Alicante & Benidorm Day Trip Review: Guadalest, Denia & Calpe

So, you’re maybe thinking about seeing a bit more of the Costa Blanca than just Alicante or Benidorm? A day trip taking in Guadalest, Denia, and Calpe actually sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? I thought I’d share some personal opinions, practical suggestions, and things to look for while seeing these attractive locations, really.

First stop, that pretty place: Guadalest

Guadalest, first of all, is that village seemingly carved into a mountain – it’s almost like something from a storybook. Very impressive!. That drive there can be pretty too, since it winds you through the kind of mountain scenery which really makes you feel like you’re properly on vacation. Because, alright, the village itself, well, the views alone are just seriously worth it. I mean, seriously stunning!. That said, beyond that striking vista, Guadalest has that tiny feel, filled with little museums (some kinda weird, some alright really interesting – that’s your shout!), and shops which, that, mostly sell local products.

Actually, that castle of San José could be, and tends to be, a major point, too. The walk up isn’t something huge, yet it does give even nicer panoramic shots. When you’re into photos, that is, anyway. What I might suggest: Put on those comfortable shoes and explore – because that place is mostly walking only – and taste some locally sourced food items, basically. Those nísperos (loquats) could be a very big local specialty which you’ve just got to try if you’re visiting around when they’re actually in season!

Up next is beautiful Denia

Denia is actually the coastal contrast to mountaintop Guadalest, of course. That shift from that village to Denia does, in a way, feel like you’re getting, well, that’s variety. Really nice!

Now, Denia has got, that, you know, more of a bustling, a little bigger town vibe. It could be more obviously noted, of course, for that big marina area which, alright, just adds atmosphere, and for that old castle which overlooks basically everything. You might wanna consider walking up to Denia Castle. Very nice, that’s got interesting snippets about what used to happen here, and the vistas over the ocean really make that little walk worth it.

Denia’s also seemingly pretty famous for its beaches – miles and miles of those sandy areas which can tempt you in for a nice paddle or to relax on if you’re going when the weather really heats up. Those streets by the harbor usually are lively with people and that, just tons of places where one can enjoy some good eats, ranging seemingly from really authentic paella all the way to like your classic seafood dinners, naturally.

And the trip ends at picturesque Calpe

That very final location, Calpe, often has, could be described, you see, as basically somewhere that’s completely iconic due to the Penon de Ifach rock – that gigantic rock which appears towering out of the sea; it’s a really unmissable area! Calpe, that is, blends kind of that historic feel with that vibrant coastal feel actually quite cleverly.

It looks almost like some kind of magnet for photographers. Climbing Peñón de Ifach does mean that you must be decently physically fit and prepared since some spots can, might be, challenging. That reward’s got a spectacular view from high up top there which extends right around all that shoreline, if you’re good for it, basically. That old town, yet, is quite worth exploring with its maze-like alleys, plus that vibrant atmosphere can be very present down by those fish markets right by the port.

What you really should remember is actually this: Calpe is another spot, by the way, known properly for seafood restaurants; you’ll find absolutely so, so, many places where you’re able to sample some genuinely freshly caught produce while you’re looking out towards, yet, what can often be the setting sun reflecting on the Mediterranean, naturally.

Arranging Your Day: Tours versus DIY

So, arranging this sort of adventure offers those decisions around going on an actually pre-arranged excursion compared to going at this totally yourself with a rented ride. In fact, pre-planned tours often provide you all of that ease where all, or most, of your logistics can be actually handled, meaning you simply just turn up, and you will enjoy.

As a matter of fact, that downside could be around scheduling that may not always provide the latitude to, that, you know, take as long at that spot when you may like; whereas, actually exploring all by yourself in a ride seemingly hands over that ability to make, almost, whatever schedule you actually love best.

Bear in mind: Driving particularly in the vicinity of Guadalest means you may be needing to, in a way, handle, just a little, roads on the twisty side; still, if that’s OK then the trade off in sheer autonomy frequently is absolutely worth it, arguably. Oh, very clearly you should weigh what’s quite important; basically – pure efficiency rather than quite having full schedule control; actually considering also driving confidence actually, right, is essential really when weighing what might be suitable, in a way.

A few more suggestions for day trip adventures

So, actually packing that perfect kit literally often helps to simply ensure what tends to be a pretty nice day outdoors. Actually sun protection—hats, sun lotion, all of that sort—may be almost more vital, very, very important here even outside just the balmiest summers, quite clearly as this area receives just so, so, much light, that, throughout that year. Putting on sturdy shoes appears just utterly almost an absolute certainty particularly, that, if exploring round what can be a bit rough terrain on sites such as at Guadalest also whilst perhaps even looking towards climbing Calpe’s Peñón that.

Carrying basically bottled waters could actually assist keeping your body full, which appears extremely fundamental around longer excursions and actually specifically should touring whilst quite actively going around, too. That local cuisine can seem delightful, too – try tasting locally available dishes during all points you pause because those can sometimes make that biggest memorability around these ventures by you, yet anyway. Being mindful concerning, so, you know, when stuff actually opens or when these tend simply, just a little, busiest could easily mean quite carefully scheduling which will boost what’s got experienced at, and is usually something to keep top of your mind pretty basically, truly.

The language – by the way brushing up using probably key phrases, such that ‘gracias’ then perhaps, obviously, what could also easily gain from, that, usually better communications during what perhaps perhaps even might perhaps bring about improved contacts – you find?

Reflections on trips to Denia, Guadalest and Calpe

That day tripping through such towns really tends basically just prove highly attractive quite for gaining an amazing outline over specifically, the region of Costa Blanca; you will be having an experience coming right to places like an extremely very quaint highland towns, following what becomes quite something of bustling marina’s in what would tend quite mostly be lovely coastal hot-spots, basically, pretty really, pretty great honestly to see the region.

Whether quite using planned excursions and taking any path alone that’s always essential to essentially always match expectations which comes down against anything quite special around it all with regard quite perhaps even perhaps always scheduling times within your whole, whole day for that slow perhaps pauses whilst enjoying nearby surroundings so much by your own way without stress plus often without rush being, always basically, totally right to do right honestly which just mostly boosts experiences. You should gain wonderful wonderful photographs and recollections from journeys around places near around Benidorm by Spain!