, picturesque sandy beaches, small hidden coves, and salinas where you’ll find… dozens of cute pink flamingos!
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Calpe, Spain
Finestrat
Finestrat is divided into two main parts: old town & La Cala Beach. The old town is located at the foot of Puig Campana mountain, about 15km from Benidorm city center. La Cala is tightly squeezed between Villajoyosa and Benidorm. So the whole town is located at altitudes from 0 to… 1406 m a.s.l! Impressive, right?
Finestrat is a truly enchanting small town, which without a doubt still can be called a Costa Blanca hidden gem. But don’t let it fool you – it’s one of the best-prepared towns for visitors we’ve seen! Colorful narrow streets and viewpoints where you can admire stunning views over the coast and Puig Campana make Finestrat a perfect place for a day trip from Benidorm.
Learn more: Things To Do In Finestrat, Spain – Hidden Gem On Costa Blanca
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is located about 15km from Benidorm. The town is especially famous for three things: colorful houses, beautiful beaches, and chocolate manufactured by Valor. Colorful houses give Villajoyosa a unique vibe and make it one of the most picturesque and colorful towns along the coast. Taking a walk through the maze of narrow, colorful streets and enjoying pretty squares is a must while in town. Be sure to add Villajoyosa to your list of day trips from Benidorm – you won’t regret it.
Learn more: One Day In Villajoyosa, Spain. Complete Travel Guide
Guadalest
Guadalest is located about 25km from Benidorm. This little quaint Spanish village, which sits on top of a high rock at an altitude of about 550m, has existed since the Muslim period. Guadalest is full of history, culture, charming buildings, and spectacular views of the surroundings – all together offer an unforgettable atmosphere right from the village doorsteps. Also, the town is named one of the most beautiful villages in Spain!
Guadalest is very small, and you probably won’t need more than 2-3 hours to see it, so a trip to the village can be easily combined with a trip to Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls located only 15km away, and/or Polop located 10km away.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Guadalest Village And Valley
Alicante
Alicante is located about 45km from Benidorm. As you might expect, it’s the capital of the province of Alicante in Spain. It’s also one of the largest cities in the country population-wise. Thanks to a typical Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters with lots of sunshine Alicante is a very popular travel destination, both in summer and winter. And no wonder because it has a lot to offer! From charming Old Town, hilltop castle, and Mushroom Street to many cultural attractions, vivid nightlife, delicious Mediterranean food, and great beaches.
Learn more: Things To Do In Alicante Old Town, Spain In One Day
Explore local attractions
Polop
Polop is located about 55km from Alicante. It’s a small town that you can visit on the same day as the spectacular Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls (located 8km away), and/or Guadalest (located 10km away). Polop is a nice little sleepy town. It’s perfect for a lazy stroll around its narrow streets and climbing the small hill where the castle used to be. From the very top, you’ll be able to admire stunning views over the mountains and sea.
Elche
Elche is located only about 70km from Benidorm. Town is best known for being home to the largest palm grove in Europe, Palmeral de Elche, which was named a World Heritage Site. But Elche can offer a little bit more than just that. There you’ll also find a charming historic quarter with the Basilica of Santa Maria, a famous religious site with two blue domes.
Murcia
Murcia is located about 125km from Benidorm on Costa Calida. Even though the city is quite big itself, the 7th largest in Spain, there aren’t lots of famous places to see for the visitors. Murcia center offers a small-town vibe, and it’s nowhere as busy as cities like Benidorm or Alicante, so it’s an amazing option if you wanna escape crowds. There you’ll find many lovely streets and squares, impressive Catedral de Murcia and Palacio Episcopal, some interesting street art, and renowned gastronomy.
Learn more: 15+ Best Things To Do In Murcia City In Spain
Best One-Day Trips From Benidorm, Spain – Natural sites
Fonts de l’Algar
Fonts de l’Algar are located about 25km from Benidorm. It’s a very picturesque nature reserve with a walking path among waterfalls, springs and natural pools. The surrounding landscape is the result of the karst process on the limestone. In 2002 Fonts de l’Algar was declared a Protected Water Area. It’s a truly beautiful place, so don’t forget to add it to your list of day trips from Benidorm.
Trip to Fonts de l’Algar can be easily combined with a trip to Guadalest located only 15km away, and/or Polop located 8km away.
Learn more: Spectacular Fonts De l’Algar Waterfalls near Benidorm, Spain
Puig Campana
Puig Campana is located only about 20km from Benidorm, just beside Finestrat old town. With an altitude of 1406m, it’s the second-highest peak in the province of Alicante, visible from many places in the area. There are three hiking routes available: circular route, circular route + ascent, and vertical kilometer. Routes vary in distance and difficulty, but each of them guarantees spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
Learn more: Puig Campana, The Second-Highest Hiking Route In The Province Of Alicante
Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada
Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada is located about 7km from Benidorm center. It’s a perfect place for a long walk in nature. From the entrance, up to the lighthouse, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes. High cliffs, mountains, Mediterranean Sea and coastline views – it’s all here. The path is very easy and well-maintained so almost everyone will be able to enjoy this route.
Mar Menor
Mar Menor is a coastal saltwater lagoon located in the region of Murcia. It’s the largest lagoon in Spain with a coastal length of 70km, separated from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga, a 22km long sandbar. To see Mar Menor you can travel about 130m from Benidorm to San Pedro del Pinatar. You can also take a longer day trip and ride up to La Manga to admire views over Costa Calida from it.
Learn more: Holidays In La Manga del Mar Menor Murcia, Spain
Canelobre Caves
Canelobre Caves are located about 50km from Benidorm, in Busot village at an altitude of 700m a.s.l. It’s a fascinating geological wonder that offers visitors a unique underground experience. Canelobre Caves are home to spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. You can discover the natural beauty of the caves during a guided tour and/or take part in one of many orchestra concerts that take place in the caves.
Tabarca Island
Tabarca Island is located one hour’s sail from Alicante port, which is located about 50km from Benidorm. It’s the largest island in the Valencian Community, and also the smallest permanently inhabited islet in Spain. In the past, the island was a refuge for Barbary pirates. Nowadays it stands out for the restaurants with traditional food, the Church of San Pedro and San Pablo, the lighthouse, and the small historic center.
One day trips from Benidorm, Spain – Summing up
There are so many beautiful places to discover in the area, right? So if you’re staying longer in Benidorm you definitely won’t be bored. We hope this post was very helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing places you’ll visit on Costa Blanca. Enjoy the time during your day trips from Benidorm and share your experience in the comments. We’re curious about which towns and natural sites you chose. And if you’ve discovered a gem near Benidorm that we haven’t covered yet, let us know as well!
Our opinion about day trips from Benidorm & TOP5
So far we’ve spent 2 months living on Costa Blanca (October & November) during our first season of digital nomad life. During that time we lived in Benidorm and found it a great starting point for discovering the area. For us, a huge advantage was that during that time area was slowly going to sleep, emptying from huge crowds of holidaymakers. So exploring most places was super pleasant and quiet!
Overall, we really enjoyed our trips! To be honest, we can’t think about the many downsides… Ok, maybe besides horrendous eating hours which resulted in barely eating out. Our Top5 day trips from Benidorm? Altea, Guadalest + Fonts de l’Algar, Villajoyosa, hiking Puig Campana, and Calpe!
An important tip at the end. Traveling by car, without a doubt, is the best and the fastest way of getting to all mentioned places near Benidorm. So if you’re not traveling by car, we recommend you rent one. To some places you’ll be able to reach by train, and to most of them by bus.
