Looking for things to do in Benissa? Depending on when you visit, you might find the narrow streets almost empty – especially on weekdays or during siesta hours. The town is perfect for a relaxed day trip centered around shopping, fiestas, good food, a glass of local wine, and exploring the impressive church.
I’ve created a guide on activities and experiences you can try in this quaint mountain town and its surrounding areas. I’ve spent many afternoons simply wandering the old town, stopping for coffee or tapas, and soaking up the authentic Spanish atmosphere that’s harder to find in bigger coastal towns.
Wander through the old town of Benissa
The heart of Benissa is its gorgeous old town, which I think is one of the best-preserved on the Costa Blanca.
As you walk through the narrow streets, you’ll notice the impressive sandstone buildings that give the town its distinctive character. Many of these date back to the 18th century when wealthy traders built their grand homes here.
The main street, Carrer Puríssima, is lined with traditional townhouses featuring iron balconies and wooden doors. Don’t rush through this area – it’s worth taking your time to soak up the atmosphere!
Visit the Church of La Puríssima Xiqueta
One building you simply must visit is the Church of La Puríssima Xiqueta (Catedral of La Puríssima Xiqueta), which isn’t actually a cathedral but a parish church. It’s still absolutely massive for a town of Benissa’s size, and its also known as one of the largest churches in the Marina Alta region,
This stunning Neo-Gothic church was built between 1902 and 1929, and its grand façade dominates the town square. Step inside and you’ll be amazed by the soaring columns and beautiful stained glass windows.
The church is usually open to visitors in the morning and late afternoon, but do check times if you’re making a special trip to see it.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: Open before and after services
Relax at Benissa’s beautiful beaches and coves
A 15 minute drive away, you can enjoy Benissa’s truly wonderful little coves along its 4km of coastline. Here are my top picks:
Cala Fustera
This is the largest and most accessible beach in Benissa. The small bay has soft sand and clear waters, with great facilities including toilets, showers, a tourist info booth and lifeguards in summer.
There’s a fantastic beach bar right on the sand where you can grab a cool drink or a simple lunch. I love sitting here in the late afternoon watching the sun sparkle on the water!
Cala Baladrar
Cala Baladrar is an attractive pebble cove protected by cliffs and divided from Goleta cove by a rocky ledge. The setting is simply gorgeous with green pine trees reflecting on the clear aquamarine sea – it’s an ideal place for relaxing or snorkelling.
You reach the actual cove down a flight of stone steps, and there’s also a nice picnic area if you prefer to bring your own food.
I also love visiting this beach as there’s a wonderful ‘chiringuito’ restaurant called Olala Cala Baladrar set among shady pines just above the beach.
It has marvellous views overlooking the beach, delicious food and drinks, and live music in the evenings during the summer which I love to see with friends.
Shop at Benissa’s traditional market on Saturday
A trip to Benissa wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its markets. The town has a rich trading history, and that tradition continues today.
Every Saturday morning, in the Carrer Hort de Bordes street near the centre, there are stalls filled selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items. It’s a fantastic place to pick up local specialties like olive oil, almonds, and honey.
There are also several large supermarkets near the foot of Benissa, including Mercadona, Lidl, Overseas (containing food from Iceland and Waitrose) and Consum, which might make your trip even more worthwhile.
Hike the Sierra de Bernia and coastal paths
The area around Benissa offers some brilliant walking opportunities. The town sits at the foot of the Sierra de Bernia mountain range, which provides stunning views and challenging trails.
Sierra de Bernia Fort trail
This is my absolute favourite walk in the area during summer evenings at sunset! The trail takes you up to the ruins of an old fort built in the 16th century to control the Moorish population.
The circular route is about 8km and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The views from the top are incredible – on clear days you can see all the way to Ibiza and the most gorgeous sunset.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and proper walking shoes, as parts of the trail are very rocky.
What to bring for the Sierra de Bernia hike:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- At least 1.5 litres of water per person
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Light jacket (it can be windy at the top)
- Camera for those amazing views
Best time for hiking: Spring (March-June) and autumn (September-November) offer ideal temperatures for hiking in this area. Summer can be very hot, so if you hike then, start very early in the morning.
Play Pádel in Benissa
Padel is hugely popular in Spain, and Benissa has some brilliant facilities if you want to give it a go. Pádel Benissa is the perfect spot for both beginners and experienced players.
The centre has 5 modern courts, changing rooms, a sports equipment shop, and a chiringuito bar where you can grab a cold drink after your game. They offer court rentals if you just want a casual game, or you can book lessons if you’re new to the sport.
Try authentic Spanish cuisine at local restaurants
The food in Benissa is a brilliant mix of mountain and sea influences, with lots of rice dishes, fresh seafood, and hearty stews.
Casa Cantó
Located at the very north of the town, this restaurant serves traditional Spanish dishes. Their rice dishes are famous locally, especially the arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock).
The set lunch menu offers great value and always features seasonal ingredients. Book ahead if you want to eat here at the weekend as it’s very popular with locals.
Experience Benissa’s festivals and local events
If you’re planning your visit, you might want to time it with one of these annual events:
- Moors and Christians Festival (On the last weekend in June): A spectacular celebration with parades, music, and mock battles commemorating the Christian reconquest of Spain.
- Fiesta de la Puríssima Xiqueta (Fourth Sunday after Easter): The town’s main religious festival with processions, fireworks, and street parties.
- San Antonio Festival (Mid-January): Featuring bonfires and the blessing of animals.
I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to Benissa! It’s a town that offers a genuine slice of Spanish life away from the major tourist centres, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just as I have.
