Roadtrip Costa Blanca
Beautiful beaches, azure blue water and picturesque bays – that is the Costa Blanca in a nutshell. But the coastal region is quite busy in the summer and seeing the sea every day also gets boring. Therefore we take you on a short road trip off the beaten track at the Costa Blanca.
All starting points are within 30 minutes of our stays in Moraira and Llíber. We wrote this article Roadtrip Costa Blanca for Hola Spain.
DAY 1 – VILLAJOYOSA – RELLEU – GUADELEST
Villajoyosa is located just below Benidorm; literally translated as ‘the cheerful village’. This picturesque port town is best known for its walled city center, hanging houses and colorful houses in the fishing district. Above that, it is also home to the Valor chocolate factory. A visit to the chocolate museum – with tasting – is a must.
From Villajoyosa we drive inland to Relleu. In Relleu there is a small version of the famous ‘Camino del Rey’ in Malaga: the Pasarela de Relleu. You explore the gorge via a hanging footpath. Also easily accessible, even with children. Fear of heights? Then choose a walk to Santuario Mallaeta from the boulevard in Villajoyosa. Very photogenic in rugged nature.
Afther Relleu, we move further inland towards the mountains. Follow the breathtaking hairpin road towards Alcoy and you climb to the one and a half kilometer high summit of Aitana. Just before that is the village of Guadalest. A Moorish castle from the 11th century is located on a rocky outcrop. Particularly well preserved and with spectacular views of the turquoise reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Especially the charming village is also worth exploring.
Afterwards, on the way back, cool off at the Algar waterfalls in Callosa d’en Serria. In summer it can be very busy here. Nearby are the Bolulla waterfalls; a quiet and free alternative.
DAY 2 – VALL DE POP – VALL DE LAGUAR
Vall de Pop, also known as Jalon Valley, is the starting point for day 2 of our road trip. The valley is best known for its almond blossom. From the end of January the valley is filled with clouds of almond blossom in all shades of color between white and pink.
Firstly we start at one of the least known places in the valley: Senija. Every year a festival with murals takes place in the village. Take a walk through the village and be surprised by the impressive murals that are painted everywhere in the village. Furthermore there is also a nice walk from the village to the cross above the village or the old robbers’ cave Cueva la Gargante.
From Senija we drive to Llíber. This picturesque village is a picture in itself. With cobbled streets, abundantly blooming bougainvillea and the imposing church, you can’t stop taking photos. Have breakfast like a local with a ‘tostada con tomate’ in the local bar and continue on the road.
The next stop is deeper in the valley. The cave of Petracos (Santuaroi de Pla de Petracos) is located between Benigembla and Castell de Castells. Via a small climb you first reach the prehistoric cave paintings and then climb into the prehistoric cave. An impressive view is the result.
Vall de Laguar
We drive back on the CV-720 to Fontilles. This is a former leper colony that can be visited by appointment. The historic buildings, the meter-high and kilometer-long wall and the drive to it are special.
We end the day on a sporty note with the stair walk in Fleix. This is without a doubt one of the most spectacular walks in the region. The nickname of the route is the cathedral of walking. Thousands of steps, the El Barranco del Infierno valley and varied nature make this walk unforgettable. Check the Wikiloc app for the different routes. In summer it is better to drive the route in reverse and start the walk in the morning.
Would you prefer a less strenuous activity or traveling with small children? Then visit the Cova de les Calaveres caves in Benidoleig or the Cueva del Rull in Vall d’Ebo.
DAY 3 – DENIA
Dénia is the capital of the region and has a lot to offer. The city may not seem very accessible, but it certainly is. We park the car at the harbor in the del Raset parking lot. From here you walk directly into the colorful fishing district.
Stroll through the picturesque streets and don’t forget to stop at Els Magazinos. You will find these trendy food halls in restored warehouses. We continue to the Castell de Dénia. The castle has been partly restored, but is especially special because of the view and the park on top.
Calle Loreto at the foot of the castle is the street for food lovers. Here you will find one restaurant after another and in all possible flavors. In the summer the street is full of cozy terraces where there is a party until late at night.
Shopping
We go back towards the sea via the Mercado Municipal. This covered market is open every day – except Sunday. Here you will find fresh fish, fresh vegetables and delicious delicacies. The Spaniards like to interrupt their shopping, even in the morning, to have a beer and tapas.
We walk back to the boulevard via the Marques del Campo shopping street. From the boulevard you can walk to Las Rotas. Here you will find small beaches, rocky beaches and the nicest chiringuitos.
For a sporty follow-up, park your car at Mirador Las Rotas. A hiking trail departs here to the spectacular Cova Tallada cave. You can also view the cave from a kayak or boat. Fun thing to do: bring a picnic and enjoy lunch at an unforgettable location.
An easier walk starts on the other side of Dénia. There is a Via Verde route. Vias Verdes are throughout Spain. Its old railway lines have been renovated as a walking and cycling route. The route starts at the hospital Hospital HCB Denia and you found it by searchin for ‘Via Verde Dénia’. The route runs through fragrant orange groves, varied nature with the salty sea air in the background.
Do you like to know more about the Costa Blanca? Check out our posts here.