Benidorm makes it surprisingly easy to turn a simple beach holiday into a string of memorable day drives. We’ve spent the last years bouncing between coves, mountain roads and quiet coastal towns while researching our guides, from Discover Benidorm: Beaches & Day Trips to our overview of the Best Things to Do in Benidorm.
One thing became clear very quickly: Benidorm is one of the best bases for road trips on the Costa Blanca. Everything feels close, the roads are well-maintained, and with flexible options like Rentiago carsharing, you don’t even need a traditional rental car to get started.
Below is the version of the guide we wish we had when we first began exploring.
Coastal Routes: Altea to Calpe and Beyond
Altea, just 10 minutes from Benidorm, is usually our first stop. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends, but arriving early keeps it stress-free. From the waterfront you can wander up to the Old Town, grab a coffee and enjoy views that feel worlds away from Benidorm.
A few minutes further sits Albir, which makes a great stop if you want to walk into Sierra Helada Natural Park. The seafront parking area is the easiest place to leave the car before tackling the lighthouse trail.
Calpe, with the Peñón de Ifach rising straight from the sea, is a must-do. The N-332 takes around 25 minutes, or you can take the AP-7 if you prefer a faster route. Just note the blue-zone parking rules near the harbour and rock base.
If you’re in the mood to head further, Moraira sits 40 minutes away with a sleepy harbour, good seafood and narrow streets that encourage using the municipal car parks instead of circling endlessly for a spot.
EV drivers will appreciate that charging stations are now available in Altea, Calpe, Moraira and at several N-332 and AP-7 service areas.
Inland Mountain Drives: Guadalest Circuit
Guadalest is the classic stop: a small ridge-top village overlooking a turquoise reservoir. Parking sits just below the entrance, with a short uphill walk into the village.
If you’re already out there, extending the loop to Algar Waterfalls is a no-brainer. The water stays cold even in August, and the site has marked paths and swimming zones. The full circuit back to Benidorm takes 90 minutes including stops.
A more adventurous route continues past Guadalest toward Tárbena and Castell de Castells. These villages sit at higher elevations and make amazing summer midday escapes when Benidorm’s heat becomes too much. Expect narrower roads and occasional signal dropouts, but the views are worth it. The full loop is about 80 km and takes two to three hours. If you want to discover more of Benidorms Nature go to our blog about the most beautiful waterfalls near Benidorm.
Alicante and the Southern Coast
Heading south opens up a completely different landscape.
Alicante, 40–50 minutes away, offers everything from the Santa Bárbara Castle to the Explanada promenade. You can go by TRAM, but driving lets you add stops like the Tabarca ferry terminal or the Santa Pola salt flats.
Between Benidorm and Alicante lies Villajoyosa – famous for its colourful houses and Valor chocolate museum. Only 15 minutes away, it’s one of the easiest half-day trips and much quieter than Benidorm’s main beaches.
Another worthwhile stop is Elche, roughly one hour via AP-7. Its palm groves are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Huerto del Cura garden is a calm escape from the coast.
Practical Considerations for Driving the Region
If you’re considering a more outdoorsy road-trip plan with overnight stays, have a look at our guide to the Best Campsites in Benidorm, several sit close to the main driving routes.
