Day Trips Calpe Peñón de Ifach 23 km, Guadalest castle 22 km, Altea 13 km, Tabarca via Santa Pola 50 km. Drive times, parking realities, and ferry windows for Costa Blanca's best day trips. Benidorm’s public transport is fantastic. For just €1.60, a bus will whisk you to beautiful Altea every 20 minutes. But to truly discover the soul of the Costa Blanca—the mountain-top villages, hidden swimming coves, and rugged natural parks—you need a car. The freedom to explore on your own schedule is priceless, and with the main AP-7 motorway now completely toll-free, driving north or south has never been easier or cheaper. A rental car transforms your holiday from a beach break into a grand adventure. It allows you to escape the crowds and find the authentic Spain that lies just beyond the city limits. For a complete guide on the basics, see our page on renting a car in Benidorm. We cover everything from documentation to a breakdown of car rental prices. These short hops are perfect for a morning or afternoon outing, letting you see a completely different side of the region without spending all day in the car. They offer a fantastic return on your driving time, but be aware that finding a space can still be a challenge. For a deep dive, check our guide to parking in Benidorm itself. Destination Distance from Benidorm Drive Time Parking Reality Altea 13 km 15–20 min Free roadside parking on Avenida del Puerto Villajoyosa 10 km 15 min Free parking near the Valor Chocolate factory Albir / Alfàs del Pi 9 km 12 min Free beachfront parking (fills quickly) Sierra Helada 5–10 km 10–15 min Free but limited at official park entrances Altea is arguably the most photogenic white village on the Costa Blanca. Park down by the port and wander up through the steep, cobbled streets to the iconic blue-domed church. The views from the plaza are breathtaking. Villajoyosa offers a splash of colour with its vibrant painted fishermen's houses lining the beachfront. It’s a working Spanish town with a lovely, uncrowded feel. The Valor Chocolate Museum is a must-visit, and parking nearby is usually straightforward. Albir is a relaxed, modern town popular with Northern Europeans. The main attraction is the stunning lighthouse walk (Camí del Far), an easy 5km round-trip hike on a paved path with spectacular sea views. Sierra Helada Natural Park is the rugged green lung separating Benidorm and Albir. You can access trailheads from the Albir lighthouse path or from the Rincón de Loix end of Benidorm for more challenging hikes up to the cross. Venture a little further to discover some of the region's most famous and rewarding attractions. These destinations are well worth the slightly longer drive. Calpe (23 km, 30 min): Dominated by the colossal Peñón de Ifach rock, Calpe is a stunning sight. The town has excellent beaches and a bustling fishing port famous for its seafood restaurants. If you plan to hike the rock, be prepared. Insider Tip: Book Your Climb! The upper trail of the Peñón de Ifach is restricted to 300 visitors per day. You must reserve a spot in advance via the official parks website: parquesnaturales.gva.es. In summer, book at least 48 hours ahead and arrive before 09:00 to find parking. Guadalest (22 km, 27 min): This is the jewel in the Costa Blanca's crown. The impossibly perched village and castle, accessed through a tunnel carved from rock, offers incredible views over a turquoise reservoir. The village itself is entirely pedestrianised. Warning: Park Early or Miss Out Guadalest has a large pay-and-display car park at the base of the village (€2–€3 for the day), but it fills completely by late morning in high season. Arrive before 10:30 am to secure a spot without stress. Aqualandia (6 km, 10 min): For families, a day trip to one of Europe's largest water parks is essential. The drive from Benidorm is incredibly short, and the logistics are simple. With a massive 50,000 m² of free on-site parking, it’s one of the easiest destinations to drive to. With the toll-free AP-7 at your disposal, a full-day trip to a major city or a unique island is entirely feasible. Pack your comfiest shoes and get ready for a longer, but hugely rewarding, day out. Destination Distance & Drive Time Parking Reality Top Tip Alicante City 55 km (45 min) Paid underground lots are best (Postiguet, Mercado). Street parking is strict. Take the free lift or funicular up to Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic views. Valencia City 135 km (1h 30 min) Park at the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias for the day. Driving in the old town is complex. Focus your day on one area—either the historic centre or the modern City of Arts & Sciences. Tabarca Island 50 km (50–60 min) to Santa Pola Free all-day parking on Calle Patricio Zammit in Santa Pola, then a 30-min ferry. Book your return ferry in advance online to save money. Cars are not allowed on the island. Alicante offers the perfect mix of city life and history. Explore the historic centre, stroll along the Explanada de España promenade, and don't miss Santa Bárbara Castle, which looms over the city. Valencia is Spain's third-largest city and a viable, if long, day trip. The futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences is a world-class attraction. Alternatively, lose yourself in the charm of the Mercat Central and the historic El Carmen district. Tabarca Island is a unique experience. Drive to the port town of Santa Pola, park your car for free, and take the ferry to Spain's smallest permanently inhabited island. It’s a protected marine reserve, perfect for snorkelling in crystal-clear water followed by a traditional “caldero” (fish stew) lunch. A little preparation makes for a much smoother drive. Keep these tips in mind: Fuel Up Smart. Don't fill up at the expensive resort petrol stations. Drive a few minutes to the edge of Finestrat for significant savings. Local Insight: Save on Fuel Savvy drivers fill up at the 24/7 automated stations like Petroprix Finestrat (Av. Picasso 41) or Plenoil Finestrat (Av. Miguel Hernández 11). In May 2026, SP95 petrol was €1.429/L here, compared to €1.645/L at a BP in Benidorm. That’s a saving of over €10 on a 50-litre tank! Check live prices at Geoportal Gasolineras. This is a smart way to avoiding rental scams that involve inflated fuel charges. Time Your AP-7 Journey. While the AP-7 motorway is toll-free, it’s the main artery for the coast. On summer Saturdays, traffic builds significantly between 10:00 and 12:00 as people head to the beaches. Pack Supplies. If you're heading into the Sierra Helada or up to Guadalest, there are no services between trailheads or on the winding mountain roads. Always carry plenty of water and a few snacks. Download Offline Maps. Mobile signal can be patchy on the mountain route between Benidorm and Guadalest. Download the area on Google Maps or Waze beforehand to ensure you don't lose navigation. For more tips, see our guide to driving rules in Spain. Remember Your Reservations. For the Calpe Peñón climb, booking is non-negotiable. Head to parquesnaturales.gva.es a couple of days before your planned hike. While a car gives you incredible freedom, some destinations are a bit too ambitious for a day trip. Madrid is over 400 km away, a solid 4–5 hour drive each way via the A-31 and A-3 motorways. This is definitely an overnight trip, not a day excursion. Barcelona is slightly closer at around 350 km (3.5 hours), but unlike the route south, some sections of the AP-7 motorway north of Valencia are still tolled. Both cities are, however, excellent options for a one-way rental. You can rent a car in Benidorm and arrange with your supplier to drop it off at Madrid or Barcelona airport, giving you the ultimate road trip flexibility. Find out more about one-way rentals to Alicante Airport.