If you’re on holiday in the Brits abroad haven, why not take a day trip from Benidorm to explore what else the area has to offer? Read on to find out how to visit the beautiful Guadalest Valley from Benidorm and discover some more amazing places to visit near Benidorm.
When I went to Benidorm I set off with certain expectations. I’d been twice before as a child, and I thought Benidorm was everything I’d seen on those trips; sunburnt beer bellies on the beach, heaving pubs that looked like they’d been imported straight from the rougher parts of the UK and anonymous high-rises.
Like many people who holiday in Benidorm, I had only experienced the parts depicted in that TV series.
I love visiting rural places when I travel to see how the locals really live, and I had the chance to do that on this trip thanks to icelolly.com and Visit Benidorm, who invited me to Spain on a press trip to show people the authentic parts of Benidorm.
We took a day trip from Benidorm into the mountains one day and though we didn’t know it when we piled in to the vehicle, we were about to experience true Spanish culture… just twenty minutes away from the main strip!
Here are two villages near Benidorm that gave us a taste of la vida española.
The Best Day Trips You Can Take From Benidorm
Watch my full Benidorm travel vlog on Youtube
1. Polop
We only drove through this ramshackle village near Benidorm, but I immediately fell in love with the place. Surrounded by almond and olive trees, there’s something a bit Cinque Terre-esque about this place (even though it’s inland).
On a clear day you can see right to Albir and Altea on the coast and inland to Callosa and the Sierra Bernia. Polop also gives you a perfect view of the ‘Leon Dormido’ – the mountain shaped like a sleeping lion.
I wish we’d had time to climb out and spend an hour or two walking along the medieval city walls and eating tapas at Polop’s quaint little bars! Polop would be a lovely day trip from Benidorm that doesn’t require a long car journey.
2. Guadalest Valley
Guadalest blew me away. As we drove towards the village, we spied a whimsical miniature castle – the white bell tower of Penon de la Alcala – perched precariously on the mountaintop and I knew then that this village was going to be magical.
When we arrived in Guadalest from Benidorm, we walked through a tiny row of shops and up uneven steps, looking down at the lush green valley studded with palm trees below us.
Guadalest is home to about 200 people, but it feels like even less.
When we could climb no further we walked over to a wall, and I got a genuine surprise when I looked over it to see this unbelievably blue reservoir. Sometimes not listening to your guide means you get the best surprise!
The Embalse de Guadalest was built between 1953 and 1963 and still serves the village.
Two hours is more than enough time to delve in to Guadalest, but those two hours we spent there will probably stay with me forever.
Yes, it’s touristy, having been declared a ‘Monument of Historical and Artistic Value’ in 1974, but people go for a reason. It’s a great place to visit from Benidorm if you’re after natural beauty and a bit of culture.
There are also a few odd museums, like the ‘MicroGigantic Museum’, where tiny miniature replicas are housed with giant sculptures. Don’t miss the salt and pepper shaker museum either! Niche.
3. Valencia
The third largest city in Spain is well worth visiting while you’re in Benidorm for a day trip that will satisfy your culture quota.
There’s so much to do in Valencia, whether you’re interested in the history of the Old Town or tasting local food at the Central Market. If you’re self-driving to Valencia from Benidorm, check out this list of tours and activities you can do once you get to the city.
Check prices for a private tour from Benidorm to Valencia here.
4. Xàbia
A 45 minute drive from Benidorm will take you to the coastal town of Xàbia (Javea). Its architecture gives the place all the charm of a rustic fishing village with the added bonus of modern facilities like an indoor market, golf clubs and watersports.
Don’t miss Arenal Beach, which has white sand and a laid-back vibe.
Book your Xàbia trip from Benidorm here.
5. Calpe and Denia
These fishing villages make for a relaxing day trip from Benidorm. You can explore ancient Roman ruins, stroll Calpe’s quiet promenade and visit the Denia Castle.
If you’re feeling brave you can tackle the rock of Ifach at Carpe, but it’s a spine-tingling climb so don’t try it if you’re not in good shape!
Check prices for a day trip to Carpe and Denia from Benidorm here.
6. Alicante
The chic city of Alicante is an easy day trip from Benidorm – you’ve got to go before you fly home anyway because its airport is the gateway to Benidorm! Go for the nightlife in El Barrio or the mix of city and beach of its promenade, Esplanada d’Espanya.
Hike or take the list to Castillo de Santa Bárbara for beautiful views over the city.
Check Alicante tour prices from Benidorm here.
7. Albir
The pristine promenade of Playa del Albir makes a refreshing change from Benidorm’s crowded waterfront. You’ll find cheap restaurants there and can wander the spacious streets to get your steps in.
With the mountains to the north and sea views on your other side, you might just get swept away with Albir!
Check prices for your day in Albir here.
8. Altea
10km from the resorts, Altea is one of the best places to visit from Benidorm. If you’re not up for a long car journey, you’ll appreciate the 15 minute drive to Altea. You’ll find picture-perfect whitewashed houses that speak of a Spain from long ago, completely at odds with the buzz of Benidorm.
Among Altea’s must-sees are “Virgin de Consuelo” church, the main plaza of the Old Town and the working fishing port. You can even walk along the promenade all the way to Albir.
This tour from Benidorm includes time in Altea.
9. Algar Waterfalls
One of the most popular day trips from Benidorm is the picturesque Algar Waterfalls. 15km from Benidorm, this natural attraction has clear water for swimming and hiking trails.
Take water shoes – it’s slippy and definitely not a place to visit if you have mobility issues.
Find prices for a day trip to Algar Waterfalls from Benidorm.
10. A chocolate factory
Chocoholics, take note! You can visit the town of Villajoyosa from Benidorm and spend the day in heaven at its chocolate factories. It’s a scenic journey along the coast and you’ll get to see how chocolate is made and look at the museum.
If you go on a Thursday, you’ll be able to shop at the local market.
Book this excursion from Benidorm to the chocolate factory.
11. Jalon Valley
Just shy of 40 minutes from Benidorm, Jalon Valley (aka Xaló) is a wine-making region where you can browse and sample different local wines in the various bodegas, and shop for souvenirs at the craft market (Saturdays only).
Enjoy gorgeous views of the almond tree-covered valley and visit Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María and the lush botanical garden.
Book this four-hour trip to Jalon Valley from Benidorm.
Where to stay in Benidorm
Search for your ideal place to stay in Benidorm using the map below.
Booking.comMore Benidorm travel guides
The best places to eat in Benidorm
Cultural things to do in Benidorm
More Spain travel guides
A guide to visiting Ronda in Andalusia
Save money when booking your holiday with this handy Travel Resources page – all the best, most trustworthy travel companies who offer great deals for your next trip.
If you’re planning your holiday in Benidorm, it’s definitely worth making a short trip to see one or more of these stunning Spanish destinations, whether you opt for the slickness of a city, one of the sleepy villages I discovered or a beach break away from the crowds. I hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration to book a day trip from Benidorm from this guide!
Follow While I’m Young on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more travel tips and stories and make sure you subscribe so you never miss a post. I’m on Youtube too!
All photographs were taken on my Olympus Pen E-PL7.