The best of the Spanish Costa Blanca - area Javea, Benissa and Moraira
We all know the beloved Costa Brava, which we can never get enough of. Perhaps the slightly less known one is the Spanish Costa Blanca. Not that there is no tourism! Are you crazy? We certainly don't want to say that there are no Dutch people here, because no matter how you look at it, they are everywhere. Even if you are somewhere on the other side of the world. Anyway, we have a lot of fun for you about this Costa, so we put the best of the Spanish Costa Blanca area Javea (pronounced Gabia) and Moraira - at a glance. Don't mention it.
Also looking for a nice place to sleep in the region? This list already contains a lot of tips, but we also write some a special article about.
If we got a euro for every person we know who invariably finds the start of the holidays stressful, we might not be rich, but we would certainly be a lot wealthier than we are now. What a waste! Our theory is always (always always always!): the holiday really starts with packing your suitcase. And every action that follows must holiday vibes all over be. Easier said than done? Not at all. It is a mindset And with a few simple tips, you'll get there.
The most important tip: make your departure from Schiphol Airport A mini-vacation. Because that is what it is. A real treat. Do you travel regularly? Then a Privium membership is also worthwhile. You can read about that there. here more about: take your time last minute not so last minute shopping at Schiphol and for the excellent food and beverage selection, such as Eataly (photo). And take, for instance, Today Duty FreeRemember when you used to actually go to Schiphol for your beauty products? Well, those days are back: Today Duty Free prices are now a whole lot lower than elsewhere. And the selection is truly amazing. With kids? Make a day out of it: at Schiphol, they can choose something to play with during the holiday (and/or on the plane). That saves on packing and it's just really fun! Read more
We kick off with a fantastic walking route (takes about two hours without catering stops) that runs along the coastline of Benissa towards Calpe. Benissa Ecological Walk is the name. Here you will find a beautifully landscaped path with cooling provided by the shade of the trees. If that's not cooling enough, you can also take a dip in the water of one of the bays. Another amazing walk is over the small mountain range Sierra de Bernia. Follow the path up for fantastic views over Altea. The coolest thing about this walk is that you have to crawl through a cave to get to the top.
Small note: some of the restaurants mentioned below are only open in the sunny months. Always check the restaurant's website.
There is for the adventurers Castell de Guadelest, a small medieval town with a castle tower on top of a high cliff and overlooking a crystal clear blue reservoir. If you drive back down, you will find the waterfalls Fonts de l'Algar where you can take a cold plunge. An evening walk and dinner in the old town of Altea is highly recommended. In a small castle village on top of the hill there are narrow streets, white shops and many restaurants and terraces around a beautiful church square. In the inland village Gata de Gorgos you can buy endless handmade wicker baskets and chairs. If you're there and you have horse lovers with you: it's a bit chic Valley of Cavall you can enjoy a delicious meal at a gigantic horse riding school surrounded by orange trees and olive trees.
The Costa Blanca is a true family destination: so much fun for young and old, everything is easily accessible, and almost all restaurants and cafes cater to families. It's even more fun when you go with the whole (modern) family: blended families, grandparents, chosen family – the whole bunch. But then you still need a nice house where everyone can actually fit in... In comes the Dutch Micazu.nl, an organization that brings together houses from private owners and rents them out on one platform. Read here all about Micazu (and find a selection of our favorite houses).
Vamos a la Costa Blanca. And preferably without any stress whatsoever, in which case D-reizen is the right place for you. As the largest independent travel agency in the Netherlands, D-reizen brings together the offerings of various travel providers under one roof, allowing you to compare everything at once. And the best part: you don't have to figure it all out on your own. It's child's play. Walk into one of the D-reizen stores throughout the Netherlands and receive personal, no-obligation advice from a travel advisor who has often visited the destinations themselves. Prefer to do it from the comfort of your couch? Then you can book just as easily online via d-reizen.nl, or ask a question by phone, email, or Facebook Messenger.
The selection for this part of Spain is wonderfully diverse. They offer everything from cozy apartments in the vineyards around Moraira and beach hotels with views of the Mediterranean Sea near Jávea, to spacious holiday villas in the hills above Benissa. You can put together your trip exactly as you want it, with or without extras such as a rental car (highly recommended in this region, as the most beautiful beaches and mountain villages are best discovered on your own) or a transfer. You can book safely and securely with the guarantees of the ANVR, the SGR, and the Calamity Fund, ensuring that your prepaid travel sum is protected and you are not left to fend for yourself in the event of unexpected situations at your destination. We are already on our way to D-reizen…
Extra relaxation under the Spanish sun. Do you only have a weekend but would you like to go on a retreat? At Casa Moreira Mágica, we offer 3-day retreats full of yoga, breathwork, drunk sessions, nature walks, sisterhood, rituals, and nourishing meals are organized. All in an intimate setting in a group of up to six women.
Also check this list of nice retreats in Europe.
Instagram galore to the max! On to The Red Wall or The Pink Wall. Anyone who sees photos of this crazy project by architect Ricardo Bofill expects an inaccessible place somewhere in California, or near Miami, or Mexico perhaps. Nothing could be further from the truth: this pink-blue architectural masterpiece and the most photogenic address in the area is located on the outskirts of Calpe. To wander around the walls, climb a staircase and of course have a photo session you will have to do some antics: The Red Wall is a private residence. The outside is beautiful, but inside the labyrinth it's a real party: you walk through a work of art, inspired by the Mediterranean kashbah with interlocking stairs, platforms, bridges and a rooftop pool with stunning views of the bay. There are fifty apartments and… one Airbnb!
To the market in Moraira on Friday is a nice one Happening in the months that are not too hot. Here you can get fruit and vegetables for the whole week while you watch the nice Spanish old ladies. Even more fun is a visit Boutiqueria & Co. We always want to do our shopping at this beautiful organic fruit and vegetable store. In addition to fresh from the land, they also have bread, wines, olive oil, cheeses and kombucha. The place looks too cute, you eat fresh from the season and the people are friendly. Boutiqueria also organizes small-scale and Spanish-language workshops and events. Let's brush up on your Spanish...
Do we want to encounter a Dutch catering establishment on holiday? Not necessarily. Do we want the lavish delicacies of Pluk on holiday? Definitely. Pluk Moraira will be located on the boulevard side with a view of the large beach of Moraira. During the day you can go there for delicious lattes, sweet pastries, breakfast and lunch. But unlike the Pluk's in Amsterdam, Pluk Moraira will also be open for dinner. Knowing that Iris van Pluk and her husband are also behind De Luwte (Amsterdam), Casa Oller and Club Nautico (Moraira), the evening menu will be fine. New establishment, new vibe so what the interior will look like is still a surprise. Updates about when they are open can be found via the Instagram of Pluk Moraira.
A budget tip and that is also nice sometimes. At Cha Cha you sit comfortably, the food is good and you get three courses for €12,50 or €14,50. In the same row as the Food Bar (see further down) you will find Cha Cha Bistro Bar in the cozy bay at Cala L'Andrago. location, location, location. Cha Cha also has a restaurant in Javea in a slightly less cozy location but still with affordable, good menu.
With the good looks of Bali, the warmth of the Spanish sun, the wonderful sunbeds, cozy bar and long tables, it opened in the spring of 2024. Lulu Beach Club. To avoid confusion: Lulu Beach Club is located inland - yup, no sea or beach in sight - but it does have wonderful sunbeds for the day and a good lunch menu. In the evening you dine in the evening sun with a lovely breeze outside on the beautiful terrace and on non-sunny days inside. This impressively large beach club – with many cosy corners – of Dutch owners was an immediate success. Make a reservation in the peak months on time – as in a few days in advance – for dinner.
It is a region where nice places come and go. Couples from elsewhere in Europe who make the Spanish dream come true and then start a different life after a few years. One of the fairly new places (several years now) is Terra in Javea. This large Spanish villa houses a restaurant with a large terrace around the pool. Terra offers cozy seating and delicious food. The menu is very extensive and you can choose between cheaper dishes and more luxurious options such as a Wagyu steak or huge sea bass. Terra is also a nice spot to share tapas with a G&T on the side.
EARTH, Javea
A nice piece of catering has opened on the pleasant stretch of boulevard near the port of Javea. Nomad is a collection of hotel, restaurant, rooftop bar with jacuzzi and small concept store in one. In terms of interior, a place of today with sand-colored walls, beautiful terra tiles, greedy interior items and wicker lamps. And ditto dishes on the menu. No, not made of reed, but made of today. Trendy food that we have to Google to find out what it is, but tastes surprisingly good when served. On to Nomad, for those who are not averse to clever and tasty stuff. view/and or book Nomad Hotel here.
By the way, Nomad is from the same people as The beach house en At the Mar. This must-see catering pavilion – right at the end of the beach – by the harbour: the huge mint green house that hangs halfway over the water is the place to be. Downstairs is A la Mar, a bakery for coffee, croissants and a quick sandwich. One floor up at The Beach House, the veranda above the water is the best place for an extensive lunch. Before lunch, take a walk around: the semicircular church nearby is beautiful and has a wooden ceiling in the shape of the bottom of a ship. There used to be a fishermen's church here, so this is a nod to times gone by.
For Bambula you walk all the way to the right end (with your face towards the sea) of the bay, you will see this automatically as here, after a bit of nothing, a group of restaurants and bars cluster. At Doll you sit outside on the terrace perfectly, the bar within easy reach. Inside you will find a huge restaurant with countless seats, so that it never feels too big. Rattan lamps on the ceiling, a cozy print on the wall and a shop to kill any time. On the way back to the car you make another pit stop Bar Kandhala, a sultry Bali-style cocktail bar.
Right next to Bambula is Water – great for those who want something different, such as a quick pizza. Although our preference is Bambula.
Bringing kids? There used to be No 11 and ONA-NAO for a healthy breakfast or tasty snack, but both are no longer available. What do you mean that story about those kids? There is one almost in front of the door playground, on the beach. Win-win. Especially in spring and autumn the hotspot for parents who let the children run around in the playground with something tasty.
You can get a coffee and something tasty for the playground around the corner Nostro Arenal. In our search for a “specialty coffee” we also visited Nostro further down in Javea. Big disappointment. The “specialty” turned out to be a Starbucks vibe and the staff was so unfriendly that we might have walked away without ordering.
Where you can get good coffee is at Kefi Café. At this Bali-vibe place you can get delicious, fresh smoothies, acai bowls and toasts for breakfast. And bagels, sandwiches, wraps and buddha bowls for lunch. Fresh – as we said – and healthy. And that is sometimes pleasant among all aioli Through. Also striking is the nice, young audience who enjoy coming here just as much as elderly Spaniards. Kefi Cafe has a nice atmosphere with good coffee, something healthy and as snack-for-on-the-beach a creamy, homemade muffin. Kefi is not on the beach but on the edge of the city center.
Honestly? I always found it difficult to tell this corner of restaurants apart. It is a lovely spot on the (pebble) beach and one restaurant is really not the same as the other, but because of the relaxed atmosphere, I forgot again and again who, what, how and where. But I think I've figured it out! You can park your car in the middle of the bay, near the busy shopping center. Walk to the fresh blue and white restaurant 152 tie, your best choice for a delicious fish meal. If you walk towards the beach again, cross the alley that looks the nicest. Lights and green as a ceiling? Then you're in the right place. There is a restaurant in this passage champagne bar Chabada, one of the businesses of the Javea group, which also runs restaurant La Boheme and Aqua, all modern businesses.
An idyllic landscape in a charming bay, surrounded by wild vegetation and transparent turquoise water. That is Cala Clemence, a spectacular place, perfect for a wedding, and so it began. Although nowadays you can also 'normally' join the restaurant during the high season beach club. Eating, dancing, having drinks and strolling is sublime here picture-perfect – including white huts with blue doors – beach. The food is delicious: typically Spanish and wonderfully uncomplicated. Please note: vegans should look for another place - the staff will not understand this.
Traditional Peruvian Asian fusion at a high level on the Spanish coast. Chola has two shops in Javea: one by the sea and one in the old town. The latter is in a beautiful old building with old stone walls and a mega cozy courtyard. If you are with kids, the courtyard is unfortunately off-limits, but inside you can sit wonderfully cool in the summer. The menu includes typical Peruvian dishes such as ceviche (actually a must to order) and fried yucca (also!). And also Asian dishes such as dumplings and sashimi. The shop in the old town is also lovely to sit in autumn, winter or spring.
For years the overgrown chiringuito The Siesta the favorite. White luxury on the cozy pebble beach of the also thunderingly cozy Xàbia. A storm came and corona (or was it the other way around?) and La Siesta remained closed for a few years. They have now reopened and seem to be back in full force.
Located right next to La Siesta Montgo di Bongo. to also enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner outside. An extensive menu with burgers, paellas and un-Spanish good salads make this a good place to have lunch or dinner with a view over a beautiful and not too busy pebble beach. If it's warm, you can just jump into the sea. Nice.
Of course the seaside but don't forget the old town of Javea. Of Mercat de Javea As a starting point, there are several eateries that are worth a visit for the atmosphere alone. In the Mercat eat your Spanish tapas à la food market. Around the photogenic church and the streets opposite (the street at Unpublished, a beautiful interior and clothing store) there are many cozy eateries, which unfortunately we have not been able to test all (yet). The atmosphere is 10/10 so they deserve a mention for that. Then walk through the small streets until you reach The Trasper Wine Bar (wine and snacks) and Giulia (pizza) comes. On this street Carrer Príncep d'Astúries there are several nice shops of which The Luciole (interior) favorite.
Do we know Spain a little? Does Lee Towers have glasses? We saved most of it for the book but here, Barts Boekje x Spain, you also read a lot.
In the mountains, in the vast nothingness, there is a restaurant and guest house Can Sueño an excellent reason to get off the beach or out of your hammock. The restaurant is 'a place for connoisseurs', as the website says. Seeing is believing, but it must be said: they are right. The restaurant with a single hotel room (the bridal suite right away: if you do it, do it right) is isolated on top of a six-hundred-metre-high mountain in the Spanish interior. The first village (Tàrbena), a hamlet earlier, is five kilometres away. It is an undertaking to get there, but it is worth it: you dine in a fantastic garden and the food you are served is no less than that. And that while the original idea was to 'just' run a B&B. One thing led to another and now 'the Spanish Dream' is mainly known as an atmospheric restaurant. In the winter they close and a new, original menu is hatched. Every spring the doors open again and they cook with vegetables and herbs from the area. What's more, each season is based on a different crop.
In the category 'really tasty food on the Spanish coast', and 'when lives gives you Benissa', then there are not that many places that can compete with the charm and authenticity of The Espigó Xiringuito. L'Espigó Xiringuito has earned its reputation as a hidden gem for both locals and us, The Holiday Goer. The setting: a charming cafe on the Mediterranean. A wooden terrace that leads to a sandy beach and - hello holidays - the well-known wicker lampshades swaying in the wind. Never gets old and it works here too. The Xiringuito specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. Be sure to try the “Paella de Mariscos”, a tasty paella with seafood, or the “Parrillada de Pescado” (grilled fish dish), also a favorite!
A really nice, contemporary restaurant was still missing in Moraira. No more, nu Casa Oller opened its doors in spring '22. The same owner as CNautico (scroll down + hubby of Iris from Pluk in Amsterdam, among others) created a beautiful spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the boulevard near the castle. In terms of interior, wooden chairs, enormous wooden beams, accessories that you would prefer to take home and more in natural materials and white. And that crazy wooden door is instant heart eyes. On the menu you will find dishes such as pancakes and bowls for breakfast. Meat, fish and especially many deliciously prepared vegetables on the evening menu. You won't get it cheap here and the service is variable, but still good must visit when you are around.
Calpe is a special town on the coast. At the foot of the Penon d'Ifach (a nature and hiking area on a rock in the sea) is a kind of mini Benidorm with many high-rise buildings. You can skip this city during your visit, certainly. But the faded glory of holiday apartments, the large beach and La Muralla Roja are also worth a visit. Fan of açai bowls? Then definitely visit Plant Shack. The smoothies and fruit bowls are exactly how you want them. Full of excess and good looking. And they have, as the mischievous Englishman in the shop said, “the best coffee in the Costa Blanca”. Plant Shack is a nice little place and is located a few meters from Playa Calpe where a dip in the sea is wonderful.
It's a great time for meat lovers Ca Joan. The owner Joan wanted to specialize and distinguish himself and he did that with Ca Joan Altea. He did not take the well-known route of the traditional rice cookers and other tourist attractions. No-no, he specialized in beef. And now his business has become a well-known name among the meat lovers. Anyway… There's only one way to find out, ha!
We are a bit 'on' the area of Javea/Moraira/Benissa, but that is not so strange since our (yes, plural: this applies to both Nina and Maartje) have (had) a house there and we return there regularly. A bit of coming home. That bit of coming home also applies to the beautiful 'boutique villa') The June. The June in Benissa became a hit and multiplied with The Jave (Javea, 8 pers.) and The Joya (Benissa, 12 pers.). We want to move there permanently. That is not an option, unfortunately, but for a while you want to make it your holiday home. Trust us en view/and or book The June here.
Oh and while you're here, make one roadtrip to Les Bassetes. From The June you can reach the beach of Spanish Bay within 30 minutes after a beautiful coastal walk. The active ones among us can indulge themselves here, because there is a wide range of water sports to enjoy. And… You can easily access the Paseo Ecológico via the bay. Easy peasy.
The coast of the Costa Blanca is peppered with beach bars, you just have to know where to find them. These two (and then I'll skip a few more – choices, choices) are favorites of the locals, although 'locals' there are also Dutch people here. The southernmost is the Oceana Beach Club, in front of fancy have a drink with a view of the Ifach rock, the symbol of Calpe (and you can recognize that city by the only high apartment building in the entire area). If you want an authentic barbecue, live music and cheerful Spaniards after (or during) a day on the Baladrar pebble beach, then the Xiringuito Olala a good option. Hidden, simple and just very nice! Plastic packaging chairs, yes, but also great ones paella and a lot of fun in the summer months.
A few bays further at Cala L'Andrago – a windy beach on a rock – you will find the most fancy location of this list; Bar La Cabana. Recognizable by the enormous Buddha statue. A pity, indeed, because we can only stand those images when we are in Nepal or Tibet. Apart from that, the beach bar run by Belgian owners is a welcome, contemporary (read: hip) change. The place was given a fresh makeover and would not look out of place in Ibiza these days. You go there from noon cocktails and the better ones bites. In the evening we like the terrace side best, where you can enjoy dishes from the fusion kitchen you can eat. Next door La Cabana opened The Food Bar (By Republic) where you can go for “hip cuisine”. King crab, sushi, poke bowl, but also forever hip classics like one carpaccio, curries or a good piece of meat. Bee Gastro bar 21 Take a seat in a cozy garden where you will be served creative tapas dishes. A lot of cooking is done here with local products in Asian style. If you've had your fill of Mediterranean cuisine, you've come to the right place Gastro bar 21 definitely at the right place.
Between the almond blossom fields in the Vall de Pop, there you will find this beautiful Spanish one Finca Flor del Almendro. The estate is large and has almond, olive and fruit trees everywhere. The view is expansive with plenty of views over the fields, the mountains and the village of Alcalalí, about 30 minutes by car from Moraira.
André and Géke are the Dutch couple behind this pearl of a guesthouse: together with dog Max they run everything so that you can enjoy a carefree holiday. At the front of this handsome Moorish-style guesthouse there is a spacious veranda where the sun always shines. Showstopper of the finca (if we have to mention one) is the saltwater swimming pool. If you have an accident and dry up on the large terrace with various seating areas and sunbeds.
Where we - read: her name starts with an M - used to shout "I don't like camping" we can no longer avoid it. Ok ok, we'll talk about it then glamping. Where your tent is already pitched and equipped with wonderful beds and preferably your own sanitary facilities. Where you previously only thought of large hotels on the Mediterranean coast in Spain, you can also enjoy this here glamping. Dream Sea Costa Blanca is such a dream of a camping spot.
Not far away and also special and located in the rugged Spanish interior Restaurante Sa Canterella, built around a centuries-old mill. A unique terrace and remarkably good food. Especially an address for nature lovers who want to walk in the area.
Are they still open? It has been quiet at Finca les Coves for a while now and they promise to open again. We will wait and see…
The beautiful estate of Finca les Coves is an amazing place where you can camp in luxury, with a nice bed and ditto bathroom. On the original olive and almond plantation, Dutch Anna and Cees initially started with just two safari tents. There is now a cave villa, an authentic Spanish house and two more Tiny Houses which have been decorated with love and taste. The small-scale resort runs on solar energy, water is used sparingly and the oh-so-nice swimming pool does not contain chlorine, but salt. All accommodations have a spacious terrace for endless lazing, reading books and playing games. Finca les Coves is also a favorite address in winter because of the mild temperatures.
At a small (yacht) harbour is located CNutico Moraira and the restaurant is actually exactly what you would expect from a white-tinted marina restaurant: a great terrace overlooking the ships and palm trees, skippers sailing back and forth, the best fresh white summer wines and beers and just really good fish dishes and sushi (and those waiters completely dressed in white with slightly too tight trousers - you know them). Not too posh, not to shabby. For a dinner at CNautico you can really wear something nice.
Moraira started as a small fishing village that changed into a cozy coastal town for Valencians. So charming that the retirees and young families naturally followed. Here a Belgian couple opened Caballito De Mar, an adults only apartment complex against a mountain with ten rooms. That has nothing to do with retirees to make: it is rather hip. There is also a nice swimming pool and a room does not suddenly consume your entire holiday budget.
view/and or book Caballito De Mar here
At Baths Sunshine Bar, also known as LBS in Spanish, you can go for breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks and dinner. All this right on the beach. You can sit at one of the tables with a sea view or choose from the various seating areas in the 'courtyard garden', all equally cozy. Of course they have fresh fish and paella, but also many different snacks. Oh yes, the cocktails are also popular here.
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