The province of Alicante is home to some of the most spectacular beach destinations in the whole of Europe. With over 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, consistently golden weather, and an extraordinary variety of landscapes and atmospheres, it is no surprise that the Costa Blanca attracts millions of British holidaymakers every year. But which resorts are truly worth your time in 2026? After almost 30 years of living here, here are my personal top five.
1. Benidorm: The King of British Holiday Resorts
Love it or loathe it, there is nowhere quite like Benidorm on the Costa Blanca. The famous skyline of high-rise hotels might look daunting from a distance, but once you are on the ground, Benidorm is a masterclass in how a resort should work. Two magnificent beaches — Levante and Poniente — stretch for kilometres on either side of a rocky promontory, offering different atmospheres and orientations. Levante is the classic, buzzing, full-facilities beach; Poniente is slightly calmer and perfect for families who prefer a quieter spot. Beyond the beaches, Benidorm has a remarkable wealth of things to do: theme parks, a charming old town perched on a cliff, boat trips to the offshore island, and access to the stunning Sierra Helada natural park for hikers. It remains one of the best-value holiday destinations in Europe. Browse our hand-picked holiday rentals in Benidorm →
2. Torrevieja: Salt Lakes, Sailing, and Seafood
Torrevieja is a very different beast from Benidorm — more authentically Spanish, quieter, and with a natural wonder that most visitors completely overlook. The famous pink salt lake (La Laguna de La Mata-Torrevieja) sits right on the edge of town and turns a vivid flamingo-pink in summer, drawing flocks of genuine flamingos and offering some of the most surreal landscapes you will ever see. The town's beaches are consistently awarded Blue Flag status, the seafood restaurants along the promenade serve some of the freshest fish on the coast, and the property prices make it one of the most affordable places to rent a villa in Torrevieja for a longer stay.
3. Dénia: The Costa Blanca's Best-Kept Secret
Dénia sits at the northern end of the Costa Blanca, lorded over by a magnificent Moorish castle and backed by the dramatic Montgó natural park. It is, in my opinion, one of the most complete and authentic towns on the entire coast. The famous Dénia prawns (gambas rojas de Dénia) are considered among the finest in Spain and are celebrated at the annual Gamba Roja festival each July. The beaches stretch for miles in both directions: the rocky northern coves towards Jávea, and the wide, sandy strands of Las Marinas to the south. Dénia also has excellent ferry connections to the Balearic Islands, making it a natural base for island-hopping holidays. Find your perfect holiday rental in Dénia →
4. Jávea (Xàbia): Glamour and Natural Beauty
Jávea is consistently voted one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, and it is easy to see why. Unlike its busier neighbours, Jávea is not a single resort but three distinct areas: the historic old town, the port, and the beach zone. The magnificent El Arenal beach is the main draw, but it is the hidden coves — accessible only by boat or on foot — that make Jávea special. The town has a cosmopolitan, sophisticated atmosphere with excellent international restaurants, boutique hotels, and some of the most spectacular villa rentals in Jávea on the coast.
5. Alicante City: A Real Spanish City with a Beach
Most tourists fly through Alicante without stopping, which is their loss. Alicante City is a vibrant, genuinely Spanish city with a magnificent castle, a world-class food market, a palm-lined promenade, and a beach — Postiguet — right in the city centre. It also offers easy access to the remarkable island of Tabarca, Spain's only inhabited island and a protected marine reserve. Staying in Alicante City rather than a purpose-built resort gives your holiday a completely different, more immersive character. Search all Costa Blanca rentals →