The Complete Guide to Costa Blanca Holidays

The Costa Blanca stretches roughly 200 kilometres along the Mediterranean coast of Alicante province in south-eastern Spain. From the dramatic cliffs and coves near Dénia in the north to the long sandy beaches around Guardamar del Segura in the south, the landscape is remarkably varied for such a compact region.

Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 °C from June to September. Winters are mild — daytime highs of 15–18 °C are normal in January — and the region enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the healthiest climates in Europe according to the World Health Organisation.

The sea is swimmable from May through October, with water temperatures peaking at 26–27 °C in August. Rain is concentrated in short, intense bursts — mainly September–November — and averages just 280 mm per year.

May–June and September–October are the sweet spot. Temperatures sit in the mid-20s, the sea is warm enough to swim, holiday rentals cost 20–40% less than peak season, and beaches are pleasantly uncrowded. These months are ideal for active holidays — hiking, cycling, golf and water sports are all at their best.

July–August is peak season. Expect 32–36 °C heat, busy beaches and the highest prices. Book by February if you want the widest choice of properties. The upside: longer days, vibrant nightlife and spectacular summer fiestas in almost every town.

November–April suits long-stay visitors, retirees and digital nomads. Daytime temperatures of 15–22 °C are perfect for golf, hiking and exploring inland villages. Winter lets are significantly cheaper, and the large expat community keeps restaurants and social life buzzing year-round.

The northern Costa Blanca (from Benidorm to Dénia) is more mountainous, with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and an upmarket feel. Property prices are generally higher, and the area attracts a more international crowd including French, Dutch and Scandinavian visitors.

Benidorm is the best-known resort, famous for its twin sweeping beaches and dramatic high-rise skyline. It has the most diverse entertainment, dining and nightlife on the coast.

Calpe is dominated by the Peñón de Ifach rock and has excellent fish restaurants, two sandy beaches and a lively Wednesday market. Jávea and Moraira offer a quieter, more upmarket experience with pretty marinas, pebbly coves and outstanding snorkelling.

Altea has a charming whitewashed old town and an arty, bohemian atmosphere. Dénia is a gateway to the Balearics with a castle, excellent gastronomy (three Michelin-star restaurants) and the longest beach on the northern coast.

The southern Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Guardamar) is flatter, sandier and more affordable. It has a huge international community — particularly British, Scandinavian and German — which means English is spoken everywhere and infrastructure caters well to expats.

Torrevieja is the biggest town on the southern coast, with excellent beaches, a lively marina, weekly markets (the Friday market is one of Europe’s largest) and a vibrant year-round social scene. It offers some of the best-value property on the Mediterranean.

Orihuela Costa, immediately south, is popular with families and golfers. Modern urbanisations with communal pools sit alongside championship golf courses and pretty coves like Punta Prima, Cabo Roig and Campoamor. La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre is the commercial hub.

Guardamar del Segura is quieter and more Spanish in character, with pine-fringed Blue Flag beaches and a nature reserve. Santa Pola is a working fishing port with excellent seafood and ferries to Tabarca island.

The Costa Blanca has over 170 beaches — from wide, golden sand stretches with full facilities to hidden rocky coves reached only by scramble or kayak. The southern coast favours long sandy beaches; the north has more variety with dramatic calas, cliffs and turquoise water.

Top picks include Playa de Levante (Benidorm), Playa del Arenal (Jávea), Cala Granadella (one of Spain’s best coves), La Mata beach near Torrevieja, and the pine-backed sands of Guardamar. Most main beaches have lifeguards from June to September, sunbed hire, showers and chiringuito beach bars.

For a deeper dive, read our Best Beaches guide.

Rice dishes are king on the Costa Blanca. Paella Valenciana (with rabbit, chicken, green beans), arroz a banda (rice in fish stock) and fideua (noodle paella) are the classics. The region also produces Spain’s prized gamba roja de Dénia (red prawns) and some outstanding wines from the Alicante DO.

The menú del día (set lunch) is offered by most restaurants on weekdays: three courses, bread and a drink for €10–€15. Tapas culture is thriving — head one or two streets back from the tourist seafront for the most authentic bars. Markets are another highlight: Torrevieja’s Friday market and the indoor Mercado Central in Alicante are both unmissable.

Read our full Spanish Food Guide for restaurant recommendations and ordering tips.

Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) is the main gateway, served by dozens of airlines from across Europe. From the airport you can reach anywhere on the coast within 90 minutes by car.

A hire car gives you the most flexibility, especially on the southern coast. The AP-7 motorway is toll-free and runs the length of the region. The TRAM light-rail connects Alicante city with Benidorm, Altea, Calpe and eventually Dénia, making car-free travel feasible on the northern coast. ALSA buses link all major towns but run less frequently in the evenings and on Sundays.

For full details, see our Driving in Spain and Public Transport guides.

Holiday rentals on the Costa Blanca range from €50/night apartments in Torrevieja to €500/night luxury villas with infinity pools in Moraira or Jávea. The choice between a villa and an apartment depends on your priorities — space and privacy versus convenience and budget.

Apartments are ideal for couples and small families who want to be walking distance from the beach, shops and restaurants. Villas suit larger groups and families with children who value a private pool and outdoor space.

All OceanHome properties are fully licensed (VT-registered), professionally cleaned and managed by our local team. Browse our holiday rentals or read the Villa vs Apartment comparison guide.