Best Day Trips from Jávea: Explore the Costa Blanca
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While Jávea itself offers a wealth of attractions, the surrounding Costa Blanca region is dotted with picturesque towns, historic sites, and stunning natural landscapes.
If you’re staying in Jávea, we highly recommend travelling to these places and making a day out of it.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit for a day trip outside of Javea during your visit. We’ve arranged these in order of how long it takes to travel there by car below, with our recommendations of the best sights to see at each location.
Click the below links to jump to each section in the article:
- Denia (20 minutes by car or 1 hour by boat)
- Moraira (30 minutes by car)
- Calpe (30 minutes by car)
- Altea (45 minutes by car)
- Fuentes del Algar (45 minutes by car)
- Benidorm (50 minutes by car)
- Valencia (1 hour by car)
- Alicante (1 hour by car)
- Guadalest (1 hour by car)
- Villajoyosa (1 hour by car)
- Elche (1 hour by car)
We recommend travelling by car or taxi to these places, as it is generally the most direct and flexible option, providing the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, some of these locations are also accessible by public transportation. We will note when such locations are reachable by car only.
If you’re looking for a car to rent for your trip, I highly recommend looking at RentalCars.com (affiliate link!). RentalCars will show you a range of cars you can hire, at the best prices, from whichever airport you’re flying into. You can pick up your car directly from the terminal and drop it off when it’s time to fly home.
We also recommend having a look at some of the hotels in the local area if you’d like to spend the night in each for convenience – for some of the longer trips we’ve suggested a few of our recommendations!
Denia
Explore the hilltop Denia Castle for panoramic views of the Denia town and port, stroll through the Marina de Dénia, and experience the natural beauty of Montgó Natural Park from the northern side. The town is known for its historical significance and beautiful beaches.
Distance from Jávea: Only about 20 minutes by car or 1 hour by boat.
Highlights: Denia Castle, the Denia marina, and Montgó Natural Park.
Transport Tip: A quick drive or a short bus trip from Javea Old Town bus station on Alsa Bus; ideal for those preferring not to travel far.
There is also a boat service available from Javea Port which takes you directly to Denia Port which takes about an hour, letting you see the magnificent Cape San Antonio. You can buy 1 way boat tickets through Get A Guide here.
Moraira
Moraira is home to an 18th-century castle right by the sea (perfect for taking pictures), the L’Ampolla Beach with the view of Calpe’s Peñón de Ifach as a backdrop.
You’ll have a lot of joy in exploring the quaint streets of this small, upscale town known for its beautiful mountain-side sea views, and beautiful port.
Distance from Jávea: About 30 minutes by car.
Highlights: Moraira Castle, Moraira Beach, the funfair, and the local market.
Transport Tip: Best reached by car as direct public transport is very limited.
Calpe
The town is overlooked by the impressive Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone outcrop with panoramic views which makes for an amazing hike. Enjoy Calpe’s sandy beaches and visit the Las Salinas salt flats, where flamingos can often be seen.
Distance from Jávea: About 30 minutes by car.
Notable Sights: The Peñón de Ifach, Calpe’s beaches, and the salt flats.
Transport Tip: Easily accessible by car for a direct, easy trip. Also reachable by Alsa bus services from Javea Old Town.
Things to do in Calpe:
- My number one recommendation for anyone visiting Calpe, is to hike up the Peñón de Ifach. It is such a fun day out and the views are phenomenal.
- Beach-hop around the many beaches surrounding the Peñón de Ifach, including Playa Arenal-Bol, Playa de la Fossa, or the quieter Cantal Roig which is much closer to the mountain.
- See the Las Salinas Salt Lake which is home to many exotic bird species, including Flamingoes!
- Watch the fish auction at the Lonja de Calpe, which takes place Monday through Friday from 5pm until around 8pm.
Recommended Hotel: Suitopia which has the most fantastic views of the Calpe beach and Ifach mountain, from your apartment window. They also have a fantastic sky rooftop with an outdoor terrace – the perfect spot for drinking piña coladas and watching the sunset!
Altea
Distance from Jávea: Around 45 minutes by car.
Must-See Sights: Altea’s old town with its white-washed houses, the magnificent church of La Mare de Déu del Consol, and the beachfront promenade.
Transport Tip: Best reached by car for ease of access to various viewpoints. Also reachable through Alsa services in Javea Old Town.
Fuentes del Algar
A nature reserve known for its stunning waterfalls and natural pools. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and enjoying a picnic in a serene, natural setting. You will need to pay to enter the waterfalls and swim: Adults €5, Children from 4 to 10 years old are €2 each and children under 3 years old are free to enter.
Distance from Jávea: About 45 minutes by car.
Key Attractions: Natural waterfalls and springs, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Transport Tip: Accessed by car, as public transport options aren’t available from Javea.
Benidorm
Known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and skyscraper-filled skyline. It also hosts several theme parks, including Terra Mítica, Aqualandia and Aqua Natura, as well as zoos Terra Natura and MundoMar, perfect for a family day out. There’s also an award-winning golf course.
Distance from Jávea: Approximately 50 minutes by car.
Key Attractions: Beaches like Levante and Poniente, theme parks and water parks, and the iconic Benidorm nightlife.
Transport Tip: Regular bus services are available from Javea Old Town through Alsa, but driving allows for more flexibility, especially for theme park visits. Tram to Benidorm is also available through Gata de Gorgos, a town outside of Javea.
Valencia
Spain’s third-largest city, known for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the historic Valencia Cathedral, and the vast Turia Gardens. Enjoy its blend of old and new, with plenty of cultural experiences.
Distance from Jávea: About 1 hour by car.
Must-See Sights: The City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market, and the Turia Gardens.
Transport Tip: Regular bus services are available, but driving or taking a train offers more flexibility.
Alicante
A vibrant city with a beautiful waterfront, the historic Santa Bárbara Castle, and the palm-lined Explanada de España. Explore the old town and enjoy local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
Distance from Jávea: Around 1 hour by car.
Highlights: Santa Bárbara Castle, Explanada de España, Alicante’s old town, and Postiguet Beach.
Transport Tip: Buses run from Javea Old Town through Alsa bus services, but a car journey is the most flexible option.
Guadalest
This small village is famous for the Castell de Guadalest, set on a pinnacle and offering stunning views of the valley. Explore its small museums, quaint shops, and the turquoise reservoir below.
Distance from Jávea: Roughly 1 hour by car.
Key Attractions: Castell de Guadalest, the reservoir, and several museums.
Transport Tip: Best reached by car to enjoy the mountainous landscape. There are no public transportation options from Javea.
Villajoyosa
A coastal town known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and the Valor Chocolate Factory. Enjoy its quiet beaches and explore the historic town centre.
Distance from Jávea: Roughly 1 hour by car.
Must-See Sights: Colorful fisherman’s houses, Valor Chocolate Factory, and the beautiful beaches.
Transport Tip: A car trip is recommended for the flexibility to explore the town fully.
Elche
Famous for its Palm Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elche is a must-visit for its unique landscape. The city also boasts historical buildings and a vibrant town center.
Distance from Jávea: About 1 hour by car.
Key Attractions: The Palm Grove of Elche, the Basilica of Santa María, the Archaeological and History Museum.
Transport Tip: Best accessed by car, as public transport options are limited.
Recommended Hotel: Huerto del Cura
