Top Free Things to Do in Costa Blanca: Enjoy the Region Without Spending Much
Costa Blanca is known for its beauty, great weather, and friendly atmosphere — and the good news is that many of its best experiences are completely free. Whether you’re travelling on a budget or simply love exploring, there are endless activities that don’t cost a cent.
Here are the top free things to do in Costa Blanca.
1. Enjoy the Blue Flag Beaches
Costa Blanca has some of Europe’s cleanest and safest beaches — and access is completely free. Popular options include:
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Levante (Benidorm)
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Playa del Albir
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La Fossa (Calpe)
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San Juan (Alicante)
Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a walk along the water, beaches are perfect for every season.
2. Explore Old Towns Full of Charm
Many Costa Blanca towns have beautiful historic centres you can explore for free:
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Altea Old Town — picturesque white streets
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Alicante Old Town (El Barrio) — colourful and lively
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Villajoyosa — famous rainbow-painted houses
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Jávea Old Town — traditional Spanish atmosphere
Perfect for photography, evening strolls, and sightseeing.
3. Visit Scenic Viewpoints
Costa Blanca offers incredible viewpoints with Mediterranean panoramas:
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Benidorm Cross
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Mirador del Mediterráneo
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Albir Lighthouse
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Calpe’s port
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Cabo de San Antonio
Sunrise and sunset bring especially beautiful lighting.
4. Walk Through Nature Parks
Nature lovers will enjoy Costa Blanca’s free natural reserves:
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Serra Gelada Natural Park
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Montgó Natural Park
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Peñón de Ifach Natural Park
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El Hondo Nature Reserve
These parks offer birdwatching, scenic trails, and peaceful areas far from the towns.
5. Attend Local Festivals and Fiestas
Many cultural celebrations are free to attend, including:
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Moors & Christians parades
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San Juan bonfires
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Easter processions
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Summer fiestas with fireworks
These events bring music, colour, and authentic Spanish culture.
6. Explore Local Markets
Street markets are free to visit and offer great people-watching opportunities. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to browse the stalls and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
7. Watch Flamingos in Calpe
The Calpe salt lake is home to wild flamingos — and you can see them for free while walking around the area.
Why Costa Blanca Is Great for Budget Travel
✔ Plenty of free activities
✔ Beaches and nature everywhere
✔ Friendly atmosphere
✔ Beautiful views at no cost
✔ Great weather most of the year
Costa Blanca proves that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.
Costa Blanca for Adventure Lovers
Costa Blanca is often associated with beaches and nightlife, but it is also one of Spain’s top destinations for outdoor lovers. From dramatic cliffs and waterfalls to mountain peaks and crystal-clear waters, the region offers activities that suit all ages and energy levels. If you enjoy exploring nature, here are the best outdoor adventures and hiking trails in Costa Blanca.
1. Serra Gelada Natural Park — Cliffside Hiking With Ocean Views
Serra Gelada is one of the most breathtaking natural parks in Costa Blanca. Its dramatic cliffs drop straight into the Mediterranean, offering incredible scenery. The route from Albir to the lighthouse is popular and easy, perfect for families or beginners.
For a more challenging adventure, try the ridge hike toward Benidorm. The views are unforgettable, stretching from Altea to Villajoyosa.
2. Peñón de Ifach — Calpe’s Iconic Rock
The hike up Peñón de Ifach is one of the most famous in the region. Starting easy and becoming more adventurous near the top, it’s suitable for anyone with basic fitness. The reward? Spectacular panoramic views of Calpe, the sea, and the entire coastline.
Bring good shoes and plenty of water — the climb is steep, but worth every step.
3. Fonts de l’Algar — Natural Pools and Waterfalls
Located near Callosa d’en Sarrià, Fonts de l’Algar offers refreshing swimming spots perfect for hot summer days. The short trail passes through waterfalls, natural pools, and shady vegetation. Families love this area because it’s safe, clean, and fun for children.
4. Puig Campana — A Challenge For Serious Hikers
Puig Campana is the second-highest peak in the region and offers one of Costa Blanca’s most rewarding hikes. The circuit around the mountain is intermediate, while the summit route is tougher. From the top, you can see far across the Mediterranean.
For safety, early morning is best to avoid heat.
5. The Canelobre Caves — A Different Kind of Adventure
If you enjoy exploring underground wonders, the Canelobre Caves near Busot are spectacular. With cathedral-like chambers and dramatic lighting, they are one of Spain’s largest cave systems.
Combine your visit with a nearby mountain walk for a full day of adventure.
6. Water Sports in Costa Blanca
Apart from hiking, Costa Blanca is perfect for:
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Stand-up paddle
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Snorkeling
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Kayaking
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Diving
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Boat tours
Crystal-clear waters and calm conditions make it ideal for beginners and families.
Why Costa Blanca Is Perfect for Outdoor Lovers
The region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making outdoor activities possible in every season. With a private transfer, you can reach trailheads easily, avoid parking hassle, and travel safely with equipment.
Whether you’re climbing mountains, exploring caves, or swimming in natural pools — Costa Blanca is a paradise for adventure seekers.
Wildlife Watching Costa Blanca: Where to Spot Dolphins & Birds
🌿 Discover Wildlife Watching Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is famous for its beaches, but nature lovers know it hides even more treasures. With protected marine zones, wetlands, salt lakes, and natural parks, the region is perfect for spotting dolphins, flamingos, rare birds, and local wildlife. Whether you enjoy quiet observation or guided tours, wildlife watching Costa Blanca offers exciting encounters all year.
🐬 Dolphin Watching in Denia & Jávea
The waters between Denia and Jávea have one of the highest chances of dolphin sightings in eastern Spain. Boat excursions often spot bottlenose dolphins and sometimes even pilot whales. Calm mornings are the best time for a successful wildlife watching Costa Blanca experience.
🦩 Flamingos at Santa Pola Salt Lakes
The pink lakes of Santa Pola are home to large colonies of flamingos. Visitors can watch them from designated paths and viewpoints. Their bright colours and elegant movements make this a must-see spot for wildlife watching Costa Blanca.
🐦 Birdlife at Albufera Natural Park (Valencia Region)
Although slightly north of the Costa Blanca, this enormous wetland is worth the visit. It attracts herons, ducks, ospreys, and migratory species. It’s one of the top birding locations near the region.
🌾 El Hondo Nature Reserve (Elche)
This peaceful area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to spot eagles, owls, and many rare species. Quiet mornings and sunset hours are ideal for wildlife watching Costa Blanca here.
🐢 Marine Life in Cova Tallada
Accessible via kayak or hiking, Cova Tallada offers shallow pools rich with fish, crabs, and underwater flora. Snorkelling here gives a unique perspective on local marine life.
🌅 A Paradise for Nature Lovers
With so many natural habitats, wildlife watching Costa Blanca offers magical moments for photographers, families, and travellers seeking peaceful encounters with nature.


