✈️ When to go to the Costa Blanca and how much Benidorm parks cost

In October on the Costa Blanca the sea is still warm and the beaches are already quiet. The summer heat eases off, and evening walks along the promenade become enjoyable again.

From Alicante airport to Benidorm it is about 55 km, roughly 45 minutes on the highway (on the map). After that the choice is simple: lively Benidorm, businesslike Alicante, quiet Javea, or family-friendly Torrevieja.

We put together a guide to the coast: when to go, where to swim, what to see with kids, and how to get there without overpaying.

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When to go to the Costa Blanca in the velvet season

💡 In short:

The best window of the velvet season falls on late September and the first half of October: the sea is warm and there are fewer people on the beaches.
Javea and Denia suit families, for the promenade and nightlife head to Benidorm, for ceramics to Alicante.
Prices and the Terra Mitica calendar: checked on 14.09.2026 on the park's official website.

Spain warms this coast for most of the year, so a vacation here is not tied to July and August. In spring the air is moderately warm, but in March the sea is still cold. In October the water is still comfortable for swimming, and by December it cools down noticeably. Autumn here is the rainiest season, although the mountains protect the coast from the winds.

In summer you stand in line for a sun lounger and claim your spot from early morning. In the velvet season everything is different: the beaches are emptier, and you don't have to wait for a table in cafes. Accommodation prices outside the peak are also lower. Go for late September or the first half of October, and you will get a warm sea at a gentle price.

Benidorm: beaches, promenade, and nightlife

Benidorm has two main beaches, and they are completely different. Playa de Levante has a noisy promenade, cafes every twenty meters, and a crowd until late evening. Playa de Poniente to the west is calmer and more spacious, where families with children relax.

Locals call the city's promenade their Broadway. An evening stroll along it is Benidorm's main entertainment. Cafes, bars, nightclubs, and beach discos run almost until dawn, and flamenco shows run all year round. The most famous one is staged at Benidorm Palace: book tickets for the evening show in advance, as there are fewer seats available in season.

There is sport on the coast too. Surfing, climbing, and mountain biking schools operate for beginners. Divers are drawn to the underwater caves along the rocky stretches of the shore. Golfers head to El Saler near Valencia, about 130 km from Benidorm.

Alicante and Torrevieja: two different cities

Alicante: ceramics and evening bars

Alicante is bigger and more businesslike than Benidorm. People come here specifically for ceramics: dishes, tiles, and handmade souvenirs are sold in the old quarters. In the evening life buzzes in the city's bars and restaurants, where you will find both fish and grilled meat.

Panorama of Alicante from the castle tower above the port

Torrevieja: long beaches and quiet evenings

Torrevieja stretches along the sea as a long strip of beaches and promenade. It is calmer here than in Benidorm: less noise, more families and leisurely walks. There are fewer available rooms in season, so look at hotels in Torrevieja on Trip.com in advance.

Torrevieja square at night with fountain and church

Denia and Javea: the northern resorts of the Costa Blanca

Denia: harbor restaurants

Denia lives by the sea and fish. Seafood restaurants operate in the port, and boat trips to the Balearic Islands depart from the harbor. Tables by the water in season are best booked in advance.

Pier and marina building in the port of Denia

Javea: a mild climate for families

Families with children choose Javea. The climate here is mild, and the sea near the shore is calm. You get a quiet vacation without night discos and noisy bars.

Panorama of Javea and the sea from Montgo Mountain

Guadalest, Tabarca and Valencia: day trips

Guadalest: a fortress on a cliff

The Guadalest fortress stands on a cliff known as the Eagle's Nest. The climb to the gates takes time, so wear comfortable shoes, and check the entrance and opening hours on site.

Tabarca: an island for one day

Tabarca Island is on the list for those who want to spend a day by the water. Boats run from the mainland from morning to evening, so you can return at a time that suits you. There is no city noise on the island: you walk along the old streets and have lunch in a fishing village.

Valencia and El Saler

Valencia deserves a full day: from Benidorm it is about two hours by highway (on the map). Near the city lies El Saler with its famous golf course, about 130 km from Benidorm. If you don't want to drive, guided tours to Guadalest and Valencia solve the transportation issue.

Hemisfèric at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

Water parks and amusement parks near Benidorm

Terra Mítica: tickets and seasons

Terra Mítica divides the year into low and high season, so the price depends on the date. In autumn the park operates on a schedule and then closes until the next season. In low season an adult ticket costs €41 at the box office and from €35 online, in high season €49 and from €43 (as of 09/2026, rates on the official website). An evening ticket from 3:00 PM is cheaper, from €28 online in low season and from €35 in high season. Children under three enter free, parking costs €10, and covered parking €13.

Aqualandia and Mundomar

Aqualandia is considered the city's largest water park, and the Mundomar marine animal zoo operates right next door. In the fall, Aqualandia runs on a limited schedule and then closes, so check the dates in advance. Both parks are designed for a full day with kids, so bring swimsuits, sunscreen, and plenty of water. To avoid waiting at the ticket office, book park tickets with a time slot online in advance.

Dolphin jumping during a show at Mundomar

Tours and tickets in Benidorm

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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Shopping and food on the Costa Blanca

Benidorm has the La Marina shopping center, and groceries are easiest to pick up at Mercadona, Lidl, or Carrefour. Leather goods, fabrics, and woven souvenirs are sold in Guadalest, and for real chocolate, head to Villajoyosa. Paella is worth trying at various restaurants along the coast, and wine comes from local vineyards. Seafood lovers should make their way back to Denia: there, it is prepared in the port restaurants.

How to get to the Costa Blanca

The nearest airport is in Alicante. From the terminal to Benidorm is about 45 minutes by highway, and to Torrevieja about 50 km (on the map). Buses and shuttles run regularly, but with suitcases it is easier to book a transfer in advance. If you plan to travel along the entire coast, renting a car at Alicante airport gives you freedom: that way you can reach both Guadalest and the pier where boats depart for Tabarca. Choose accommodation to match your pace: look for quiet options in Javea and Denia, and lively ones in Benidorm.

Tours and tickets in Benidorm

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on Kiwitaxi

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the velvet season start on the Costa Blanca?

The most comfortable weeks fall in late September and the first half of October. The sea is still warm, and the beaches are less crowded than in July and August. Accommodation prices outside peak season are also lower. In March and December the water is cold, and in the fall rain is most frequent.

Where should I stay with kids?

Look for quiet family-friendly options in Javea and Denia. If you want a water park nearby, consider Benidorm: Aqualandia and Mundomar are there, and you can walk to the beach.

How much does a Terra Mitica ticket cost?

An adult ticket online costs from 35 EUR in the low season and from 43 EUR in the high season. We covered the other rates in the park section above. Prices checked on 14.09.2026 on the park's pricing page.

How to get from the airport in Alicante?

From the terminal to Benidorm is about 45 minutes by highway. Buses, shuttles, and transfers are available, and a car is worth renting for trips along the coast.

What to do on a cloudy day?

In the fall, rain is more frequent here than at other times of the year. On such a day, go to Alicante for ceramics or to Villajoyosa for chocolate. In the evening, Benidorm Palace offers a flamenco show. Benidorm also has the La Marina shopping center and large supermarkets open, so the day will not be wasted.

In short: what is worth booking

The Costa Blanca is a good fit for off-peak travel: the sea is warm, the beaches are less crowded, and prices are softer. For a quiet getaway, Javea and Denia work well; for nightlife, Benidorm; for an urban pace, Alicante. For excursions along the coast, it is easier to go with a guide. Look for accommodation through Benidorm hotels on Trip.com, and book your Alicante airport transfer in advance.

Velvet season on the Costa Blanca: resorts, parks and excursions