Which day trip is best with young kids?

Algar Waterfalls (May–Sept, swimming in shallow natural pools) and Elche (flat palm-grove walks with a small train through the gardens) are the easiest. Guadalest involves steep cobbled streets but the castle visit itself is short.

Can I do these day trips without a car?

Yes for Valencia (Renfe AVE/Euromed from Alicante), Murcia (Cercanías commuter train) and Tabarca (boat from Santa Pola or Alicante). Guadalest and Algar are easiest by organised coach tour from Benidorm — every hotel travel desk sells them.

When is Tabarca closed?

Tabarca itself never closes, but ferry frequency drops dramatically from November to March (often only weekends, weather permitting). Peak service is June to mid-September.

Is Valencia really doable in a day?

Yes — train in by 09:30, walk the casco antiguo, lunch paella in El Palmar or Casa Carmela, afternoon at the Ciudad de las Artes, train home by 21:00. But it is more relaxing as an overnight; the city deserves it.

How much should we budget per person for a day trip?

€35–€60 covers fuel/ferry/parking, entry tickets and a menú del día lunch. Valencia or a Tabarca lunch of gambas can push to €80–€100. Organised coach tours run €35–€55 including transport and a guide.

Are the day trips worth it in winter?

Guadalest, Elche, Murcia and Valencia — absolutely; mild weather, no queues and lower prices. Algar (cold water) and Tabarca (limited ferries) are summer-only.

When is the best time to visit the Costa Blanca?

May, June, September and October.

Recommended for inland trips and beach-hopping.

Is the Costa Blanca family-friendly?

Yes — shallow beaches and family-orientated towns.

Day Trips

Costa Blanca Day Trips — The Complete Guide

One of the great advantages of basing yourself on the Costa Blanca is what sits around it. Within 90 minutes you can be on a UNESCO palm grove, a Mediterranean island, a Moorish eagle's-nest fortress, in baroque Murcia or in paella's birthplace, Valencia. Six classic day trips are within easy reach of any coastal base — here is how to plan each one.

Last updated 1 June 2026

The six classic day trips at a glance

Day trip	From Benidorm	From Alicante	From Torrevieja	Best for
Guadalest	45 min	1h 15	1h 45	Castle village, mountain views
Algar Waterfalls	40 min	1h 10	1h 45	Swimming in natural pools
Elche palm groves	1h	30 min	45 min	UNESCO palms, dates, history
Tabarca island	1h 30 + ferry	45 min + ferry	20 min + ferry	Snorkel, marine reserve, lunch
Murcia city	1h 30	55 min	45 min	Baroque cathedral, tapas
Valencia city	1h 30	1h 40	2h 15	Paella, Ciudad de las Artes

Combine and conquer

Guadalest + Algar is the classic combo (both 30 min apart inland). Elche + Tabarca pair well from the south. Valencia is best as a full-day or overnight trip rather than a rushed in-and-out.

How to choose

✦Half-day with kids — Algar Waterfalls (Apr–Oct), Elche palm grove, Guadalest castle.
✦Foodie day — Valencia (paella & Mercado Central) or Murcia (tapas crawl in Plaza de las Flores).
✦Beach + island — Tabarca for snorkel and a long fish lunch.
✦Photography & views — Guadalest belfry, Algar pools, Valencia's Ciudad de las Artes.
✦Rainy plan B — Elche's MAHE museum, Valencia's IVAM and Oceanogràfic, Murcia's cathedral.
✦By train — Valencia AVE/Euromed from Alicante (~90 min) is the smoothest car-free option.

Practical tips that apply to all six

✦Drive early. Leave by 09:00 to beat the heat (summer) or to catch first ferry (Tabarca).
✦Lunch is the event. Book a 14:00 table at destination, not on the road back.
✦Cash isn't needed. Cards work everywhere, including the ferries and rural Algar.
✦Monday closures. Many museums (including Guadalest's smaller ones) close Mondays.
✦Parking. Guadalest has paid lots at the base; Tabarca is ferry-only (no car); Valencia is best parked at a P+R like Universidad Politécnica and tram in.
✦Bring water shoes for Algar (slippery rocks) and Tabarca (rocky coves).

Guadalest

Spain's most-visited village.

Elche palm groves

UNESCO World Heritage palm forest.

Tabarca island

Mediterranean marine reserve.

Valencia

Paella's birthplace and Spain's third city.

Murcia

Baroque cathedral and tapas capital.

Algar Waterfalls

Natural pools and waterfalls.