Beyond Benidorm: Road Trip

Villajoyosa

Drive into Technicolour

Begin your journey in Villajoyosa, whose name translates to ‘Joyful Village’—a moniker that feels entirely earned when you first glimpse its kaleidoscopic seafront.

The Old Town presents one of the Mediterranean’s most photogenic sights: a rainbow of houses in sherbet shades of turquoise, coral, lemon and rose stacked between the Amadorio riverbank and the promenade.

Villajoyosa Balconies

These vivid facades weren’t merely decorative; fishermen painted their homes in bright, distinctive colours so they could identify them from the sea.

Beyond its Instagram appeal, Villajoyosa possesses genuine substance.

The town has been producing chocolate since 1881, and the Valor chocolate factory is a local institution.

But it is the medieval centre, largely overlooked by tourists rushing to nearby Benidorm, that rewards visitors with narrow streets, 16th-century defensive towers built to repel Berber pirates, and the lovely Gothic-Renaissance Church of the Assumption.

Old Town, Villajoyosa

The town’s beaches—particularly Playa del Centro, which stretches beneath those famous coloured houses—offer cleaner, calmer waters than those you’ll find in many of the busier resorts along the coast.

The vibe is cosmopolitan, especially in the summer where you will find an international mix of holidaymakers from all across Europe.

Playa del Centro

For an authentic taste of local life, pop along to the fishing auction at the port (held weekday afternoons when boats return) to witness marvellous theatre and the freshest seafood imaginable.

Where to Stay

Hotel Castelar Palace, Plaça Castelar, 1

Part of the local Seaward Suites group, this boutique accommodation is tucked away in the heart of the Old Town, offering that local feel combined with a little touch of luxury.

Hotel Castelar Palace

Where to Eat

Restaurante D-Roca, Carrer Pou, 1

Sitting along the seafront or close to the marina is always a joy, especially on a warm, sunny day.

But we like to make our way into the Old Town area and one of our favourite restaurants is D-Roca.

Refined and understated, the menu takes from both land and sea, embracing local gastronomic traditions and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

And the wine menu, full of local Valencia and Alicante appellations, has some real treats to transform a long, lazy holiday lunch into something quite memorable.

Restaurante D-Roca

Car Parking

We always head to the seafront where you will find the Doctor Esquerdo underground car park which is open 24 hours while further along there is the outdoor Aparcament senyoreta l’Hort which is open until 8PM.

Orcheta, Relleu & Sella

Orcheta

Of the three villages set in the foothills of the Sierra Aitana mountain range, Orcheta – Orxeta in the Valencian language – is the first you will arrive at when heading out of Villajoyosa along the CV-770 road.

Passing the Amadorio Reservoir on your left hand side, this twisting route offers up a completely different visual experience from the coastal vista you’ve just left behind.

Lemon and almond groves dot the landscape and the hush as you wind your way from one narrow lane to the next provides a rather emotional reaction – you’re on holiday, in ‘Old Spain’ and it seems as if you have the whole village to yourself!

Carrer Mayor

Where to Stay

Casa Oliveira, Carrer Major, 89

We love this place!

Owned by Dutch pair, Paulo and Mark, this sweet casa de pueblo sits in the heart of the village.

Tastefully decorated with a cute kitchen/diner this is the perfect retreat for a truly unforgettable Spanish break.

One problem – it makes you want to stay forever!

Casa Oliveira

Where to Eat

Bar La Plaça, Plaça Dr. Ferrándiz, 2

OK, there aren’t too many dining establishments in the village but when in Spain you can always rely on the bar in the square by the church.

And if homemade croquetas de jamón, patatas bravas and calamares a la Romana are right up your street, accompanied by a chilled chupito de Jerez; well, you’ve found the perfect place.

We always say, to feel like a local is to enter a Spanish village’s Bar La Plaça.

And the one in Orcheta won’t let you down.

Bar La Plaça – classic village tapas bar

Where to Park

As you enter the village keep driving along the CV-770, also known as Carretera Villajoyosa-Alcoy.

Just as you are about to exit at the other end of the village, on your right you will see a large, FREE car parking area located adjacent to Bar El Pal.

Relleu

After Orcheta, still travelling along the CV-770, you will shortly see the sign for Relleu, switching onto the CV-775.

Another winding mountain road will lead you to the village, passing vista after vista as you slowly meander along this beautiful hillside route.

Relax in Relleu

The village is surrounded by the mountains of Cabeçó d’Or, Sierra de la Grana and El Aguilar marking the area out as a hiker’s paradise.

However, something a little less strenuous might be the circular route that is la ruta del pantà de Relleu which takes in Relleu’s most famous attraction, Pasarela De La Presa De Relleu.

Pasarela de Relleu – The Relleu Footbridge

If wooden planks cantilevered over the wall of a canyon 60 metres high gets your adrenaline flowing head to the village Town Hall to view the route map.

And from there simply follow the green and white markings.

You will need to put aside about 3 hours for the walk.

Where to Stay

Las Puertas del Indiano, Carrer Alacant, 23

Nestled in the heart of Relleu, adjacent to the 17th century Church of San Jaime, this rather electic B&B offers a traditional Spanish interior with some contemporary twists including a cosy rooftop sun terrace, very small indoor pool and aromatherapy steam room. Oh, and the obligatory Wifi throughout the house.

Las Puertas Del Indiano

We could enjoy a whole week here but also ideal for a night or two as part of your Road Trip.

Where to Eat

Bar La Plaza, Plaza Sagrado C. Jesus 3

Hosted by the marvellous Theo and Monica this is the type of place you dream about when coming to Spain.

A warm welcome, chatter and buzz, al fresco dining on a warm evening in an ancient square.

And, of course, delightful tapas on tap and something a little more filling if you’re popping in for dinner – a 1kg T-Bone steak cooked on a hot stone.

¡Viva España!

Bar La Plaza

Where to Park

As you enter Relleu keep on the CV-775, passing Bar El Sol and Restaurante La Llavor and you will arrive shortly at the FREE car park on your left hand side.

Sella

From Relleu you will drive back the way you came along the CV-775 until you pick up the CV-770 which will be signposted towards Sella.

Sella from the CV-770

Renowned as a base for hikers and climbers, sitting as it does in the Sierra Aitana massif, there are also several gentler walks including the ‘Water Route’ which takes in ancient irrigation channels, old mills and dams that served the village for centuries.

It’s a step back in time in many ways when you visit Sella; from the historic game of pilota played on a Sunday to the Hermitage of Santa Barbara sitting high on the hill.

Sleepy Sella

It’s everything you can imagine an inland village in Spain should be; a place to find yourself, maybe.

Or, if there on a fiesta week, join in the local celebrations that wake the inhabitants from their regular slumber!

And, of course, like many Spanish places there is a local dish to taste: Arròs amb fesols i penques – rice with beans & peas. Perfect.

Where to Stay

CasaAitana, Calle Cirineo, 21

A boutique B&B ran by the wonderful Magali, Belgian hostess extraordinaire!

Fabulous views across the valley, gorgeous little swimming pool for when the temperature rises and a bohemian-inspired outdoor bar and terrace.

Cool Casaitana

Where to Eat

Bar María, Avenida E.V.A, 19

Whether a morning coffee, a late afternoon beer or a lunchtime paella, the terrace at Bar María is the place to go.

The terrace at Bar María

Stunning views, friendly service and that special emotion where, for a moment, you feel a little Spanish yourself.

Where to Park

As you skirt around the village on the CV-770 you will notice a Parking sign on your left-hand side which takes you down into a tarmac car park.

Search for Parking de La Senyoria and you will comfortably find the location.

Guadalest Valley

Heading inland from Sella, remaining on the CV-770 you will briefly leave the comarca (county) of Marina Baixa and enter the Comtat comarca.

Passing Safari Aitana, before driving through the centre of the delightful village of Alcoleja – very much worth a quick coffee stop –  a wonderful, scenic drive will ensue, bringing you back into Marina Baixa and the village of Confrides which sits at the top of the quite simply divine, Guadalest Valley.

Confrides/Abdet

This duo of village and hamlet combine to offer up a slice of Real Spain.

Sign of a Good Day Ahead

You could park up in Confrides and spend a leisurely hour walking to Abdet, or shuttle between the two in the car – the two locations are separated by approximately 3km.

Granted, there’s not much to do in the way of attractions but the fact you are now in the heart of the Costa Blanca’s lushest of green valleys, surrounded by peaks and tree-studded slopes, is enough to keep a smile on your face for the rest of the day!

Calm in Confrides

Where to Eat

El Pirineo, C/Sant Antoni, 52

Built over 50 years ago this roadside restaurant is pretty typical of a Spanish inn welcoming the weary traveller.

If you are stopping for lunch local favourite Olleta de Blat is a popular choice or maybe the handsome shoulder of lamb – paletilla de cordero – if feeling peckish.

El Pirineo, Confrides

Alternatively, just park up and enjoy views of the Guadalest Valley with a strong cortado while contemplating whether you have time to walk to Abdet and back!

Where to Park

Just opposite El Pirineo there is the village shop where you will find several FREE car parking spaces.

Benifato

Continuing down the bendy CV-770 you will alight upon what we affectionately refer to as the 3 B’s: Benifato, Beniardà and Benimantell.

Of the three, Benifato is the tiniest.

Small but perfectly formed.

Beautiful Benifato

Come off of the CV-770 via the narrow CV-7681, signposted to Benifato, and travel for several hundred metres before reaching the village.

It won’t take you too long to do the Benifato Tour so you can enjoy at a leisurely pace, taking in the lovely San Miguel Arcángel Parish Church and the old public wash house brimming with clear, cold water.

Wher to Eat

La Esquinita, c/del Forn, 3

If Benifato is where you decide to have lunch, well, you might just have picked the winning ticket!

Bar La Esquinita

Belgian couple, Ba and Nat, have restored a little corner of the village into a boutique-style restaurant and bar.

Offering a classic range of tapas, a well chosen selection of wine and some scrumptious desserts makes this one of those places you will be nostalgic for long after your holiday has ended.

Where to Park

As you approach the entrance to the village on the CV-7681, there is FREE car parking on the left-hand side.

Beniardà

As you exit Benifato back onto the CV-70, the turn off for Beniardà is only about a kilometre away whereon you will proceed to take a left onto the CV-757,  descending to an enchanting village sitting next to the shores of the Guadalest reservoir.

Beniardà Pueblo

A perfect spot to park up the car and indulge in a bit of the outdoor life, either hiking in the mountain ranges of Xortá and Serrella or kayaking on the aquamarine water of the nearby reservoir.

Where to Eat

Bar L’Era, Pl. Modesto Juan L’Era, 4

Bar L’Era

We always like to grab an outdoor table at the always good Bar L’Era.

Tucked away in the square, with splendid views across to neighbouring village, Benimantell, you have an opportunity to share some plates of classic tapas.

Alternatively, if you pre-order, you can enjoy a fabulous paella.

Where to Park

Easy FREE Parking

As you enter the village a large tarmac car park is situated on your left, providing numerous FREE spaces and a couple of electric charging points.

Benimantell

As you depart Beniardà and get yourself back onto the CV-70, head in the direction of Guadalest and before you know it you’ll arrive in the next door village of Benimantell.

Carrer de Juli Bou

Like many of the towns and villages across the area, Benimantell’s 400 or so residents seek out a living from the almond and olive harvest but, naturally, over the years rural tourism has helped to support places throughout the Guadalest Valley.

Trails offer hikers and ramblers plenty of opportunities to discover the natural beauty of the area surrounding Benimantell, from Penya Roc and Diví, to Placas del Eco and Barranc de l’Arc.

Where to Eat

Venta la Montaña, Ctra. d’Alcoy, 9

Traditional roadside restaurant dishing out that real Taste of Spain experience with a little local Valenciano flavour thrown in for good measure.

During summer we have to have their Dorada a la plancha – Grilled Sea Bream – while when visiting in the cooler months of winter first chocie is always the Arroz caldoso con conejo, pollo y verduras, a warming rice dish of rabbit, chicken and vegetables.

Venta la Montaña

Where to Park

As in most towns and villages in the region car parking is FREE.

As tourism is such a key contributor to the livelihoods of families running bars and restaurants, hostals and activities, local authorities always look to provide an area for parking even if it is quite a basic piece of scrub land.

And in Benimantell you will find a couple of parking areas along Carrer Barranquet – one in the village centre and the other just as you are about to exit the village travelling towards Guadalest.

Guadalest

Guadalest is in a different league to its sister villages throughout the Valley: Bigger and Busier.

Not only do hordes of Spaniards pile into the ‘village in the sky’ but for busloads of daytrippers from Benidorm, Guadalest has become something of a pilgrimage.

And rightly so.

Enchanting Guadalest

At the roundabout as you leave Benimantell take the CV-755 and in just a few minutes you will arrive in Guadalest; its whitewashed streets, boutique shops, captivating musuems and just the general good-natured bonhomie of the place make it something quite special.

Factor in the views and the tapas bars and restaurants and it’s a destination you might find yourself eager to return once you have left!

Where to Eat

Venta Guadalest, Avenida Alicante, 1

There are numerous establishments to enjoy a relaxing lunch in Guadalest but preference is for Restaurante Venta Gaudalest.

The story behind the building, one of the oldest in Guadalest, is fascinating.

Belonging to the same family and once the village bar, it is now the perfect pitstop for a little respite from your car journey.

A wonderful menu celebrating the province of Alicante and plates of food that are very much a part of this particular area of Marina Baixa.

Restaurante Venta Guadalest

Where to Park

Due to large influx of visitors, by bus and car, parking is charged – only 2€ for the day – but during peak times it will often still be hectic.

We will sometimes just stay parked up back in Benimantell and walk into Guadalest but if you do decide to drive into the village then the main car parks are on either side of the CV-755 road that runs through Guadalest, effectively splitting the village in half.

Where to Stay in the Guadalest Valley

Vivood Landscape Hotel, Carretera Guadalest-Alcoy, 10

Rather than identify accommodation in each of the Guadalest Valley villages, if you decide to stopover in this area, we would highly recommend splashing out for a bit of luxury and comfort by booking into Vivood Landscape Hotel located between Benimantell and Guadalest.

Surrounded by nature with an outdoor pool and rooms that seem to merge into the landscape, Vivood is a timeless experience and one that is perfectly matched with the gorgeous Guadalest Valley.

Vivood Landscape Hotel

Callosa, Bolulla & Tàrbena

Continue on the CV-755 which is a fabulously scenic journey from Guadalest down through the valley to get you to the agricultural town of Callosa d’en Sarrià.

Midway on the route keep an eye out for the Motor Museum and the adjacent restaurant and shop which is a nice spot to pull over and enjoy a break and some refreshments.

The shop sells a range of lovely local products, ideal as a reminder of your holiday or a gift for family and friends.

Relaxing Retail

Callosa d’en Sarrià

Famous for its epic Moors and Christians Festival in October, the town is also home to a vibrant population from the Americas, especially Bolivia and Ecuador.

Very much a working town rather than a typical tourist destination, Callosa nevertheless hits many of the right notes offering a glimpse into how the Spanish go about their daily lives.

We love it.

And if you do want something with a bit more of a ‘holiday’ vibe, as you make your way to the next village of Bolulla, en route you will come across a turn off for the famous Algar Waterfalls which sits within the municipality of Callosa.

Moors & Christians Banners

Where to Eat

Cervecería Centro, Carrer Jaume Primer, 6

Top little tapas bar in the middle of town, it’s our go to place when stopping off in Callosa.

Time for Tapas

Where to Park

As you come into Callosa from Guadalest you will see a mini roundabout – Plaza Quatre Carreteres – in the middle of town; take the 4th exit onto Carretera d’Alacant – then take the first right where there is a FREE car park behind the rows of houses and shops.

Bolulla

Departing Callosa along the CV-715, 5km later will afford you a first glimpse of the tiny village of Bolulla.

Bolulla from above.

Surrounded by loquat and olive trees, Bolulla is a sleepy, hidden away village which, nevertheless, has a surprising amount of international residents from across Europe – people who have sought out their little slice of Spanish heaven.

It’s also an ideal place to stop for lunch and a swim – so make sure you have your cossie and a towel packed!

Cooling down in the Fonts

The fonts at Bolulla are considerably quieter than those you can find at the tourist hotspot of Algar (which is located between Callosa and Bolulla).

And if you are on your road trip during the height of summer Bolulla Fonts are an absolute blessing.

Where to Eat

Bar l’Era, Carrer l’Era, 16

We always pop into Bar l’Era, the family run restaurant which is the beating heart of Bolulla.

Traditonal Fayre in generous supply and lashings of rural Spanish charm that makes everything so worthwhile.

Bar l’Era – The Village Hub

Where to Park

Just outside of Bar l’Era there are several FREE spaces or, alternatively, as you approach the village take a right towards Bolulla Fonts and there is large area where you can easily park up for the day.

Tàrbena

Carrying on past Bolulla, remaining on the CV-715 will, eventually, get you to the top of the mountain via the twistiest of ascents.

And once here, your eyes will alight upon Tàrbena, one of our favourite destinations anywhere in the Marina Baixa region.

Morning Walk – Tàrbena

The village has some wonderful vantage points with incredible views down to the Mediterranean coast, the bay of Albir and the Benidorm skyline.

And quiet corners to sit and take in the wonderful simplicity of life in a Valencian village.

A Secret Corner

Where to Eat

Can Pinet, Avenida Constitución, 11

A shared paella must be one of life’s great pleasures, especially when in the Valencian region, home of the world famous rice dish.

And in Tàrbena, Can Pinet is the sort of place that adds to the experience.

Wooden furniture and tiled floor and walls with the kitchen on full view to see the magic unfold.

Family Lunch @ Can Pinet

Where to Park

Yet again, parking is made easy in a Spanish village.

As you wind your way up to Tàrbena, there are two entrances leading into the village.

Take the second where there is a slight incline past the recycling bins and you will find numerous FREE spaces to your right, including a few hook-up spots for motorhomes.

Where to Stay

Can Elisa, Partida Rafalet, 78

In order to have a central location giving you access to Callosa, Bolulla and Tàrbena – plus the Fonts at Algar – Can Elisa is an idyllic hideaway offering quality accommodation and glamping in a safari tent.

Surrounded by Mother Nature, there are not too many better places to spend a day or two and the Dutch couple who oversee proceedings, Linda and Jasper, are a font of knowledge on the local area.

Casita Oliva, Can Elisa

Polop & La Nucía

Departing Tàrbena, retrace your journey back down the CV-715 towards Bolulla and then on to Callosa where you will remain on the same road as you head towards the adjacent towns of Polop and La Nucía.

Polop

A more romantic location you couldn’t wish for; overlooked by El León Dormido – The Sleeping Lion – mountain and home to one of Spain’s early modernist novelists, Gabriel Miró, Polop is quintessentially Spanish.

View to El León Dormido

Visit El Museo de Gabriel Miró or walk to the old cemetery and castle at the highest peak of the town offering up spectacular views to Altea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Meander the streets and work your way to the loveliest of squares, Plaza de la Purisima, where refreshments are available in a couple of friendly establishments.

Plaza de la Purisima

Where to Stay

León Dormido Rooms & Apartments, Calle Gabriel Miró, 2

On a road trip it’s not always about luxury.

Budget plays a part and at León Dormido you’ll get pretty basic accommodation but a warm welcome.

Suitably located at the entrance to the town with free car parking across the road, it’s a perfect place to stay while exploring Polop and the surrounding area.

Hostal León Dormido

Where to Eat

Tasca l’Albarda, Plaza de la Purisima

A selection of tapas and bocadillos accompanied by a fine selection of wines; a shaded table in the square and the occasional live music performance.

Perfection in Polop!

Tables@Tasca

Where to Park

There is plenty of FREE parking in Polop: opposite the León Dormido, on your left-hand side as you drive through Plaza de la Purisima or the large double-storey car park at the end of Carrer Llavador.

Main Car Park

La Nucìa

You can see the Old Town of La Nucìa from Polop, they are that close.

However, La Nucìa has expanded dramatically in recent years, with residential urbanisations sprawling all the way down to Alfàs del Pi.

Transforming itself into a sports-focused town with excellent facilities located at Ciudad Deportivo Camilo Cano, it has also become a magnet for retirees from all across Northern Europe.

Siesta Time in La Nucia

Where to Stay

Barceló La Nucía Palms, Partida Buena Vista, 2

5-star elegance not far from the Camilo Cano sports stadium, this is one of two of the eponymous Spanish hotel group’s properties in La Nucìa.

Refinement and relaxation, just what is required during a Spanish road trip!

Barceló La Nucía Palms

Where to Eat

Valentina’s Coffee, Passeig Pla de Garaita, 17

There are numerous dining venues from the Old Town to the numerous residential complexes but it is Valentina’s Coffee that always draws us back.

A friendly smile awaits and a trendy little place to enjoy a sandwich and a cake.

Brunch Time @ Valentina’s

Where to Park

There are really too many areas to park across the whole of La Nucìa to specifically identify one, so just keep your eyes peeled for the P sign as well as the abundance of side street parking spaces.

Altea, Albir & Alfàs

The three A’s – maybe one of the best zones in the Marina Baixa region, maybe even the whole of the Costa Blanca.

Altea

Leaving La Nucìa on the CV-760 provides a gentle descent through rolling hills and views of the Med as you near The White Coast’s diamond destination of Altea.

Altea by The Med

A fusion of art and culture, architecture and history, Altea ticks nearly every box.

A fully loaded treat whether for a short visit, an extended stay or permanent residence!

Lose youself in the steets of the Old Town, experience the cosmopolitan seafront or live like a local in the bustling centro area of town.

Some argue that if the Costa Blanca had a soul it would reside in Altea.

We wouldn’t disagree.

Old Town, Altea

Where to Stay

Cap Negret Hotel, Km 159, N-332

Located a few clicks outside of Altea in the adjoining hamlet of Cap Negret, the hotel has a wonderful seventies style facade but once through the door the vibe is fresh and contemporary.

With a swimming pool virtually on the beach, a dedicated bicycle zone and a lovely stroll back into Altea, we can’t get enough of Cap Negret.

Oh, forgot to mention, there is also plenty of parking for the car!

Cap Negret Hotel

Where to Eat

La Cena by Nola, Paseo del Mediterraneo, 20

With six restaurants along the coast from El Campello to Moraira, La Cena has become a favourite of ours.

Whether dropping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the international menu is spot on and the service is always on point.

La Cena by Nola

Where to Park

Unlike the UK’s obsession with car parking charges, especially in tourist locations, Altea – like the rest of the locations on our road trip – has a multitude of FREE car parking spaces in the resort.

Visiting the Old Town – there are several car parks adjacent to the Carrer Benidorm stretch of road while down at the beachfront you have parking at the port as well as spaces along Carrer Sant Pere.

Albir

Playa de l’Albir is the low-rise beach resort of the town of Alfàs del Pi and easy to get to from Altea.

Heading in the direction of Benidorm along the N332, take a left at the McDonald’s roundabout where you will drive down Avenida de l’Albir into the resort.

Famous for being Cinema Town due to the annual Film Festival and the Street of Stars – Paseo de las Estrellas – along the seafront promenade, Albir is an international hub with residents from overseas outnumbering the Spanish!

As a result this is very much a cosmopolitan place, the Spanish feel enhanced by Norwegians, Dutch, Germans and Brits.

Paseo de las Estrellas

A real draw is the Blue Trail walk to the Faro de l’Albir, a lighthouse perched on the Sierra Helada.

The comfortable trail (about 5 kilometres return) winds through fragrant pine forests and offers increasingly spectacular views across the coast.

The lighthouse itself, stark white against the blue void of sea and sky, marks the end of a beautiful protected natural park.

Faro de l’Albir

Where to Stay

Kaktus Hotel, Carrer Pau Casals, 4

A hotel that probably requires a bit of an upgrade, especially the bedrooms, but nevertheless a super spot on Albir’s beachfront.

Kaktus Hotel

Where to Eat

D-Craft, Paseo de las Estrellas, 1

There are so many brilliant restaurants in Albir, all cuisines and in every location.

It’s a proper holiday resort and busy throughout the whole year with residents, expats and tourists enjoying the quality of life afforded by this little corner of Marina Baixa.

But in the summer, facing the sea, it is D-Craft we tend to opt for – a nice salad and an Aperol Spritz.

¡Mil Gracias!

Summer Lunch @ D-Craft

Where to Park

Again, FREE parking is available up and down the Boulevard de los Musicos as well as in the centre of the resort in a large space that is the home each Sunday for Albir’s outdoor market.

Alfàs del Pi

More of a Spanish working town but with a large Norwegian diaspora and plenty of Brits it pretty much  reflects the international nature of this part of the region.

We love it; great shops, cafés and restaurants with a host of cultural events on offer throughout the year.

L’Alfàs del Pi

An ideal location if you’re on a road trip to discover where you might wish to buy a holiday home or even make that permanent move.

And simple to get to from Albir, just back up the Avenida de l’Albir to the McDonald’s roundabout, straight over and follow the signs to Alfàs del Pi.

Where to Stay

Hotel Molí, Carrer Calvari, 12

Charming little boutique hotel hits all the right notes, esepcially if you’re British: Friday Fish ‘n’ Chips, Sunday Roast Carvery and Bottomless Brunch.

Yes, please!

Hotel Molí Boutique

Where to Eat

La Plaza, Carrer Federico García Lorca, 3

When we stopover in Alfàs del Pi something to eat in La Plaza is always on the menu.

Relaxed atmosphere, good food and service with a smile.

La Plaza

Where to Park

As with most small towns in the area, plentiful parking exists.

We tend to head for the large FREE parking lot on La Avenida de la Constitución which is mere steps away from the centre of town.

Finestrat

A final stop on our trip transports us back inland from Alfàs to the village that sits in the shadow of the region’s famous Puig Campana mountain – the one with the gap in the top!

Get yourself onto the CV-763 heading towards La Nucìa and when you arrive at the CV-70 roundabout follow the sign for Benidorm.

As you motor down the CV-70 you will travel for a few kilometres when a mini-roundabout will point you to Finestrat along the CV-758 road.

Finestrat Pueblo, distinct from its sister resort of La Cala de Finestrat down on the coast, deserves more attention than it receives.

Valley Views

Occupying a dramatic setting with scenic valley views and an old quarter that is a delight, it is no surpise that many Northern Europeans have set up home in Finestrat.

Indeed, the Town Hall actually has a residentes-otras-nacionalidades department specifically created to support the needs of expats.

Where to Stay

The Orange House, CV-759

Opened in 2003, The Orange House is the creation of Brits Sam and Rich offering a retreat designed particularly for climbers and hikers but also accommodating large groups and families.

Located just outside of the village, it’s worth a look if part of your road trip features an outdoor element or if you have planned to go beyond Benidorm as a collective – they even cater for Stags & Hens!

Orange is the new Black

Where to Eat

Bar Serena’s, Carrer Puig Campana, 2

Sometimes, just sometimes, when on your Spanish odyssey you get that yearning for something closer to home.

Fish ‘n’ chips maybe, a curry or a quality burger.

Well, if that’s you, your luck is in as Brit bar, Serena’s, has the menu to suit.

Go on a Sunday and the Roast is in the oven!

Burger @ Bar Serena’s

Where to Park

Keeping on the CV-758 drive through the village, passing Bar Serena’s on your left, straight over the next roundabout and a large FREE car park is situated on your left-hand side.

Journey’s End

Due to the reputation Benidorm has engendered over the decades this part of Spain has often been dismissed as merely a beach holiday destination—a place of package tourism and British expat bars.

We think our road trip proves how unfair that characterisation is.

Yes, those elements exist, particularly in Benidorm, but they represent only one layer of a complex region.

Behind the developed coastline lie mountain villages that time has barely touched, landscapes of dramatic beauty, and a cultural richness that rewards those who venture beyond the beach. 

The contrast is the point.

Where else can you breakfast in a medieval village surrounded by mountains, lunch on a Michelin-starred tasting menu, swim in mountain waterfalls, and end the day watching sunset from a Mediterranean harbour?

Marina Baixa – Beyond Benidorm –  offers all of this within an hour’s drive, and that extraordinary variety—the ability to move from one world to another so quickly—is its greatest asset.