Moraira is the kind of place that makes you want to stay put. The coves are too beautiful, the wine is too cold, and the terraces are too comfortable. But after a few lazy days by the sea, you'll start noticing the mountains behind you, the white villages on the horizon, and the medieval towers dotting the coastline — and the itch to explore kicks in.
I've lived on the Costa Blanca for ten years, based right here in the area, and these are the day trips from Moraira I keep recommending to guests — and doing myself. None of them require more than an hour's drive. All of them will make your holiday feel richer.
1. Guadalest: The Floating Village (45 minutes)
Guedalest is one of those places that looks fake on Instagram but turns out to be even more dramatic in person. Perched impossibly on a rocky outcrop above a turquoise reservoir, this medieval village is a genuine jaw-dropper. The castle ruins are free to wander, the views over the Embalse de Guadalest are extraordinary, and there's a surprisingly good selection of local honey, almond products and artisan goods in the village shops. Go before 11am or after 3pm to avoid coach tour crowds. Drive via Benissa and Callosa d'en Sarrià — about 45 minutes from Moraira.
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Altea is Moraira's more bohemian neighbour and only 20 minutes down the coast. The old town, crowned by its iconic blue-domed church, is a maze of whitewashed lanes, art galleries, ceramic workshops and genuinely good restaurants. Unlike Calpe, Altea has resisted mass tourism with admirable stubbornness. The Thursday market in the lower town is excellent for fresh produce and local crafts. Have lunch at El Cantó (book ahead) or graze tapas along Calle San Pedro. September is a great time to visit — quieter, golden light, and the sea is still warm enough to swim at Altea's pebbly beach.
3. Jávea (Xàbia): A Rival Worth Visiting (25 minutes)
Yes, we've written about Moraira vs Jávea before — and Moraira still wins for charm and quiet. But Jávea deserves a proper day trip. The old town around the Gothic church is beautiful and very much a living community rather than a tourist set piece. The fish market by the port is worth a look in the morning. And the Cabo de la Nau headland, just a few kilometres from the town, offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the entire Costa Blanca. Walk the short trail to the lighthouse and along the cliffs to Cala de la Granadella — one of the most beautiful coves I've seen anywhere in Spain.
4. Dénia: Marina, Market & Gastronomy (35 minutes)
Dénia punches above its weight for food. The town has produced a Michelin-starred restaurant (El Poblet, now in Valencia, but founded here), and the local red prawns — gambas rojas de Dénia — are considered among the finest in Spain. The Saturday market behind the port is superb. After browsing, walk up to the castle for views over the coast toward Ibiza on a clear day. The ferry to Ibiza leaves from Dénia too — possible as a very long day trip for those feeling ambitious.
5. Polop & Callosa: Inland Villages with a Waterfall (40 minutes)
These two inland villages make a great half-day combo. Polop de la Marina is a beautifully preserved hilltop village with a famous fountain of 221 spouts (Font dels Molins) — locals still fill bottles here. Callosa d'en Sarrià, 10 minutes further, is the gateway to the Fonts d'Algar waterfalls. In September, the falls are still running and the natural pools are warm enough to swim in — and with summer crowds thinning, you might almost have them to yourself. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.
6. Villena: Wine, Castles & the Gold Treasure (1 hour)
For something completely different, head inland to Villena. The drive through the mountains via Alcalalí and the Jalón valley vineyards is spectacular in itself. Villena's castle (Castillo de la Atalaya) is one of the best-preserved in the Valencia region, and the local archaeological museum houses the famous Tesoro de Villena — a Bronze Age gold hoard that makes Spanish newspapers every few years when someone rediscovers it exists. The town's local wines from Bodega Salvador Poveda are worth bringing home. September timing is perfect — warm but not scorching for castle exploration.
7. The Jalón Valley Wine Route (30 minutes)
The valley between Moraira and Jalón (Xaló) is planted with Moscatel vines that produce the region's celebrated sweet wines, but also increasingly good dry whites and rosés. In late September, the grape harvest is happening — if you time it right, you might see pickers in the vineyards. Stop at Cooperativa Agrícola de Xaló, one of the oldest wine cooperatives in the region, for tastings and bottles at cellar prices. Combine with lunch in Jalón's old quarter at Casa Pinet — a local institution for rice dishes and honest Valencian cooking.
8. Sagunto: Roman Theatre & History (1 hour 15 minutes)
Sagunto is a genuine hidden gem for history lovers. The Roman theatre — partly restored in controversial but atmospheric fashion — hosts performances in summer, and the hilltop castle complex offers sweeping views toward Valencia. The Jewish quarter below (one of the best preserved in the region) and the medieval streets make this a full day's exploration. Stop for lunch at any of the simple restaurants around the old market square. A longer drive (about 1h15 from Moraira), but worth it for a change of pace from beach and sea.
Practical Tips for Day Trips from Moraira
Getting around: Moraira itself has no train station and limited bus connections — a hire car is really the key to unlocking these excursions. If you're staying without a car, taxis from Moraira to Altea or Jávea are reasonable for a couple or group.
Best time for day trips: September is honestly ideal. The summer heat has softened slightly, attractions are less crowded, and the landscape is still beautifully green and golden after the warmer months. Guadalest and Fonts d'Algar in particular are transformed without the August coach queues.
Fuel up before you go: Moraira's petrol station (on the road toward Teulada) can be busy in summer mornings. Fill up the evening before.
Base yourself well: All of these trips work perfectly as day excursions from a holiday rental in Moraira — you leave in the morning, return for a swim and sunset, and never have to repack a suitcase.
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If you're planning your Costa Blanca holiday and haven't sorted your base yet, browsing our Moraira villas and apartments directly saves you up to 18% compared to booking through Airbnb or Booking.com — and you deal directly with people who actually know the area and can recommend exactly which of these trips suits you best.
Moraira is one of the finest bases on the Costa Blanca precisely because everywhere is within reach. Explore freely — just make sure you're coming back for the sunset.
