5-day trip along the Costa Blanca

Day 1: Arrival at Asia Gardens

After arrival, you drive to Hotel Asia Gardens & Thai Spa, just outside Benidorm. Behind the entrance, you immediately find yourself in a green environment with palm trees, water features and paths running through the gardens. After check-in, you calmly take the time to explore the property. You walk along the different pools or immediately choose a place to sit and recover from the journey.

In the afternoon, you can already make use of the hotel facilities, or simply enjoy the calm in your room. Towards the evening, you head to The Island restaurant. There you dine outside, with a view of the bay of Altea that slowly lights up as it gets dark. A first evening that immediately sets the tone for the rest of your stay.

Day 2: Guadalest and Fonts de l’Algar

After breakfast, you leave towards the inland of the Costa Blanca. The road runs along hills and small villages until you arrive in Guadalest, a village located high above a reservoir. You walk through the narrow streets, past small shops and viewpoints where you stop for a moment. After the visit, you continue driving to the Fonts de l’Algar. Here, clear water flows along rocks and small waterfalls and you can, if you wish, go into the water. It is a pleasant place to pause and spend some time outside.

In the early evening, you return to the hotel. For dinner, you reserve a table at Koh Samui restaurant, where Thai dishes are served. Ideal to end the day without having to go out again.

Day 3: Altea and the coast from the water

Today you drive to Altea, a coastal town known for its old centre. You park below and walk up towards the church with the blue dome. Along the way, you pass small galleries, terraces and narrow streets where you linger for a moment. At the top, a view awaits over the sea and the coastline. In the afternoon, you board a private boat. You sail along the cliffs of the Sierra Helada and see the coastline from the sea. Depending on the weather, you can stop to swim or simply remain seated and enjoy the view. After the boat trip, you return to Altea. You stay a bit longer for a drink or a plate of tapas before driving back to the hotel.

Day 4: Spa and time for yourself

Today you have no fixed programme. You start the day calmly in the garden with a Tai Chi or Qi Gong session, guided by an instructor. Afterwards, you take the time to experience the hotel in a different way. A treatment is scheduled in the Thai Spa. You go to an outdoor pavilion where you receive a massage, surrounded by greenery and with only the sound of water and wind in the background. Afterwards, you have all the time to continue relaxing. The rest of the day is entirely up to you. You choose another pool, order something to drink or withdraw to your room for a moment. No planning is needed today.

Day 5: Wine and departure

On your last day in this region, you drive to a bodega near Alfàs del Pi. You get a tour of the vineyards and the production area, followed by a tasting of local wines. You taste the difference between the grape varieties and get a good understanding of the region. After the visit, you return to the hotel for a final afternoon. This is the moment to enjoy the pool one more time or have a quiet lunch on the property. In the evening, you finish at In Black restaurant. Here, the focus is on a refined menu and a more gastronomic approach, ideal as a closing to your stay on the Costa Blanca.

Extension: Valencia (3 days)

Day 6: To Valencia

After check-out, you drive in about one and a half hours to Valencia. You arrive in the city and check in at Hospes Palau de la Mar, near the Turia gardens. Thanks to its location, you quickly reach the centre or a quieter part of the city. In the afternoon, you can already do a first exploration. You walk towards the City of Arts and Sciences or head into the shopping streets. Those who prefer to rest can make use of the hotel spa. In the evening, you choose where to eat: in the hotel or in one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 7: City and market

Today you head into Valencia on foot. You start in the El Carmen district, where you walk through narrow streets and pass various historic buildings. Then you visit the Mercado Central, where you walk past stalls with local products and can taste small bites. You can then climb the Miguelete tower for a view over the city. For lunch, you go towards Ruzafa, a neighbourhood with a more local atmosphere and many small restaurants. In the afternoon, the plan remains open. You can visit another museum, continue walking through the city or return to the hotel to take a break. In the evening, you again choose where to dine.

Day 8: Beach and departure

On your last day, you rent a bike and follow the old Turia riverbed towards the sea. The path runs through parks and brings you to La Malvarrosa beach. By the sea, you take the time for a final lunch, preferably in a restaurant along the boulevard where paella is on the menu. Afterwards, you return to the hotel to collect your belongings and leave for the airport.

Frequently asked questions about this trip in Spain

How long do I spend in the car on average?

Most drives take between 30 minutes and an hour. You are therefore never on the road for long and still have enough time to stay somewhere.

How does the boat trip work in practice?

You depart from the coast and sail along the cliffs of the Sierra Helada. Along the way, you can stop to swim or simply remain seated and enjoy the view.

Is Valencia worth adding?

Yes, you immediately get a different atmosphere. You are in a city with markets, restaurants and a beach, which is a nice addition to your stay by the sea.

When is the best time to travel here?

Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures. In summer, the temperature is higher, but the hotel and the sea provide enough cooling.