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If you’re staying in Villajoyosa and want to make the most of your time on the Costa Blanca, you’re in the perfect spot for some brilliant day trips. This charming town sits strategically between Alicante and Benidorm, which means there are tons of towns and villages in between to explore.
I’ve put together this guide to help you discover amazing places within easy reach of Villajoyosa. From ancient mountain villages to bustling cities, pristine beaches to natural parks, you’ll find plenty of options to suit every interest and energy level.
Note: You can travel to many of these amazing towns on the Villajoyosa tram! It’s cheap to buy tickets and very convenient if you haven’t got a hire car! I’ve made a note of towns you can travel through the tram system throughout the article.
Under 20 minutes from Villajoyosa
Benidorm
- Drive time from Villajoyosa: 10 minutes
- Tram: Direct on L1 from La Vila Joiosa station – takes around 15 minutes
Just a quick 10-minute drive north along the coast, Benidorm offers a completely different experience from Villajoyosa’s authentic charm. While many people think of it purely as a party destination, there’s actually loads to see and do beyond the famous nightlife.
What makes Benidorm special:
- The old town has narrow cobbled streets and traditional tapas bars
- Two fantastic theme parks: Terra Mítica and Aqualandia water park
- Beautiful beaches with Blue Flag status
- Sierra Helada Natural Park for hiking with stunning sea views
- The famous Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint
My top tip: Visit the old town early in the morning before the heat kicks in. The contrast between the quiet, traditional streets and the modern resort area is fascinating. For families, the theme parks are absolutely worth a full day – I’d recommend booking tickets online in advance to skip the queues.
Finestrat
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 15 minutes
This white-washed village sits at the foot of Puig Campana mountain, offering incredible views and a taste of traditional Spanish mountain life. It’s one of those places that feels completely untouched by mass tourism.
The drive up to Finestrat is lovely, winding through almond and olive groves. Once you arrive, you’ll find narrow streets perfect for wandering, with traditional houses painted brilliant white against the mountain backdrop.
What makes Finestrat special:
- Castle ruins at the top of the village
- Traditional Spanish architecture with flower-filled balconies
- Excellent hiking trails leading up Puig Campana
- Authentic local restaurants serving mountain cuisine
20-35 minutes from Villajoyosa
Alicante
- Drive time from Villajoyosa: 25 minutes
- Tram: Direct on L1 from La Vila Joiosa station – takes around 45 minutes to Luceros
Alicante is a proper Spanish city with loads of character, history, and excellent shopping. It’s big enough to feel like a real urban experience but still maintains that relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
The highlight has to be Santa Bárbara Castle perched high above the city. You can drive up or take the lift from the beach – the views from the top are incredible, stretching right along the coast.
What makes Alicante special:
- Santa Bárbara Castle with panoramic views
- The beautiful Explanada promenade lined with palm trees
- MARQ archaeological museum (brilliant if it’s too hot outside)
- Authentic old town with excellent tapas bars
- Postiguet Beach right in the city centre
- Fantastic shopping along the pedestrianised streets
My top tip: Park near the MARQ museum and walk into the centre – it’s much easier than trying to find parking in the old town. The museum itself is worth a visit, especially with children, as it’s very interactive.
Altea
- Drive time from Villajoyosa: 30 minutes
- Tram: L1 to Benidorm Intermodal, then L9 to Altea station – takes around 50 minutes total
Altea is absolutely gorgeous – one of those places that looks like it belongs on a postcard. The old town sits on a hill overlooking the sea, with the famous blue-domed church as its centrepiece.
The narrow cobbled streets are filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and lovely cafés. It’s got a real bohemian feel that attracts artists and creatives from all over Europe.
What makes Altea special:
- The iconic Altea church with blue and white tiled domes
- Stunning sea views from the old town
- Artists’ studios and boutique shops
- Weekly artisan market (Tuesdays and Saturdays)
- Beautiful pebble beach with clear water
- Excellent restaurants with sea views
My favourite time to visit: Early evening when the light is soft and the temperature perfect for wandering the streets. The market days are brilliant for picking up unique handmade items.
Guadalest
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 35 minutes
This mountain village is one of Spain’s most visited small towns, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. Guadalest clings to a rocky outcrop with a castle perched impossibly on top.
The drive up is spectacular, winding through mountains with the turquoise Guadalest reservoir appearing around each bend. The village itself is tiny but packed with interesting museums and craft shops.
What makes Guadalest special:
- Dramatic castle ruins with incredible views
- The beautiful turquoise reservoir below
- Quirky museums including a torture museum and dollhouse museum
- Traditional craft shops selling local products
- Stunning mountain scenery all around
My top tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the coach tours. The light for photos is much better then anyway. Don’t miss the views from the castle – they’re absolutely spectacular.
35-50 minutes from Villajoyosa
Calpe
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 35 minutes
Calpe is dominated by the massive Peñón de Ifach rock that rises dramatically from the sea. It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Costa Blanca and absolutely worth the trip.
The town has lovely beaches on both sides of the rock, plus fascinating salt flats where you can often spot pink flamingos. The old town has character, while the newer areas offer excellent restaurants and facilities.
What makes Calpe special:
- The iconic Peñón de Ifach rock formation
- Calpe salt flats with flamingos and other birdlife
- Beautiful beaches with clear water
- Excellent seafood restaurants
- Traditional fish market and auction
My top tip: If you’re planning to climb the Peñón, make sure to book your free slot (see details on the Calpe hike guide) and start early in the morning. It gets incredibly hot and the path is quite challenging. The views from the top are absolutely worth the effort though.
Tabarca Island
Drive time to Santa Pola: 35 minutes + boat transfer
This tiny island is Spain’s smallest inhabited island and a proper hidden gem. You’ll need to drive to Santa Pola first, then catch a boat across – but the trip is part of the fun.
Book your Tabarca Island boat trip from Santa Pola here to guarantee your spot, especially in summer when boats can fill up quickly.
The island is car-free and has crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling. The walled town is fascinating to wander around, and the seafood restaurants serve the famous caldero rice dish.
What makes Tabarca special:
- Car-free island with peaceful atmosphere
- Excellent snorkelling in the marine reserve
- Historic walled town with interesting architecture
- Fantastic seafood restaurants
- Beautiful clear waters and small beaches
- Rich history as a former pirate refuge
My top tip: Book the boat trip in advance during summer as they can sell out. Bring snorkelling gear if you have it – the underwater life around the island is brilliant.
Elche
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 40 minutes
Elche is home to Europe’s largest palm grove – a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 200,000 palm trees. It’s a fascinating city that feels completely different from the beach resorts.
The palm groves create a unique atmosphere, almost like being in an oasis. The Huerto del Cura garden is particularly beautiful, with rare palm varieties and peaceful walkways.
What makes Elche special:
- UNESCO World Heritage palm groves
- Beautiful Huerto del Cura botanical garden
- Impressive Santa María Basilica
- Excellent archaeological museum
- Traditional shoe-making industry
- Unique desert-like atmosphere so close to the coast
My favourite time to visit: Morning when it’s cooler for walking through the palm groves. The light filtering through the palm fronds is magical for photos.
50-70 minutes from Villajoyosa
Javea
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 50 minutes
Javea offers three completely different beach experiences: the sandy Arenal beach, the pebbled Granadella cove, and the port area with its working harbour atmosphere.
The old town is lovely for wandering, with traditional architecture and excellent restaurants. Montgo Natural Park provides fantastic hiking opportunities with views across to Ibiza on clear days.
What makes Javea special:
- Three distinct beach areas to choose from
- Beautiful Granadella cove with crystal-clear water
- Excellent hiking in Montgo Natural Park
- Charming old town with traditional architecture
- Port area with authentic fish restaurants
- Views to Ibiza from the mountain tops
My top tip: Granadella beach is absolutely stunning but gets very busy. Arrive early to get parking and a good spot. The walk down is steep, so bring everything you need for the day.
Moraira
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 55 minutes
This upmarket resort town has managed to maintain its charm while offering excellent facilities. It’s got beautiful coves, a lovely harbour, and some of the best restaurants on the Costa Blanca.
The town feels more exclusive than some of the larger resorts, with elegant villas and boutique shops. The beaches are smaller but perfectly formed, with clear water and good facilities.
What makes Moraira special:
- Upscale atmosphere without being pretentious
- Beautiful small coves and beaches
- Excellent restaurants and wine bars
- Castle overlooking the harbour
- Boutique shopping
- Less crowded than larger resorts
My favourite time to visit: Late afternoon for a stroll around the harbour, followed by dinner at one of the excellent restaurants. The atmosphere is lovely in the evening.
Alternative mountain and nature options
Busot and the Canelobre Caves
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 20 minutes
The Canelobre caves are spectacular underground caves are one of the most impressive natural sights in the region. The vast chambers with their incredible stalactite formations are absolutely breathtaking.
The caves stay at a constant cool temperature year-round, making them perfect for hot summer days. The guided tours are informative and the lighting shows off the formations beautifully.
Orcheta
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 30 minutes
This mountain village sits beside a beautiful reservoir with hiking trails and picnic areas. It’s perfect if you want to escape the heat and enjoy some mountain air.
The village itself is tiny but charming, and the reservoir offers opportunities for fishing and gentle walks. It’s particularly lovely in spring when the almond trees are in bloom.
Fonts de l’Algar
Drive time from Villajoyosa: 35 minutes
Algar Waterfalls is a must visit – the natural waterfalls and pools are absolutely magical – crystal-clear mountain water cascading down rocks into natural swimming pools. It’s brilliant for families as the pools are shallow and safe for children. The water is refreshingly cool, making it perfect for hot summer days. There are walking trails and picnic areas too.
My top tip: Arrive early as it gets very busy, especially at weekends. Bring water shoes as the rocks can be slippery. The water is quite cold even in summer, but incredibly refreshing.
Planning your day trips
The beauty of staying in Villajoyosa is having so many options within easy reach. You can have a mountain adventure in the morning and be on a different beach by afternoon, or combine a city visit with some hiking in the same day.
Start early to beat both the traffic and the heat. Most of these destinations are much more enjoyable in the morning, and you’ll have better luck with parking too. Pack plenty of water and sun protection – the Spanish sun is stronger than you might expect, especially in the mountains where the air is clearer.
For the best experience, I’d suggest picking just one or two destinations per day rather than trying to cram everything in. Take time to really enjoy each place – that’s when you’ll discover the magic of the Costa Blanca.
