Packing for a Costa Blanca holiday should be simple — the weather is reliably warm, the lifestyle is relaxed, and you genuinely do not need much. But after almost 30 years of living here, I have watched countless visitors arrive without something they really needed. This guide covers everything, so you can stop worrying about packing and start looking forward to your trip.
What to Pack for the Costa Blanca (By Season)
☀️ Summer Essentials (June - September)
- Lightweight Clothing: Breathable cotton or linen t-shirts, shorts, and summer dresses.
- Beach Gear: Multiple swimsuits, 🛒 quick-dry microfiber towels (Amazon), and 🛒 slip-on water shoes (Amazon) (essential for rocky coves).
- Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Footwear: Comfortable sandals for walking and flip-flops for the beach or pool.
🍂 Autumn/Winter Layers (October - May)
- Layered Clothing: T-shirts for sunny days, paired with light sweaters or cardigans for cooler evenings.
- Outerwear: A medium-weight jacket or windbreaker (especially near the coast where sea breezes pick up).
- Footwear: Closed-toe walking shoes or trainers for exploring towns and mountain trails like Guadalest.
- Accessories: A compact umbrella or light raincoat if visiting between November and April.
Sun Protection: Non-Negotiable
The Costa Blanca sun is significantly stronger than what most British visitors are used to, particularly between May and September. Do not underestimate it. Pack a high-factor SPF 50 sunscreen for your first few days at minimum — prices in Spanish pharmacies and supermarkets for sunscreen are perfectly reasonable, but having it ready when you arrive saves you scrambling on day one. Bring a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat for anyone spending time on the beach, and a light, long-sleeved shirt for lunchtime walks through town.
Clothing: Less Is More
The key word for a Costa Blanca wardrobe is light. Linen shirts, cotton dresses, and breathable fabrics are your best friends. In the height of summer (July and August), evenings remain very warm — often 25°C or above — so you rarely need anything heavier than a light cardigan for after-dinner strolls. That said, air conditioning in restaurants and bars can sometimes be quite aggressive, so one thin layer is always worth having in your bag. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring towns like Dénia, Jávea Old Town, and Alicante's historic Barrio — cobblestones and sandals are never a good combination.
Beach Essentials
A good beach bag, lightweight beach towels, and snorkelling gear are worth bringing from home — beach hire is available at most resorts but the quality varies enormously. A 🛒 reusable insulated water bottle (Amazon) is absolutely essential: staying properly hydrated in 35°C heat matters far more than most people realise, and an insulated flask keeps water ice-cold on the beach. The local tap water in Alicante province is safe to drink but has a strong mineral taste — most residents drink bottled water, which is very cheap at any supermarket.
Documents and Money
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC: If you are travelling from the UK, make sure yours is valid before you travel. It entitles you to state healthcare at the same cost as Spanish residents.
- Travel insurance: Absolutely essential. Book it the same day you book your flights.
- EU travel adapter: Spain uses the standard European two-pin (Type C/F) plug. UK plugs do not fit without an adapter. 🛒 multi-port USB UK-to-EU adapter (Amazon) to charge all your devices from one socket.
- Copies of your accommodation details: Download or print the address and contact number of your villa or apartment. Spanish rural roads can be confusing, and phone signal is not always reliable on arrival.
Local Tips That Make a Difference
A few things that experienced Costa Blanca visitors always bring: a small bottle of tiger balm or after-bite cream (mosquitoes are active in summer evenings near the coast), a pocket Spanish phrasebook (locals genuinely appreciate the effort, even if your Spanish is terrible), and an empty cool bag for day trips to the market or the beach. Finally, download the Google Maps offline map for the Alicante region before you fly — it has saved many a holiday from a very stressful detour. Ready to book? Browse all our hand-picked Costa Blanca rentals →