Quick answer: The best areas for holiday rentals in Alicante province are Benidorm (best value, most amenities), Alicante City (culture + beach), Torrevieja (affordable, authentic), Jávea (luxury villas) and Dénia (families + nature). Budget from €60/night for apartments to €300+/night for private villas.
The province of Alicante — home to the world-famous Costa Blanca — is one of the most popular self-catering holiday destinations for British travellers. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, excellent flight connections from virtually every UK airport, and an extraordinary range of accommodation options at every price point, it is easy to see why.
But with so many towns, resorts, and types of property to choose from, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. After nearly 30 years of living here, this is my honest, area-by-area guide to finding the perfect holiday rental in Alicante.
At a Glance: Choosing Your Base
| Area | Best For | Price Range | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benidorm | Families, couples, groups | €60–€180/night | Lively, all-inclusive feel |
| Alicante City | Culture, short breaks | €70–€200/night | Urban Spanish city |
| Torrevieja | Budget, longer stays | €50–€140/night | Authentic, relaxed |
| Jávea (Xàbia) | Luxury, nature lovers | €120–€400/night | Upmarket, scenic |
| Dénia | Families, foodies | €80–€250/night | Charming, authentic |
| Calpe | Couples, walkers | €70–€200/night | Dramatic, scenic |
| Guadalest Valley | Romantic retreats, winter | €150–€350/night | Peaceful, luxurious |
Area by Area: The Full Guide
🏖️ Benidorm — Best All-Round Value
Benidorm is the undisputed king of British holiday rentals on the Costa Blanca. The sheer volume of high-quality apartments — many with pool access, sea views, and walking distance to two superb beaches — means competition keeps prices very reasonable even in peak season.
What you get for your money: A modern 2-bed apartment with pool access typically costs €80–€130/night in summer and drops to €50–€80/night in winter. Private villas with private pools start around €150/night.
Best for: Families who want everything on their doorstep — beaches, restaurants, entertainment and supermarkets all within walking distance. Also fantastic for groups of friends.
Browse our hand-picked Benidorm holiday rentals →
🏙️ Alicante City — Culture Meets Coast
Staying in Alicante City rather than a purpose-built resort gives your holiday a completely different character. You are living like a local — shopping in the Mercado Central, watching the sunset from the castle, and swimming at Postiguet beach five minutes from your front door.
What you get for your money: A well-located city centre apartment costs €70–€120/night. Penthouse apartments with castle views can reach €200+/night but are genuinely spectacular.
Best for: City lovers, couples on short breaks, first-time visitors to the Costa Blanca, or as a base for day trips across the region.
Browse our Alicante City holiday apartments →
🌊 Torrevieja — Best for Budget & Longer Stays
Torrevieja consistently offers some of the best value holiday rentals in the entire province. It is an authentically Spanish town — less touristy than Benidorm — with excellent Blue Flag beaches, a famous pink salt lake, and a large British expat community meaning you will never struggle to find a Sunday roast or a familiar face.
What you get for your money: Spacious 2-bed apartments from €50–€90/night; bungalows with private terraces from €70/night. Outstanding value compared to the northern coast.
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, longer stays of 2+ weeks, retirees, and anyone who prefers a more relaxed, authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Explore our Torrevieja holiday rentals →
💎 Jávea (Xàbia) — Upmarket Villas & Hidden Coves
If budget is less of a concern and quality of experience is everything, Jávea is the answer. Consistently voted one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Jávea offers an extraordinary collection of luxury villas — many with private pools, panoramic sea views, and direct access to hidden rocky coves accessible only on foot.
What you get for your money: You pay a premium here, but you get an extraordinary product. Villas start around €150/night and the sky is genuinely the limit for the most spectacular properties.
Best for: Couples celebrating anniversaries, groups of friends wanting an exclusive feel, and families who want privacy and nature over resort amenities.
Browse luxury Jávea villas and apartments →
🏔️ Guadalest Valley — The Winter Sun Retreat
A relatively new discovery for British tourists, the Guadalest Valley inland from Benidorm has emerged as one of the Costa Blanca's most exciting luxury destinations — particularly for autumn and winter breaks. Think spa retreats, dramatic mountain views, and complete peace and quiet — just 30 minutes from the coast.
What you get for your money: Boutique hotels and design retreats from €150–€300/night. The experience is genuinely world-class.
Best for: Couples looking for a romantic escape, winter sun seekers who want something different from a beach holiday, yoga retreats, and digital nomads.
Discover our Guadalest Valley retreats →
Apartments vs Villas: Which is Right for You?
The most common question we get is whether to book a holiday apartment or a private villa. Here is the honest answer:
- Holiday Apartments are better if you want to be in the heart of the action — close to restaurants, supermarkets and nightlife, with shared pool facilities and typically easier, cheaper access. Perfect for couples, small families, and solo travellers.
- Private Villas are better if privacy is a priority — your own pool, your own garden, your own schedule. Usually cheaper per person for larger groups (6–10 people). Perfect for multi-family holidays or groups of friends.
What to Look For When Booking
Having seen thousands of holiday rental listings over the years, here are the things that separate a genuinely great stay from a disappointing one:
- Air conditioning: Non-negotiable in summer (June–September). Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. If it is not explicitly mentioned, ask.
- Parking: If you are hiring a car (which we strongly recommend for flexibility), confirm whether parking is included or nearby.
- Distance to beach: "Close to the beach" on a listing can mean anything from 2 minutes to 20 minutes. Check on Google Maps.
- Check-in flexibility: If you are arriving late from a UK flight, confirm the check-in process in advance.
- Reviews in English: British and Irish reviews will give you the most relevant context for what to expect.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Rental?
Use our search to filter by area, number of guests, bedrooms, and price range across all our hand-picked Costa Blanca properties: