The prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca: what to see and why you should visit

How many things can you do in a single day? For example… have breakfast by the sea, eat in a beautiful old town with cobbled streets, and watch the sunset from a fishing harbour. Is it possible to do all that?

Well, on the Costa Blanca there are several towns where you can enjoy exactly the kind of day we’ve just described. And if you stay with On Travel, you’ll have the perfect base for a getaway hopping from one beautiful town to the next. Yes—like a movie-style road trip. Keep reading!

From north to south: the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca

There are countless Costa Blanca towns that are well worth visiting. Let’s look at the most interesting ones so you don’t miss a thing.

Dénia, the northern gateway with a true Mediterranean flavour

We’ll start with Dénia, the Costa Blanca’s “northern gateway” and one of the most complete towns, with a castle perched above, a seafaring quarter, a lively harbour and a historic centre where wandering without a map pays off. Its sandy beaches to the north and rocky coves at the foot of Montgó mean you can switch scenery in five minutes.

Jávea/Xàbia, picture-perfect coves and a charming old town

Next up is Jávea, a gem that earns its place on every list of pretty Costa Blanca towns. It has a golden-stone historic centre, Gothic churches, a traditional market and a coastline with coves like Granadella or Portitxol, with impossibly coloured water.

Benissa and its hidden coastline

Although the town of Benissa is inland, its municipality reaches the sea with one of the prettiest stretches of coastline and quietest in the area. You’ll find coves like La Fustera or El Advocat, plus a seafront eco-walk that’s perfect. Ideal if you like cliffs, easy routes and places that still aren’t all over reels.

Moraira, elegance by the sea

Moraira blends its fishing past with a sophisticated feel, with its castle by the beach, a well-kept marina and coves like El Portet, perfect for calm waters and a relaxed vibe. It’s one of the best Costa Blanca towns for anyone looking for peace and quiet, great food and a touch of understated chic.

Calpe, the Peñón as a beacon

In Calpe, the star is the Peñón de Ifach, that huge rock that shows up in every photo and can be seen from half the coastline. Its endless beaches, mural-filled old town and fish market make for the perfect mix of sea, history and gastronomy.

Altea, the perfect Mediterranean postcard

If there’s one name that always comes up among “the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca”, it’s Altea, with its whitewashed houses, blue domes, cobbled streets and sea-view lookouts and a bohemian atmosphere that draws you in. It’s the place for an evening stroll and a long dinner on a terrace.

Villajoyosa, colourful houses and chocolate

Further south, Villajoyosa welcomes you with colourful seafront façades and an authentic seafaring feel. Its little houses evoke the Italian coast, and it’s also famous for its chocolate-making tradition—perfect if you like pairing beach time with something sweet.

Map and location of the standout towns

If you look at a map of Costa Blanca towns, you’ll see that everything mentioned is spread along Alicante’s coastline.

In the north you’ll find towns like Dénia, Jávea, Benissa, Moraira or Calpe, while if you head more towards the centre you have places like Altea, l’Alfàs del Pi – Albir or Benidorm, and further south you can visit towns such as Villajoyosa, El Campello, Santa Pola, Guardamar or Torrevieja, among others.

What to see and do in each town: history, beaches and charming corners

In Dénia, don’t miss the castle with views over the harbour, the Baix la Mar neighbourhood and the local food scene, where the famous red prawn steals the show. In Jávea, split your day between the old town and the coves, such as Granadella or La Barraca, then round it off with a stroll around the port and El Arenal.

On the Benissa coast, the must is to follow the eco-walk between coves and cliffs, along an easy but spectacular path with viewpoints and steps down to small coves.

In Moraira, you’ll love the seafront promenade, the low-rise town centre and Cala El Portet—all must-sees—plus the small defensive castle by the sea. Meanwhile, Calpe calls for climbing—or at least walking around—the Peñón de Ifach, strolling through the old town with its colourful murals, and finishing with fresh fish from the market.

Altea will welcome you with its old town, streets and viewpoints—don’t forget to visit the blue-domed church and the seafront promenade. And to end the route, in Villajoyosa you’ll find colourful houses right by the beach and a visit to the chocolate factory—a combination that’s almost a must.

Which towns are best to visit depending on your travel style?

If you’re travelling in cove-and-snorkel mode, your safest bet is Jávea, Dénia, Benissa and Moraira, where the rocky coves and crystal-clear water won’t disappoint. If you prefer a bohemian, artistic vibe, Altea and the corners of Jávea and Dénia will win you over with their galleries, independent shops and intimate terraces.

For families, places like Dénia, Calpe and Villajoyosa are ideal, combining great sandy beaches, easy strolls and plenty of services.

If what you’re after is peace and quiet, Moraira, Benissa and some areas of Jávea are ideal, with fewer crowds, a calmer feel, relaxed restaurants and an unhurried pace.

Get ready to discover the Costa Blanca through its towns

Touring the Costa Blanca’s towns is like stringing together little Mediterranean postcards. A morning in Dénia, lunch in Jávea, an afternoon in Moraira, sunset in Altea—because you don’t need to cross half the world to feel like you’re in a mosaic of blue coves, old towns and lively harbours.

With On Travel, you have accommodation wherever you go, so you can experience the route like a true local in the Costa Blanca towns. Get in touch to book your apartment before they’re gone!