Compare Benidorm with Altea, Calpe, Javea, and other Costa Blanca destinations to find your perfect fit.
The Costa Blanca stretches over 200 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, from Denia in the north to beyond Torrevieja in the south. Within this diverse region, numerous towns compete for the attention of those seeking holiday homes, retirement destinations, or permanent relocation. Each town has its own character, advantages, and drawbacks, and choosing the right location depends entirely on your priorities, lifestyle preferences, and budget. This comprehensive comparison examines how Benidorm stacks up against its neighbors along the coast.
Benidorm: The Complete Package
Benidorm offers the most comprehensive package of amenities, services, and entertainment on the Costa Blanca, making it the natural choice for those who prioritize convenience and social opportunities.
The advantages are substantial. Healthcare access is excellent, with multiple medical centers, English-speaking doctors, and the modern Hospital Marina Baixa nearby. Public transport connections include the TRAM line to Alicante, extensive bus networks, and proximity to Alicante airport. Shopping options range from supermarkets to major malls. Entertainment – from restaurants and bars to theaters and theme parks – exceeds any other Costa Blanca location. English is widely spoken throughout the service sector, making daily life manageable even without Spanish.
The established expat community provides instant social opportunities through clubs, groups, and organizations catering to every interest. For those concerned about isolation or loneliness, Benidorm's community infrastructure offers solutions unmatched elsewhere on the coast.
The drawbacks are equally real. The high-rise skyline and concentrated development create an urban environment far removed from traditional Spanish village aesthetics. Peak summer months bring crowds and noise that some find overwhelming. The tourist-oriented atmosphere can feel less authentically Spanish than quieter towns. Property prices, while reasonable by Northern European standards, are higher than more remote locations.
Benidorm suits those who prioritize convenience, social life, healthcare access, and entertainment over traditional charm or tranquility. It's particularly well-suited to those without cars who want walkable access to services, and to those seeking an active social life with readily available company.
Altea: Artistic Charm
Just 11 kilometers north of Benidorm, Altea offers a dramatically different experience. The town is famous for its picturesque old town (casco antiguo) with whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and a distinctive blue-domed church crowning the hilltop. The artistic community attracted by the town's beauty has created galleries, studios, and a cultural scene that distinguishes Altea from more tourist-oriented neighbors.
The advantages include genuine charm and character that Benidorm lacks. The old town provides the traditional Spanish atmosphere that many seekers of Mediterranean life imagine. The artistic community creates cultural events, exhibitions, and a sophisticated social scene. Beach-front development is more restrained, with lower-rise buildings and a calmer atmosphere. Proximity to Benidorm means major amenities remain accessible without living amid the bustle.
The drawbacks include significantly hillier terrain that challenges mobility-limited residents. Fewer amenities mean more trips to Benidorm for shopping and services. Property prices, particularly in the desirable old town, often exceed equivalent Benidorm properties. English is less widely spoken, though the international community ensures it's manageable. Social opportunities for non-Spanish speakers are more limited than Benidorm's extensive club scene.
Altea suits those seeking beauty, culture, and tranquility who are willing to sacrifice some convenience. It appeals to artists, intellectuals, and those who find Benidorm's commercialism unappealing. Good mobility is important given the terrain.
Calpe: Natural Drama
Calpe's defining feature is the Peñón de Ifach – a dramatic 332-meter rock rising from the sea that creates one of the Costa Blanca's most distinctive landscapes. This natural monument and the protected marine areas around it give Calpe an environmental appeal that more developed towns cannot match.
The advantages include spectacular scenery, good beaches, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Benidorm. Property prices are generally lower than both Benidorm and the northern Costa Blanca towns. The town has sufficient amenities for daily life including supermarkets, medical services, and restaurants. The established fishing port adds character and ensures excellent fresh seafood. The expat community, while smaller than Benidorm's, is active and welcoming.
The drawbacks include limited entertainment options compared to Benidorm. The expat community is smaller, meaning fewer organized activities and social groups. Public transport connections are less comprehensive, making car ownership more important. Summer tourism, while less intense than Benidorm, still creates seasonal congestion. Some areas have seen development quality issues.
Calpe suits nature lovers who appreciate dramatic scenery and outdoor activities. It works well for those comfortable with a quieter social scene who value natural beauty over extensive amenities. The lower prices attract budget-conscious buyers.
Javea (Xàbia): Upscale International
Javea has long attracted a wealthier, more international crowd than its southern neighbors. The town combines an authentic Spanish old town, a port area with character, and an Arenal beach zone that provides tourist amenities without Benidorm's intensity.
The advantages include genuine quality – better restaurants, more attractive development, and a more discerning atmosphere. The international community includes substantial British, German, and Dutch populations creating diverse social opportunities. Multiple beach areas offer variety, from the pebbly Granadella cove to the sandy Arenal. The old town preserves traditional character while supporting quality shops and restaurants. Schools serving international families make it popular with families relocating with children.
The drawbacks start with price – Javea is among the most expensive Costa Blanca locations. The spread-out geography means car ownership is essentially mandatory. Distance from Alicante airport increases travel times. While amenities are good, healthcare facilities are less comprehensive than around Benidorm. The international community, while established, can feel somewhat exclusive to newcomers.
Javea suits affluent buyers seeking quality over value, families with school-age children, and those who prefer understated elegance to Benidorm's exuberance. Good financial resources and a car are prerequisites.
Moraira: Exclusive Tranquility
Smaller and more exclusive than Javea, Moraira offers a pretty harbor, excellent restaurants, and a peaceful atmosphere that attracts those seeking quiet sophistication.
The advantages include genuine tranquility and quality. The small harbor provides charm and excellent seafood restaurants. Development has been controlled, maintaining an attractive appearance. The community, while small, is welcoming to newcomers of similar disposition. Natural beauty and access to unspoiled coastline appeal to walkers and nature enthusiasts.
The drawbacks are significant for some lifestyles. Moraira is genuinely quiet – those seeking regular entertainment or busy social calendars may find it too peaceful. Property prices are among the highest on the Costa Blanca. Amenities are limited, requiring travel to larger towns for many services. The small community means limited social opportunities for those who don't immediately connect with existing groups. Car ownership is essential.
Moraira suits those specifically seeking peace and quality who have the resources to afford it and the temperament to enjoy tranquility rather than finding it boring.
Denia: Authentic Spain
At the northern end of the Costa Blanca, Denia offers something increasingly rare – an authentically Spanish town that also provides good amenities and an established international community.
The advantages include genuine Spanish character. The castle overlooking the town, the working fishing port, the traditional streets – Denia feels like Spain in ways that more tourist-developed towns do not. Regular ferry services to Ibiza and Mallorca add travel options unavailable elsewhere. The town has comprehensive amenities including good medical facilities, shopping, and varied restaurants. A significant international community provides social opportunities without dominating local life.
The drawbacks include distance from Alicante airport (approximately 90 minutes) which complicates travel logistics. The northern location means slightly cooler weather and more rainfall than southern Costa Blanca. Property prices are higher than average for the region. Some visitors find the atmosphere too Spanish – less English spoken, fewer international-oriented services.
Denia suits those who want authentic Spanish life with reasonable amenities and don't mind the airport distance. It appeals to those who find Benidorm too touristy but want more facilities than tiny villages provide.
Torrevieja: Budget Option
For budget-conscious buyers, Torrevieja offers the lowest property prices on the Costa Blanca combined with one of the largest established British communities.
The advantages center on affordability. Property prices are significantly lower than anywhere north. The massive British community ensures plentiful English-speaking services, British-oriented shops and restaurants, and extensive social organizations. Healthcare access is good with Hospital de Torrevieja. The salt lakes provide distinctive scenery and reputedly therapeutic microclimates.
The drawbacks are equally clear. Torrevieja is widely considered less attractive than northern Costa Blanca towns, with less appealing beaches and urban development. The concentration of budget tourism and British expats creates an atmosphere some find insufficiently Spanish or sophisticated. Summer tourism is intense in a different way than Benidorm – more downmarket package holidays. Some areas have suffered from poor-quality development.
Torrevieja suits budget-focused buyers who prioritize affordability and don't mind a less attractive environment. The extensive British community provides a ready social network for those seeking it.
Making Your Choice
The right choice depends entirely on your priorities. Consider what matters most: Budget constraints, aesthetic preferences, social needs, healthcare access, transport links, authentic Spanish atmosphere, or entertainment options. No single location excels in all dimensions – each involves trade-offs.
Before committing to purchase, spend extended time in your shortlisted locations. Rent for several months in different seasons if possible. What appeals during a sunny week may feel different during quiet winter months. Talk to existing residents about daily life realities.
Your perfect Costa Blanca location exists – finding it simply requires honest assessment of your priorities and thorough exploration of your options.
