Picture this: a coastline stretching over 200 kilometres along Spain’s southeastern edge, where limestone mountains tumble down to a shimmering turquoise sea, white-washed villages cling to hilltops, and the sun shines for more than 300 days a year. The Costa Blanca — or White Coast — runs through the province of Alicante in the Valencia region, and it has long been one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. But to think of it simply as a beach holiday spot is to dramatically undersell it.
This is a region of extraordinary variety. In a single week, you could dive through crystal-clear marine reserves in the morning, hike a mountain trail in the afternoon, explore a 10th-century Moorish castle at sunset, and sit down to a wine-paired dinner featuring local Monastrell grapes produced just a few kilometres away. Families, couples, solo travellers, and sports enthusiasts all find something here that feels tailor-made for them.
If you’re still in the early stages of planning your trip, our Costa Blanca Travel Guide – The Ultimate Resource covers everything you need to get started — from when to visit and where to stay, to transport, food, and regional highlights.
This article focuses specifically on the best things to do on the Costa Blanca, organised by activity type so you can plan around your interests. Whether you’re drawn to adventure on the water, exploration on land, cultural immersion, or pure relaxation, read on — there’s something here that will make it onto your itinerary.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Adventure & Outdoor Activities on the Water
The Costa Blanca’s Mediterranean coastline is one of its greatest assets, and the warm, calm waters that define this stretch of Spain offer far more than simply somewhere to swim. From adrenaline-fuelled water sports to peaceful snorkelling and whale-watching excursions, life on — and under — the water here is endlessly rewarding.
Water Sports
Few coastlines in Europe offer such a well-rounded water sports scene as the Costa Blanca. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to try paddleboarding for the afternoon or a seasoned windsurfer chasing consistent winds, the options are genuinely impressive. Dénia in the north is particularly well-regarded for its wind conditions and range of schools, while Torrevieja in the south boasts a large lagoon that’s ideal for beginners learning to kiteboard or sail. Benidorm remains the region’s most famous resort town and offers everything from jet skiing and parasailing to banana boat rides and wakeboarding — often with rental equipment and instruction available right on the beach.
The shoulder months of May, June, and September tend to offer the best balance of warm water, manageable winds, and fewer crowds for most water sports. For a full breakdown of what’s available and where, our dedicated guide to water sports on the Costa Blanca covers every discipline in detail.
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
The Costa Blanca’s waters are among the clearest in the Mediterranean, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres on calm days. This makes it a genuinely outstanding destination for both experienced divers and those just starting out with a snorkel and mask. The Tabarca Island Marine Reserve, located off the coast of Alicante, is one of Spain’s oldest marine protected areas and is teeming with sea life — posidonia meadows, octopus, moray eels, and schools of bream are all common sights. Underwater caves and rock formations around Jávea (Xàbia) and Calpe add a dramatic dimension to dive sites in the northern stretch of the coast.
Water temperatures typically remain above 20°C from June through to October, making the summer months ideal for snorkelling, while dedicated divers often prefer the spring and autumn for their exceptional visibility. If you’re planning to explore beneath the surface, our guide to scuba diving and snorkelling on the Costa Blanca has everything you need — from recommended dive centres to the best sites for beginners and advanced divers alike.
Kayaking
Sea kayaking along the Costa Blanca is one of those activities that rewards in ways you simply don’t get from the beach. Paddling into hidden sea caves, exploring otherwise inaccessible coves, and watching the sun rise over calm Mediterranean waters from a kayak are experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. The stretch of coastline around Jávea is widely considered among the best for kayaking in the whole region — the Cabo de la Nao headland, the Granadella cove, and the sea caves near Portitxol are all accessible by paddle and utterly spectacular.
Beginners are well catered for, with numerous guided tours and hire operations running from beaches throughout the coast. More adventurous paddlers can tackle longer multi-hour routes around dramatic headlands and through natural arches in the limestone cliffs. Explore our full guide to kayaking along the Costa Blanca coast to find the routes and operators that best match your experience level.
Boat Trips & Sailing
There’s something uniquely freeing about seeing the Costa Blanca from the water, with the mountains rising behind the coast and the whitewashed towns glittering in the sunlight. Boat trips and sailing excursions are available all along the coast, ranging from short one-hour glass-bottomed boat tours to full-day sailing adventures with lunch included. Calpe’s iconic Peñón de Ifach — the vast limestone rock that dominates the town — is even more breathtaking when viewed from a boat out at sea. Altea and Jávea are particularly popular departure points for sunset cruises and private charter sailboats, while Benidorm offers frequent departures for day trips to Tabarca Island.
Sailing schools operate throughout the region for those keen to learn, and increasingly, skippered yacht charters are attracting a younger crowd looking for a more independent way to explore the coast. Whether you want a relaxed afternoon afloat or a multi-day sailing adventure, our guide to boat trips and sailing excursions on the Costa Blanca has all the details.
Whale & Dolphin Watching
The waters off the Costa Blanca — particularly in the Dénia and Jávea area, and further south towards Santa Pola — are surprisingly rich in marine megafauna. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted year-round, often riding the bow wave of tour boats with what appears to be genuine enthusiasm. Striped dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and even fin whales pass through the region on seasonal migrations, with late summer and early autumn considered the best time for larger cetacean sightings.
Several responsible, eco-conscious operators run dedicated whale and dolphin watching tours from ports along the coast, with knowledgeable guides on board to help you identify species and understand their behaviour. It’s an experience that tends to delight adults and children in equal measure. For tips on the best operators, departure points, and what to expect, take a look at our guide to whale and dolphin watching off the Costa Blanca.
Section 2: Land-Based Adventures
The Costa Blanca’s dramatic hinterland — a landscape of craggy limestone mountains, pine forests, almond orchards, and sun-baked river valleys — is every bit as compelling as its coastline. For those who love to explore under their own steam, the region offers world-class hiking, cycling, climbing, and golf in an almost impossibly scenic setting.
Hiking & Walking
The sheer range of walking terrain on the Costa Blanca is remarkable. You can stride along coastal paths with panoramic sea views, trek through pine-scented mountain ranges, follow ancient mule tracks between hilltop villages, or explore designated natural parks teeming with birdlife and wildflowers. Montgó Natural Park, which rises dramatically above Dénia and Jávea, offers well-marked trails ranging from gentle walks to a challenging ascent of the 753-metre summit. Sierra Helada, the rocky headland between Benidorm and Altea, provides spectacular coastal walking with views stretching as far as the Peñón de Ifach on clear days. Further inland, the Sierra Bernia ridge near Altea is a favourite for experienced hikers seeking more rugged terrain and extraordinary panoramic views.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are by far the best seasons for walking on the Costa Blanca — the temperatures are comfortable, the wildflowers are often in bloom, and the trails tend to be quieter than in peak summer. Our dedicated guide to hiking and walking trails on the Costa Blanca covers trail-by-trail recommendations, difficulty ratings, and essential practical advice.
Cycling
The Costa Blanca has earned a serious reputation among the global cycling community, and it’s no accident that professional teams from across Europe base their pre-season training camps here each winter and spring. The combination of quiet inland roads, long steady climbs, dramatic mountain passes, and reliable sunshine makes it genuinely outstanding cycling territory. Road cyclists will find a wealth of challenging routes heading inland through the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa regions, while mountain bikers are well served by technical trails in the hills above Benidorm and around the Sierra de Aitana.
For those who prefer a more leisurely ride, the Vía Verde greenway routes offer traffic-free cycling through beautiful countryside and are ideal for families and casual riders. The cycling infrastructure across the region has improved significantly in recent years, with more dedicated hire shops, route guides, and cycling-friendly accommodation than ever before. Find out more in our comprehensive guide to cycling routes and tours on the Costa Blanca.
Rock Climbing
Ask any serious rock climber where they head in Europe for a winter climbing trip, and the Costa Blanca will almost certainly come up. The region has been on the international climbing radar since the 1980s and continues to draw climbers from across the globe thanks to its exceptional limestone crags, reliable dry weather, and enormous variety of routes.
Calpe’s Peñón de Ifach is perhaps the most iconic climbing destination in the region — a 332-metre monolithic rock rising from the sea with routes to suit everything from beginners to advanced trad climbers. Sella, a small village inland from Benidorm, is another hotspot with extensive sport climbing on excellent rock, while the Sierra Bernia and Puig Campana offer more adventurous multipitch routes with outstanding views as a reward.
The winter climbing season — roughly October through to March — is when the Costa Blanca truly shines as a climbing destination, offering warm, dry conditions while much of Europe is cold and wet. For a full guide to the best crags, grades, and what to expect, explore our detailed guide to rock climbing on the Costa Blanca.
Golf
The Costa Blanca is one of Spain’s premier golfing destinations, with more than 20 courses spread across the region catering to golfers of every ability. The Alicante Golf and Club de Golf Jávea in the north, and a cluster of courses around Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa in the south, offer a wide range of layouts — from challenging championship designs to more relaxed parkland courses ideal for a leisurely round with friends. The climate is a huge draw: with mild winters and long sunny days from spring through autumn, you can play year-round in conditions that are frankly difficult to match anywhere in northern Europe.
Green fees are generally competitive compared to equivalent courses in the UK and Ireland, and many resorts offer golf packages that combine accommodation with unlimited rounds. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a happy hacker, our guide to golf courses and golfing on the Costa Blanca will help you find the perfect course for your game.
Section 3: Culture, History & Sightseeing
The Costa Blanca’s history runs extraordinarily deep. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Moors, and medieval Christian kingdoms have all left their mark on this stretch of coastline, and the resulting cultural landscape — castles, cave networks, thriving markets, and vibrant family attractions — gives the region a richness that goes far beyond sand and sea.
Castles & Fortresses
Few regions of Spain can match the Costa Blanca for the density and drama of its castles and historic fortresses. Perched on rocky hilltops, commanding coastal headlands, and rising above ancient market towns, these monuments tell the story of centuries of conquest, reconquest, and cultural exchange. Dénia Castle is one of the most impressive — a vast Moorish fortification that has dominated the town since the 11th century and now houses an excellent archaeological museum within its walls. Guadalest, perhaps the most visited inland village on the entire Costa Blanca, is built into and around a sheer rock outcrop, with a medieval castle accessible only through a tunnel carved into the living rock — the views from the top are simply unforgettable.
Further inland, Villena Castle — also known as the Castillo de la Atalaya — is a remarkably well-preserved example of late medieval military architecture, while Castillo de Santa Bárbara in Alicante city offers one of the most dramatic settings of all, rising 166 metres above the city on a bare limestone rock with sweeping views over the Mediterranean. Exploring these sites brings the history of the region to life in a way no museum exhibit can fully replicate. For a comprehensive tour of the region’s most impressive historic fortifications, our guide to castles and historic fortresses on the Costa Blanca is the perfect place to start.
Caves & Grottos
The limestone geology that makes the Costa Blanca such a paradise for rock climbers and cavers has also created a remarkable network of natural cave systems beneath the surface — several of which are open to visitors and rank among the most spectacular natural attractions in the entire region. The Cova de l’Aigua near Benissa is an extraordinary flooded sea cave accessible by boat or kayak, its turquoise interior glowing with an ethereal light on sunny days. Inland, the Cueva de las Calaveras near Benidoleig contains an impressive series of chambers with dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, along with a river that runs through the cave floor.
Perhaps the most architecturally stunning of all is the Canelobre Caves near Busot, not far from Alicante — a vast single chamber with a soaring ceiling over 70 metres high, remarkable acoustic properties, and a lighting system that shows off the extraordinary rock formations to breathtaking effect. These cave systems offer a genuinely memorable experience for visitors of all ages, and they’re particularly welcome on hot summer days when the cool cave interiors provide natural relief from the heat. Discover more about the region’s underground wonders in our dedicated guide to caves and grottos on the Costa Blanca.
Markets & Mercadillos
One of the great pleasures of travelling in Spain is immersing yourself in the culture of the local market, and the Costa Blanca delivers on this front with tremendous enthusiasm. Weekly mercadillos — outdoor street markets — take place throughout the region, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables and local cheeses to handmade ceramics, leather goods, clothing, and jewellery. Torrevieja’s famous Tuesday market is one of the largest on the southern Costa Blanca and attracts thousands of visitors each week. In Dénia, the Saturday market draws a loyal local following as well as curious tourists, while Benidorm hosts several weekly markets offering a lively mix of goods aimed at residents and holidaymakers alike.
Beyond the weekly mercadillos, artisan and craft markets pop up throughout the year, particularly during local fiestas and summer festivals. Wandering through a Costa Blanca market on a sunny morning — olive oil in hand, fresh oranges in your bag — is one of those simple pleasures that somehow captures everything that makes this region so appealing. For a full rundown of the best markets, their locations, and when to visit, explore our guide to local markets and mercadillos on the Costa Blanca.
Theme Parks & Family Attractions
For families travelling with children — or simply those who enjoy a full-on day of fun and entertainment — the Costa Blanca has an impressive range of dedicated attractions. Terra Mítica, located just outside Benidorm, is the region’s flagship theme park, built around the civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean world, with thrilling rides, live shows, and theatrical set design that makes it one of Spain’s most ambitious theme park experiences. Adjacent to it, Aqualandia is one of Europe’s largest water parks, packed with slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and adrenaline-inducing drop rides that keep visitors of all ages entertained for a full day.
Mundomar, also part of the Benidorm leisure complex, combines elements of a marine and animal park — sea lion shows, dolphin encounters, exotic birds, and tropical animals — in a setting that emphasises education alongside entertainment. These attractions are concentrated primarily in and around Benidorm, making it a particularly practical base for families. For detailed information on ticket prices, opening seasons, and what to expect at each venue, visit our guide to theme parks and family attractions on the Costa Blanca.
Section 4: Food, Wine & Wellness Experiences
The Costa Blanca is not just a playground for the physically active — it’s also a destination that rewards the senses in gentler, more indulgent ways. The region’s food and wine culture is deeply rooted in its landscape and traditions, and its growing wellness scene offers some of the most restorative experiences in the whole of Spain.
Wine Tasting & Bodegas
Alicante province is home to some of Spain’s most characterful and underrated wines, and a visit to a local bodega is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences the Costa Blanca has to offer. The Marina Alta sub-region in the north — centred around towns like Jalón (Xaló), Parcent, and Benissa — produces exceptional Moscatel-based wines as well as some intriguing dry whites, all from vineyards set against a backdrop of orange and almond groves. Further south, the Alicante Denominación de Origen (DO) is dominated by the Monastrell grape — a thick-skinned, sun-loving variety that produces deep, powerful red wines with flavours of dark fruit, earth, and spice.
Many bodegas throughout the region welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings, often with the winemaker themselves on hand to walk you through the process from vine to glass. The Jalón Valley in particular is well set up for wine tourism, with several bodegas offering English-language tours and the chance to purchase bottles directly from the producer. It’s an experience that combines beautifully with a scenic drive through the inland valleys and a long, leisurely lunch at a rural restaurant. Our guide to wine tasting and bodegas on the Costa Blanca covers the best producers, tasting itineraries, and how to plan a memorable wine tour of the region.
Cooking Classes
Spanish food culture is inseparable from the Costa Blanca experience, and one of the most immersive ways to engage with it is through a hands-on cooking class. Learning to make a proper paella Valenciana — with its precise socarrat crust, perfectly seasoned rice, and authentic ingredients — under the guidance of a local chef is an experience that tends to be both genuinely educational and enormously enjoyable. Beyond paella, classes across the region cover tapas, fideuà (a noodle-based paella cousin), cocas (traditional flatbreads), and the full spectrum of Valencian and Alicantine home cooking.
Many classes are run in private homes or rustic fincas in the countryside, which adds a wonderful sense of authenticity and intimacy to the experience. They’re popular with couples looking for something different, solo travellers keen to connect with like-minded food lovers, and families who want to bring a real piece of the Costa Blanca home with them — in the form of a recipe, if nothing else. For recommended class providers and what to expect, explore our guide to cooking classes on the Costa Blanca.
Spas & Wellness Retreats
After days of hiking, cycling, or exploring, the Costa Blanca’s growing wellness scene offers the perfect counterpoint. The region has a long tradition of therapeutic bathing — Archena, just inland from the coast, is home to one of Spain’s most celebrated thermal spa complexes, drawing visitors seeking relief from everything from stress to muscular pain. Along the coast itself, a number of luxury hotels and dedicated wellness centres offer treatments ranging from deep-tissue massage and hydrotherapy to yoga retreats and holistic therapies set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Torrevieja’s famous pink and white salt lakes have long been associated with therapeutic benefits, and the microclimate around the lagoons is said to be particularly beneficial for respiratory conditions — a fact that has attracted health-conscious visitors to the area for well over a century. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of pampering at a hotel spa, a week-long wellness retreat in the mountains, or a restorative morning at a thermal bath complex, the Costa Blanca delivers with genuine quality and variety. Discover the best options in our guide to spas and wellness retreats on the Costa Blanca.
Section 5: Practical Tips for Getting the Most from the Costa Blanca
Planning your activities around the seasons makes a significant difference to the quality of your Costa Blanca experience. Summer (June to August) is peak season for water sports, beach life, and family theme parks — the sea is warm, the days are long, and the resorts are buzzing. However, temperatures regularly exceed 35°C inland, which makes summer less ideal for hiking or cycling in exposed terrain.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the standout seasons for land-based activities. Temperatures are mild and pleasant, the landscapes are at their most lush and colourful in spring, and the trails are far less crowded than in summer. Winter (November to March) is prime time for rock climbing and road cycling, when the Costa Blanca enjoys mild, dry days that attract athletes from across northern Europe seeking to train in the sunshine.
Getting around the region is easiest with a hire car, which gives you the flexibility to explore inland villages, reach trailheads, and visit bodegas and caves that simply aren’t accessible by public transport. That said, the coastal towns are well connected by bus, and the train line running between Alicante and Dénia (via Benidorm) — the TRAM narrow-gauge railway — is a charming and practical way to travel between coastal destinations.
The key to a truly rewarding Costa Blanca trip is mixing activity types. A few days of beach and water sports, combined with a mountain hike, a bodega visit, a morning at a local market, and an afternoon exploring a hilltop castle, will give you a far richer sense of the region than sticking to any single type of experience. The Costa Blanca genuinely rewards curiosity, and the more you explore beyond the obvious, the more it gives back.
Things to Do on the Costa Blanca: So Much More Than You Expected
It would be easy to reduce the Costa Blanca to its most famous images — the glittering resorts of Benidorm, the long sandy beaches of Torrevieja, the azure waters of Jávea. And while those things are all very real and very wonderful, this article has hopefully illustrated just how much more this remarkable region has to offer.
From the depths of underwater marine reserves and the heights of limestone mountain ridges, to the cool silence of ancient cave systems and the convivial warmth of a bodega tasting room — the Costa Blanca is a destination of extraordinary range. It suits families looking for excitement, couples seeking romance and relaxation, serious athletes chasing world-class terrain, and curious travellers drawn to history, food, and culture.
The sixteen activity categories covered in this article each have their own dedicated guide, packed with specific recommendations, practical advice, and insider knowledge. We encourage you to follow the links throughout this piece to dive deeper into the experiences that appeal most to you.
Whatever brings you to the Costa Blanca, start planning now — and prepare to be surprised by just how much this sun-drenched corner of Spain has waiting for you.