The province of Alicante is home to an endless number of beautiful and picturesque villages, where you can find natural landscapes, clifftops, incredible hiking routes, exquisite restaurants and coves and beaches that rival the best in the world.
Below we choose six villages — three coastal and three inland — that are undoubtedly worth visiting.
Our Costa Blanca is lined with spectacular coastal villages, which is why they attract countless Spanish and foreign tourists year after year. Want to know why? Read on and you will understand.
Altea
This small municipality of 24,000 inhabitants is situated between Benidorm and Calpe. A cobblestoned village with low whitewashed houses adorned by hundreds of plants that conceal perfect little alleyways made for photographing. In the centre you will find craft shops and market stalls in the church square where you can pick up a souvenir of your stay.
A visit to the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo is almost obligatory. This church sits atop the village and offers incredible views over the whole Bay of Altea and the Peñón de Ifach — not to be missed!
Calpe
Calpe is one of the most iconic villages on the Costa Blanca, not only because it sits beside the Peñón de Ifach — the area's undisputed symbol — but also because of its incredible Blue Flag beaches. Rocky beaches with crystal-clear water set in a natural environment, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.
A visit to the historic old town and the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park is highly recommended, as is the archaeological site of the Baños de la Reina (which even has submerged Roman ruins). But what you absolutely cannot miss in Calpe is dining at one of its restaurants, where you can enjoy everything from a delicious paella to a seafood platter straight from the sea to your plate.
Teulada-Moraira
Our last coastal village is Teulada-Moraira — though that is not quite accurate, as it has two urban centres: Teulada inland and Moraira on the coast. Thanks to its spectacular climate and unmistakeable landscape, it can boast of being one of the most popular locations on the Costa Blanca all year round.
The Marina Alta area has a virgin coastline, perfect for enjoying paradisiacal beaches and coves with crystal-clear water. You can choose between beaches next to restaurants with all kinds of services and water sports (jet skis, kayak…), or lose yourself in nature and discover exclusive coves for diving or snorkelling and spotting unique marine species.
Teulada-Moraira also boasts significant historic monuments ranging from Palaeolithic human remains (finds at the Cova de les Cendres) through Roman and Muslim presences to the arrival of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Thanks to all this history, you can visit places such as Moraira Castle, the watchtower of Cap d'Or or the church of Santa Catalina, among others.
As you can see, there is a huge variety of things to do in this village. It has countless ideal spots to explore: its historic old town, the fishing port, the coastal wetland of the Marjal del Senillar, hiking routes in unspoilt nature, and more.
But Alicante is not all sea — we also have a spectacular landscape of mountains and lush vegetation, perfect for reconnecting with nature. Here are the three most beautiful inland villages in Alicante.
Guadalest
At Manuel Hernández we have no doubts: Guadalest is considered one of the most charming inland villages in Alicante and indeed in all of Spain. Its history-filled streets breathe a medieval atmosphere marked by the Muslim era before the Reconquista.
Guadalest is surrounded by the Sierra de Aitana, La Xortà and La Serella, with a large reservoir at its feet and the sea in the distance — unique and unforgettable views. It is famous for its cobbled streets and for how every corner integrates remains of its castles.
In Guadalest you can enjoy countless activities: canoeing or kayaking on the reservoir, walks along routes in pure nature while enjoying sightings of eagles and falcons, or visiting its many museums (Medieval History Museum, Bicycle Museum, Ethnological Museum, etc.) and the Castell de Guadalest.
Agres
This small village of no more than 564 inhabitants is located in the Condado de Cocentaina area beside the Sierra Mariola. It is perfect for hikers and nature lovers, with numerous routes such as the Ruta de las fuentes de Agres or the snow route.
A village with steep streets and a great historical heritage and exquisite gastronomy — delicious local dishes such as rice stew with beans, cardoons and turnips, or "borreta". You cannot leave without visiting its fountains, the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Castillo, the public washhouse, the Aralaya tower or the Cava Gran (a well once used for storing ice).
Biar
In the Alto Vinalopó area we find Biar, a village of great beauty in the interior, surrounded by the Sierra Mariola and natural spaces such as the Pantano de Biar reservoir. Another village where the clear Muslim presence of centuries past is evident, and where you can enjoy its historical remains, such as the aqueduct, the imposing Castle or the Ermita de San Roque, also known as the "Gateway to Xàtiva".
Once you have tried the anise rings, "coquetas" or rosemary honey, they will be permanent fixtures on your list of culinary delights. Biar is also well known for its festivals — its distinctive Moors and Christians celebration is very famous, simulating the reconquest of Biar, along with the festivals of San Roque and the Assumption of Mary.
And that concludes our small selection of the best villages in Alicante. At Manuel Hernández we encourage you to look further — you will be amazed at what you find.
