Some links below are affiliate links, that help keep this site running at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.
I’ve put together a guide to share all of my favourite day trips you can take from Benidorm. If you’re staying in Benidorm and looking for things to do outside of the city, there are loads of amazing spots you can visit just a short drive away, or take from the Benidorm tram.
I’ve included cites and towns to visit, with some experiences you can try to make your trip even more fun and worthwhile! I’ve also posted another guide full of things to do in Benidorm with over 30 entries if you’re interested.
Fancy a wine tour from Benidorm?
Discover the vineyards and valley towns just a short drive away
Swap the beach for the beautiful Jalon Valley or coastal vineyards and enjoy tastings of local wines, olive oils, and tapas on a relaxing countryside escape. These wine tours from Benidorm are ideal as a half-day trip — with transfers, tastings, and stories from winemakers included.
Explore Wine Tours Near Benidorm 🍷Villajoyosa
Drive time from Benidorm: 10 minutes driving to the south
Famous for its chocolate and rows of bright coloured houses, Villajoyosa (or ‘La Vila’ as locals call it) feels totally different from Benidorm despite being so close. The name means ‘Joyful Town’ in Spanish, and it really lives up to that!
The old town is filled with rainbow-coloured houses along the seafront – they were painted in bright colours so fishermen could spot their homes from their boats. These days, they make the perfect backdrop for photos. If you follow the tiny streets inland, you’ll find local shops, small cafes, and plenty of spots selling the local chocolate.
The main beach runs right in front of the coloured houses, with golden sand and clear water. It’s much less crowded than Benidorm’s beaches, even in summer. At one end, there’s a working fishing port where boats still bring in their catch every weekday.
As an amazing group actvity, I recommend going horseback riding in led by a local instructor through the mountains of Villajoyosa. You’ll get stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea while riding through the Spanish countryside.
Best bits of Villajoyosa:
- The Valor chocolate factory runs free tours in English at 10am and 4pm – book ahead on their website
- The port area comes alive around 5pm on weekdays when the fishing boats return. You can watch them bring in the day’s catch and even see the fish auction
- Fresh seafood restaurants line the port – try Hogar del Pescador for amazing local fish
Fonts de l’Algar (Algar Waterfalls)
Drive time from Benidorm: 34 minutes inland
The Algar Waterfalls, also locally known as Fonts d’Algar, is my favourite natural spot near Benidorm. It’s a series of waterfalls and pools set in a valley, with incredibly clear water that’s perfect for swimming. It’s become one of my top spots to take friends when they visit.
You can visit Algar Waterfalls through the below link which arranges transport to and from Benidorm, as well as covering your ticket.
Entry is 5 euros for the day, you can take your own food inside (or dine at nearby restaurants). You follow wooden walkways alongside the river, passing several waterfalls where you can stop and swim. The water is quite cold (refreshing in summer!), and it’s amazingly clear – you can see right to the bottom of the pools.
Best things about the Fonts de l’Algar:
- Several different waterfalls and pools where you can swim – some are shallow enough for kids
- Walking trails leading up the valley with great views over the area
My advice is to arrive early, around 9-10am, as it gets busy in peak season. My tip is to bring water shoes if you have them, as the rocks can be slippery. If you don’t have any, you can buy them at the shops near the entrance.
La Nucia
Drive time from Benidorm: 15 minutes inland
What I love about La Nucia:
- The Sunday market is brilliant – go early for the freshest produce and local honey
- Amazing mountain views, with walking trails starting right from the town
- Local restaurants serve proper Spanish food at good prices – try Ca Toni for authentic dishes
La Nucia sits in a fantastic spot between the mountains and the sea, just inland from Benidorm.
The old part of town is lovely to walk around, with traditional Spanish houses and narrow streets leading to the 18th-century church. The town square comes alive on Sunday mornings for the farmers’ market – one of the best in the area. You’ll find amazing local produce, fresh bread, and Spanish specialities.
If you fancy something active, head to the Forestal Park. It’s got loads of treetop courses with zip lines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings.
There are two main circuits:
- Family Circuit: Great for families and beginners, with 4 courses that get gradually harder
- Adventure Circuit: More challenging, with 15 games and a massive 300m zip line at the end
Altea
Drive time from Benidorm: 20 minutes driving to the north
Top spots in Altea:
- The blue-domed church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo) sits at the highest point – climb up through the old town to reach it
- Tuesday markets spread through the streets with local crafts and fresh food
- The promenade restaurants serve amazing rice dishes – try Ca Tomaca for authentic Spanish food with sea views
If you’re looking for a more traditional Spanish experience away from the busy beaches, you’re going to Altea. With its white buildings and blue-domed church, Altea resembles Santorini in Greece more than a Spanish town!
The moment you arrive in Altea’s old town, you’ll notice the amazing old streets made of cobblestones running up the hill. As you walk up through the white-painted buildings, you’ll find tons of small art galleries and craft shops tucked away.
The blue-domed church at the top is the town’s most famous sight. I’d say go up there for sunset – the light hits the dome perfectly and makes it shine. The square around the church fills up with local artists selling their work, and there are some brilliant restaurants where you can sit outside.
The main beach, Playa de la Roda, runs right along the lovely promenade. It’s lined with restaurants and cafes where you can grab lunch with sea views.
Guadalest
Drive time from Benidorm: 32 minutes driving inland
Guadalest is one of Spain’s most impressive small towns, sat on top of a mountain with views across the valley.
The castle was built right into the rock, and you enter through a tunnel carved into the mountain. Inside the old walls, you’ll find small museums, gift shops, and cafes. It gets busy with tour groups during the day, so I suggest going early morning or late afternoon.
What makes Guadalest special:
- The castle (Castillo de San José) sits dramatically on a rock pinnacle
- The reservoir offers boat trips in summer months (€15 per person)
- Several unique museums including the miniatures museum where you’ll see incredible tiny sculptures
The blue-green reservoir below the town is stunning. In summer, you can take boat rides or just sit at one of the waterside restaurants. The whole area is ringed by mountains, making it look like something from a film set.
Calpe
Drive time from Benidorm: 25 minutes north
My favourite things about Calpe:
- Climbing the Peñón de Ifach for incredible views of the town and surrounding coast
- The Calpe beaches: Visit Playa de la Fossa and Playa del Arenal
- Exploring the old town
Calpe stands out for its massive rock, the Peñón de Ifach, which rises 332 metres straight out of the sea. It’s actually a national park, and you can climb it (though it’s quite steep!) – I’ve posted a guide here about hiking Calpe Rock.
The town has kept its fishing village roots – head to the port around 5pm to watch the fish auction. It’s fast-paced and exciting, with restaurants buying their evening supplies. Speaking of food, the rice dishes here are amazing, particularly the seafood paella.
The old town is often missed by visitors but it’s worth your time. You’ll find narrow streets with flowers hanging from balconies, small squares with cafes, and lots of traditional Spanish life going on.
Jalon
35 minutes by car
Jalon (or Xaló in Valencian) sits in a valley full of vineyards and almond trees. It’s completely different from the seaside towns, and February is amazing here when all the almond trees bloom in pink and white.
Top spots:
- Saturday morning market – spreads through the whole town centre
- Local bodegas – try wines made right in the valley
- Jalon river walk – nice path along the river through the vineyards
The valley is gorgeous, and the local wines are brilliant – especially the sweet moscatel that the area is known for.
If you visit, try to get there for the Saturday morning market. It’s huge and takes over most of the town centre. You’ll find everything from fresh local produce to antiques. Pop into one of the bodegas afterwards to try some wine – most offer tastings, and you can buy bottles to take home.
Want to mix wine tasting with a bit of history? There’s a local tour which takes you through the Cova del Rull caves (also called the Caves of Skulls).
These caves are mind-blowingly old – we’re talking 150 million years! Scientists have found traces of life here from 50,000 years ago. When you walk through, you’ll see amazing rock formations that have formed over millions of years.
You can buy tickets below:
Alicante
Drive time from Benidorm: 45 minutes to the south
Alicante is the biggest city in the region and makes a brilliant day out. The Santa Barbara Castle sits high above the city on Mount Benacantil, and you can see it from almost everywhere. You can take a lift up to the castle (€2.70) cut into the rock face – much easier than walking up in the Spanish heat!
The old quarter, called Santa Cruz, runs up the hill beneath the castle. It’s made up of small white houses with flower-filled balconies, tiny squares, and loads of traditional tapas bars. In the evening, this area comes alive with people having dinner and drinks.
The marina area is stunning, with rows of boats and a long promenade (Explanada de España) paved with wavy patterns made from marble. This is where everyone goes for an evening walk, stopping at ice cream shops and outdoor cafes.
Top attractions:
- Santa Barbara Castle offers amazing views over the city and Mediterranean – take the lift up from the beach
- The MARQ museum is fantastic if you’re interested in the area’s history, with really well-done exhibits
- The Central Market is a beautiful building where you can see local life in action – go in the morning when it’s bustling with shoppers
I’ll make sure to keep updating this as I keep finding new spots to share with you. The best thing about staying in Benidorm is having all these amazing places within easy reach by car.
