12 Best Day Trips from Benidorm (how to visit + tours)

Benidorm is an amazing coastal city with plenty of activities to keep you thoroughly entertained during your holiday. However, in addition to all the best things to do in Benidorm you might still want to take a break from the bustling beaches and vibrant atmosphere.

So, if you’re looking for ideas for places to visit near Benidorm or nice day trips from Benidorm, we’ve got you covered.

With charming villages, historical attractions and natural areas, the Costa Blanca region has a lot to offer its visitors considering most of these places can easily be visited as a (half) day trip from Benidorm, either by public transport, your own car or with a guided tour.

In this post we highlights the absolute best Benidorm day trips as there are so many great places to discover. We cover the towns, villages and places that are either easy to get to, worth spending time in or that you can visit as a one-day trip from Benidorm, Spain.

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Altea

With its whitewashed houses, picturesque Old Town and famous blue-domed church, Altea is one of the most stunning coastal towns on the Costa Blanca. Located just 10 km north of Benidorm, Altea makes a for great day trip to explore the beautiful village, artistic atmosphere, quiet beaches and charming squares with lovely terraces.

The town of Altea is divided into two main areas; the beachfront and the historical Old Town with both being lovely to visit. The beachfront is known for its relatively quiet beaches, especially compared to the busier beaches in Benidorm. So if you are looking for a relaxing day on the beach, Altea is the place to go. Just keep in mind that the beaches in Altea are pebbles while the Benidorm beaches are soft sand.

The beachfront also offers a recently renovated promenade which is lovely for walking and with plenty of benches to relax on. In the evening, the beachfront becomes a gastronomic paradise while sitting on the waterfront on a beautiful terrace sampling local Spanish food.

The Old Town is perched on a hill, with the famous blue-domed church at the highest point. From the beachfront area, you can slowly make your way up through the narrow maze like cobblestone streets with hidden squares, great restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops.

Getting there: Altea is easily reachable by bus from Benidorm. Take bus number 10 from Benidorm to Altea, tickets can be purchased directly on the bus. Check this timetable for the schedule.

Read Also: Best things to see and do in Altea

Guadalest

One of the best day trips from Benidorm is without doubt a visit to the hilltop village of Guadalest. In fact, Guadalest is one of the more popular places to visit as a tour in the Costa Blanca region. This charming and picturesque village is beautifully set into the rocky landscape, with the ruins of a medieval castle perched high above.

The village surrounds the remains of the castle and is home to quaint shops, cozy bars and a dozen small museums, like the Orduña house, the Microminiatures museum and many more.

There are also a number of viewpoints in Guadalest providing some of the most breathtaking views over the Guadalest Valley, the surrounding mountain ranges and the Guadalest Reservoir below. A visit to the reservoir or dam is highly recommended. You can enjoy a picknick there or a beautiful hike around the reservoir.

Getting there: Guadalest is located about 20 km (12 miles) inland from Benidorm. The best way to visit is by car. There are a few parkings close by the village, but bear in mind that during peak season these parking areas fill up pretty fast. If you don’t have your own car, check here for the best car rental deals.

Getting there by tour: If you don’t have any transport available, or want to visit during peak season, I highly recommend visiting with an organised tour. As half a day is enough to explore most of Guadalest, these tours are often combined with other highlights in the area. This tour will take you to Guadalest and the stunning Algar Waterfalls.

A more adventurous way to visit Guadalest is by 4×4 or Jeep, this tour takes you to both Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls through the spectacular local scenery.

Read also: Visit Guadalest, a picturesque hilltop village on the Costa Blanca

Calpe

Calpe, located just 20 km north of Benidorm, is an easily accessible and perfect destination for a day trip from Benidorm. Known for its variety of attractions, including extensive and beautiful sandy beaches, iconic Peñon de Ifach rock, charming old town center and a vibrant seaside atmosphere.

For nature lovers, there is a myriad of excellent walking routes such as the Paseo Ecológico walk along the Peñon de Ifach, the Paseo Ecológico trail along the coastline towards Benissa and a walking route around the Salt Flats where you might even spot the flamingoes.

Another highlight to explore is the historical old town center, a tranquil and charming area, rich with history and culture. Don’t forget to visit the famous alley with the steps painted in the colours of the Spanish flag.

Getting there: From Benidorm, Calpe is easy to reach via public transport, either by bus or by tram.

By car from Benidorm, take exit 64 on the AP-7 and follow the N-332 towards Calpe. Parking is relatively easy to find around town.

Read more: Interesting activities in Calpe: what to see and do

Alicante

Apart part from being the largest city in the Costa Blanca region and the capital of the Alicante province, Alicante is also a major tourist hub due to the proximity of the international airport.

What makes Alicante worth visiting as a day trip from Benidorm is that it has plenty to offer with the main highlights being the Santa Bárbara Castle offering panoramic views over the city, the stunning beaches right by the city centre and the lovely laid-back atmosphere.

Tip: Even though Alicante is just a 45 km (28 miles) drive south of Benidorm, we recommend to leave early. Alicante is a larger city with lots to offer and if you want to explore most of the highlights you’ll need a full day. So to make the most of your day trip and considering there’s so much to explore, consider taking a guided tour to get to know the best of Alicante. Highly recommended is this Alicante guided tour which will take you around the city to explore, but also to sample food and drinks. If you prefer to see even more of the city, consider exploring by bike. With this city and beach by bike tour you’ll explore the areas of Alicante with a local guide. And finally, don’t miss out on this top rated Alicante food tour where you visit the market as well as sample local foods and drinks with an experienced guide.

Getting there by car: When you have your own car available, Alicante is a 45 minute drive from Benidorm. It’s easy and fast to reach, but you will need to find parking, which is always more of an issue in a larger city. The best solution is to park in a paid parking garage (your favourite GPS app should help find one) as street parking comes with both a higher fee and often a time limit. So when parking on the streets, do check how long you can stay there.

Getting there by public transport: A great way to visit Alicante is with the tram, which will take about 1.15h. Check this website for the time schedule. Another good way to visit is by bus. Find here all the information about which bus and time schedule.

Read more: Discover the most interesting activities and highlights of Alicante.

Villajoyosa

If you love chocolate, colourful houses and long sandy beaches, then a visit to Villajoyosa is a must. Villajoyosa, meaning ‘the joyful city’, is a relaxed working class coastal town located about 15 km (9 miles) south of Benidorm. It’s a relatively small town but boasts at least 3 chocolate factories, of which the most well known is Valor Chocolates. The factory has a museum that can be visited, as well as the production line and the tour will of course end in the shop.

The most famous part of Villajoyosa is the painted houses in the town centre all in different colourful hues. Behind these houses narrow streets of the old town invite you to explore ending with a walk in the Amadorio riverbed.

Tip: The harbour and marina area is the place to be to enjoy some fun water sport activities like this jet ski excursion, parasailing and sea kayaking.

Getting there: Villajoyosa (or La Vila Joiosa) is reachable by tram (this is the same tram that goes all the way to Alicante). To reach Villajoyosa by car from Benidorm is only a 15 minute drive. Park either on the street in town or by the marina.

Getting there by tour: If you prefer the ease of a guided tour then this tour, including a visit to the chocolate factory, town and market is recommended. Discover both Altea and Villajoyosa with this charming villages tour. For the more adventurous ones there’s this wonderful e-bike tour from Benidorm to Villajoyosa where you cycle through the mandarine and orange groves.

Read also: What to do in Villajoyosa

Algar Waterfalls (Fonts de l’Algar)

Les Fonts d’Algar or the Algar Waterfalls are a natural attraction located just 15 km (9 miles) outside of Benidorm. The area is known for its stunning waterfalls, freshwater pools and amazing scenery of the surrounding mountain ranges. In 2002, the area was declared a Wet Zone protected by the Agreement of the Valencian Government.

The Algar Waterfalls is a great escape during the warmer months as you can swim in the various water pools. Further there are areas for picnic, places to relax and walking trails along the various water falls with bridges and pathways. It’s a great day trip from Benidorm for the whole family to enjoy nature and a cool dip in the pools.

Good to know: The Fonts de l’Algar are especially popular during the holidays and warmer summer months for which it can get very crowded. They do have a limit of ticket sales, but you still have to count on large crowds during peak season.

Tip: You can purchase your ticket at the ticket office on the same day, however, as this place is very popular, it’s best to purchase the tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. This can be done through their own website.

Getting there: It’s a 15 minutes drive by car from Benidorm. Parking is available, both free and paid. The paid parking areas are largely privately owned so prices are depending on the owner and better checked at the time of parking.

Getting there by tour: A visit to the Algar Waterfalls is often combined with a visit to Guadalest. This full day tour includes an entry ticket to Algar as well as a visit to Guadalest, and comes highly recommended. For a more adventurous tour, consider going with this guided and fun 4×4 jeep tour to both Guadalest and Algar. And for even more adrenaline there is the Algar Waterfalls tour with a Quad Bike with a scenic drive through the dry river bed.

Wine tasting experience in Tàrbena

The mountain village of Tàrbena, about 30 km from Benidorm makes for a great day trip. With its narrow streets and beautiful surroundings, the village is full of history and Mallorcan influence.

The history of Tarbena goes all the way back to prehistoric times. In caves such as the ‘Coveta de les Lletres’ and the ‘Cove de Dalt’, traces have been found that were left behind by early inhabitants. After the Arabs were expelled from Spain by Philip III, people from Aragon and Catalonia moved into the mountains.

Also in the 17th century, seventeen families from Mallorca were encouraged to settle in Tàrbena, bringing their language, traditions and cuisine. To this day, the locals still speak a Mallorcan dialect and still prepare sobrasasa, a traditional Mallorcan sausage. The name Tàrbena comes from the Iberian word Tarb, meaning ‘high’, which refers to its elevated location in the mountains.

A visit to Tàrbena can be combined with a wine tasting, where you’ll sample five excellent regional wines paired with a tapas platter. And don’t worry about tasting the wines and still having to drive back to Benidorm as the experience also includes an overnight stay with breakfast for two people in the village.

Wine Tasting: Further info about the wine tasting can be found on the Rayovino website as well as their contact details. 

Good to know: The area around Tàrbena is ideal for walking. Popular options include the Ruta del Aqua de Bolulla, or you can extend your trip with a visit to the nearby Algar Waterfalls.

Getting there: Tàrbena is around 45 minutes by car from Benidorm. The road is very scenic and beautiful with several viewpoints along the way.

Amadorio Dam

The Amadorio Dam or Embalse de Amadorio, located just inland from Villajoyosa, is an impressive dam constructed over the Amadorio River to serve as a water storage reservoir. It’s a beautiful reservoir with great panoramic views over the Mediterranean, the town of Villajoyosa and the surrounding mountains. It’s not nearly as popular as the Guadalest Reservoir, but the dam is just as beautiful to visit. You can walk over the dam wall to the other side which leads to a small tunnel.

The nearby large parking area is free of charge with benches making it an ideal place for a relaxing picnic overlooking the turquoise water of the dam.

Good to know: If you’ve seen the movie The Covenant by director Guy Ritchie, you may recognise some of the scenes that were filmed here, more specifically the final scenes with the Taliban fight.

Getting there: From Benidorm by car, follow the AP-7, which leads to the CV-770 and follow the signs for Embalse de Amadorio. The parking area is just a bit further from the La Vila Joiosa Rugby Stadion, which can be another point to follow.

Finestrat

Finestrat is a true hidden gem to visit offering both mountains and sea with a unique blend of natural beauty and culture. The town is divided into 2 parts; the historical old town sitting at the foot of the Puig Campana and the coastal part of Cala de Finestrat.

Cala de Finestrat is more known due to its lovely sandy beach and the weekly market. However, don’t miss out on a visit to the scenic old town which is really stunning. While Cala de Finestrat is located at sea level, surrounded by apartment blocks and hotels, the charming old town sits at the foothills of the Puig Campana which has a peak of 1406 metres (4613 feet).

Good to know: The old centre of Finestrat is relatively small and can be explored by following 14 signs leading the visitor through all the highlights, including the castle and the hermitage of Santísimo Cristo del Remedio.

Getting there: Both Cala de Finestrat and the old town center are easy to reach by car. To get to the old town, follow the AP-7, take the turn off to CV-767 which will lead you to town.

Tabarca Island

Located off the coast of Santa Pola, south of Alicante, Tabarca Island or Isla de Tabarca is the smallest permanently inhabited islet in Spain and the largest island in the Valencian community. A visit to Tabarca Island is a very popular day trip, not only from Benidorm, but also from the surrounding coastal resorts so can get quite crowded during peak season.

Part of the island is a marine reserve, called Tabarca Marine Reserve, popular for snorkelling and diving to explore the wonderful marine life. Other things to do on the island are spending the day at the beach to relax and swim or go explore the small town with narrow winding streets.

Getting there: From Benidorm you can take a cruise to the island, which can be booked locally.

Polop

Polop is a quaint and picturesque village just a short drive inland from Benidorm. Sitting at the foothills of the Ponoch mountain perched top of a hill, Polop de la Marina has an interesting heritage of history and charm. The main highlights are the castle ruins with its viewpoint, the house of Gabriel Miró, a Spanish writer and the 221 fountains with drinking water on the Plaza de los Chorros.

Good to know: As Polop is located on the way to Guadalest, a visit to this charming town is often combined with a trip to Guadalest and / or the Algar Waterfalls.

Getting there: Polop can be reached from Benidorm by bus. Check here for the time schedule. When having your own transport, you can visit the village by car then continue to other places in the area to explore.

Relleu Footbridge

The Pasarela de Relleu or the Relleu Footbridge is an interesting construction set in a natural environment with wooden walkways built along a rocky cliff. From the reception the total distance is around 850 metres (0.5 miles) round trip. It’s not for the faint hearted as the walkway stretches over a deep gorge approximately 60 metres high. At the end, the walkway reaches the riverbed up to 20 metres, where the wooden bridge ends on a glass-bottom platform. It’s a beautiful setting and a scenic hiking path combining nature, adventure and fun.

Getting there: The Foodbridge can only be reached by foot. There is a small parking about 1 (0.6 miles) km from the reception. Or one can park in the village of Relleu and walk down a small path for nearly 5 km (3 miles) towards the Relleu reservoir, and back of course. This map could be useful.

Tip: During peak season it is required to book a time slot and purchase a ticket online through their website. The reason is to avoid too many people showing up at the same time and to avoid long waiting times as only a limited amount of people are allowed on the walkway at the same time. We experienced however that during low season, you can just show up and purchase your ticket at the entrance.

Benidorm day tours – Additional recommendations

If you have more time in Benidorm or want to explore beyond the more popular day trips, then we have listed some additional places to explore or activities to do in the region around Benidorm.

• Canelobre Caves: With stunning rock formations and having one of the highest vaults in Spain, the Canelobre Caves are definitely worth a visit. The caves are located a 45 minute drive outside of Benidorm near the town of Busot.
• Terra Natura Theme Park: Beautiful wildlife park just outside Benidorm, organised into different continents and home to 200 different species of animals. See more info and book your skip the line ticket here.
• Valencia: When in Benidorm, why not spend a day in beautiful Valencia. The city has lots to offer, from the historical inner city to the green belt of the Turia dry river and the stunning architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias). The best way to visit Valencia from Benidorm is with this coach tour. You’ll get to spend the whole day exploring the city by yourself without having to worry about finding parking. In Valencia, the best way to get around is by bike as the city is quite widespread. This is a good tour to start exploring Valencia.