The Best Day Trips from Moraira: 8 Unmissable Excursions on the Costa Blanca

Moraira is genuinely one of my favourite places on the entire Costa Blanca — and after ten years living here, I still say that without hesitation. But even in paradise, a change of scenery does wonders. The beauty of basing yourself in Moraira is that you're perfectly placed for some of the best day trips on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Within 90 minutes in any direction, you've got medieval hilltop villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, vibrant city markets, and some of the most jaw-dropping coastline in Europe.

Here are the eight day trips I personally recommend to guests staying in our holiday rentals in Moraira — tried, tested, and genuinely worth your time.

1. Guadalest: The Hilltop Village That Defies Belief (45 mins)

If you only do one inland trip from Moraira, make it Guadalest. This tiny village is built INTO a rock — you enter through a tunnel carved into the mountain — and it sits above a stunning turquoise reservoir. Yes, it gets busy in summer, but go before 10am or after 4pm and you'll have the cobbled streets almost to yourself. The views from the castle ruins over the Guadalest Valley are extraordinary. Take the AP-7 towards Benidorm, then follow signs inland. Parking is free (and plentiful) just outside the village entrance.

2. Altea: The Whitewashed Old Town Worth Every Kilometre (25 mins)

Just 25 minutes south of Moraira, Altea's old town is everything a Mediterranean village should be: whitewashed houses, blue-domed church, narrow lanes draped in bougainvillea, and artists' studios tucked behind every corner. The church square — Plaça de l'Església — has one of the best views over the bay you'll find anywhere on this coast. For lunch, skip the tourist restaurants on the seafront and walk up to the old town. La Costera on Carrer de la Costera is excellent for fresh fish.

3. Denia: Market Day, the Castle & the Ferry to Ibiza (40 mins)

Denia deserves a full day. Start at the covered market (Mercat Municipal) on Tuesday or Saturday mornings — the local produce section is outstanding. Then walk up to the Castillo de Denia, a Moorish fortress with panoramic views over the town and out to the Montgó massif. If you're feeling ambitious, Denia is also where the Baleàlia ferry departs for Ibiza — a surprisingly affordable day trip if you book ahead. The port area has some of the best rice dishes on the entire Costa Blanca; try El Pegolí if you can get a table.

4. Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach: A Rock Worth Climbing (20 mins)

Calpe is only 20 minutes from Moraira, so it's almost cheating to call it a day trip — but the Peñón de Ifach changes everything. This 332-metre volcanic rock jutting out of the sea is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Spain, and you can actually climb it. The route takes about 2 hours return and goes through a tunnel near the top. Take water, wear proper shoes, and start early in June to avoid the heat. The views from the summit — across to Ibiza on a clear day — are simply extraordinary. Browse our Moraira properties and you'll find several that look directly across the bay towards the Peñón.

5. Jávea (Xàbia): The Perfect Half-Day Beach Escape (20 mins)

Yes, we've written about Moraira vs Jávea before, but as a day trip from Moraira, Jávea deserves its own mention. The Cala del Portitxol and Granadella beach are both within easy reach, and the old town of Jávea — centred around the sandstone Gothic church of San Bartolomé — is charming for a late morning wander. The fish market on the port runs Tuesday to Sunday and is worth seeing if you're up early enough.

6. Alcoy (Alcoi): Mountain Town, Gorges & the Best Coffee Stops (50 mins)

This one surprises people. Alcoy is an industrial town in the mountains above the coast that most tourists completely ignore — which is exactly why I love it. The Barranc del Cint gorge just outside town is spectacular walking territory, and the Font Roja natural park nearby is one of the largest holm oak forests in the Valencian Community. In town, the modernist architecture is genuinely impressive, and the coffee culture is serious — proper local cafés, no tourist pricing. A completely different Costa Blanca experience.

7. Villena: Castle, Wine & a Gold Treasure (1 hour 15 mins)

Villena is inland, towards Alicante, and it's a fascinating place that almost nobody visits. The Castillo de la Atalaya towers over the town and is free to visit on Sunday mornings. But the real reason to go is the Museo Arqueológico Municipal, which houses the Tesoro de Villena — one of the most important Bronze Age gold treasures ever found in Europe. Stunning. The surrounding area is also serious wine country; the Bodegas Volver produces some genuinely excellent reds if you fancy a winery visit.

8. Valencia City: World-Class Culture, Food & Architecture (1 hour 30 mins)

Valencia is 90 minutes up the AP-7 and absolutely worth the drive for a full day out. The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is as impressive in real life as in photos — especially on a clear June day when the sky turns that impossible shade of blue. The Central Market (Mercado Central) is one of the most beautiful covered markets in Europe, and eating paella in Valencia — the city where it was invented — is something you simply have to do once. Try La Pepica on the Malvarrosa beachfront, where Hemingway used to eat.

Practical Tips for Day Trips from Moraira

Getting around: A hire car makes all of these trips much easier. The AP-7 toll motorway is fast and efficient; budget around €6-10 each way for longer trips. Moraira itself has limited public transport links, so a car gives you genuine freedom.

Best time to leave: In June, aim to depart by 9am for inland trips to avoid the midday heat. Coastal trips like Calpe and Altea work well in the late afternoon when the light is golden and most day-trippers have left.

What to carry: Sunscreen (factor 50 in June — the Costa Blanca sun is serious), at least 2 litres of water per person for any walks, and a small cash reserve for car parks and local restaurants that don't take cards.

Your Base for All of It: Moraira

The real advantage of staying in Moraira is that you get a genuinely beautiful, relaxed base with direct access to all of the above. You're not in a resort complex — you're in a real Costa Blanca town with your own villa or apartment, proper supermarkets, excellent restaurants, and stunning beaches on your doorstep.

Book directly with us at JV Properties and you'll save up to 18% compared to booking the same property through Airbnb or Booking.com — that's money better spent on the ferry to Ibiza or a long lunch in Altea. Browse available properties for your dates and let us help you plan the perfect Moraira holiday with every one of these day trips on the agenda.