Getting to Moraira: The Complete Practical Guide (Flights, Transfers, Parking & More)

Getting to Moraira is one of those things that sounds complicated until someone who actually lives here walks you through it. I've been based on the Costa Blanca for ten years now, and I've picked up friends from the airport, argued with sat-navs on mountain roads, and watched hundreds of confused holiday-makers circle the harbour looking for parking in July. This guide is everything I wish someone had handed me on day one.

Moraira sits on a tucked-away stretch of coastline between Jávea and Calpe — which is exactly why it feels so unspoiled, and exactly why getting there requires a little planning. There's no train station, no bus that drops you at the beach, and no airport within the town itself. But none of that matters once you know the options.

Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

You have two realistic choices: Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) and Valencia Airport (VLC).

Alicante (ALC) is the obvious winner for most visitors. It's around 90 kilometres from Moraira — roughly an hour to an hour and twenty minutes by car, depending on traffic. In June and July the AP-7 motorway south of Benidorm can get busy on Saturday changeover days, so I always recommend flying mid-week if you have flexibility. Alicante has direct routes from almost every major UK, German, Dutch and Belgian airport, and budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and Vueling all serve it heavily in summer.

Valencia (VLC) is about 120 kilometres north and takes around 90 minutes to two hours by car via the A-7 coastal road or the AP-7 toll motorway. It's worth considering if you can't get a direct flight to Alicante, or if you're coming from northern Europe and Valencia suits your airline better. Honestly, the drive down through the orange groves and past the dramatic cliffs at Dénia is one of the most beautiful approaches to the Costa Blanca you'll find.

A third option that rarely gets mentioned: Murcia International Airport (MJV) at Corvera. It's about 140 kilometres south and honestly not worth it unless you've found a significantly cheaper fare — the drive north on the AP-7 adds unnecessary time and toll costs.

Getting from the Airport to Moraira

Hire Car — The Best Option by Far

I'll be direct: renting a car is the single best decision you can make for a Moraira holiday. The town has no public transport to speak of, the beaches are spread out along a beautiful coastline, and the restaurants worth visiting (especially up in the hills above town) are unreachable without wheels. Prices in June run from around €30–50 per day for a standard car from Alicante, and all the major companies — Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Record Go — have desks at both airports.

Tip: book your car well in advance in summer. June and July see rental availability genuinely dry up, especially for automatics. I always use a comparison site like Rentalcars.com and then book directly to avoid third-party headaches.

The drive from Alicante to Moraira: take the AP-7 north towards Valencia, exit at junction 63 (Benissa/Moraira), then follow the CV-745 down towards the coast. Your sat-nav will get you there. Allow 75 minutes from the airport car park.

Private Transfer

If you'd rather not drive — maybe you're arriving late at night or just want to relax — a private transfer is the next best thing. Expect to pay around €80–120 for a standard car from Alicante Airport to Moraira (one way). Companies like Costa Blanca Transfers, Taxi Marina Alta, and various local operators run this route daily. Book in advance for summer; don't rely on finding a taxi at arrivals.

Public Transport (Possible, But Challenging)

Getting to Moraira by public transport requires patience and a connection in either Calpe or Dénia. From Alicante, you'd take a ALSA coach to either Calpe or Benissa (there are several daily services), then a local taxi or the infrequent L-94 local bus. It's doable for the budget-conscious solo traveller, but genuinely impractical with luggage, children, or any desire to also explore the surrounding area.

Driving in and Around Moraira

Once you're here, driving within Moraira itself is easy — the town is small, the roads are well signposted, and most of the holiday rentals have private parking or easy street access. The only time driving becomes an adventure is peak summer weekends, when the road from Calpe into central Moraira backs up and the harbour area gets congested.

My honest advice: if you're arriving on a Saturday in July or August, get here before noon or after 7pm.

Parking in Moraira: What You Need to Know

This is the question I get asked most often by new visitors, and the answer changes depending on the time of year.

In June (which is right now, as I write this), parking is still manageable. The large free car park near El Portet beach usually has spaces by 10am, and the streets around the fishing harbour (Puerto Pesquero) have a mix of free and blue-zone paid parking.

In July and August, the situation is very different. The blue-zone paid parking along the seafront fills by 9am on a hot day. The best strategy locals use:

• Parking near the castle (Castillo de Moraira): There's usually space along the road leading up to it, and it's a 10-minute walk to the main beach.
• Parking near the supermarkets (Mercadona on Calle Colón): Free, usually available even in high summer, 15-minute walk to the harbour.
• Arrive before 9am or after 6pm: Revolutionary advice, but genuinely effective.

If you're staying in one of our holiday rentals in Moraira, most properties include private parking — which is worth its weight in gold in July. Check the listing details carefully, or drop us a message and we'll confirm.

Costs: What to Budget for Getting Here

To give you a realistic picture for a family of four flying from the UK in June:

• Return flights (per person, budget carrier): €60–150
• Car hire (7 days, mid-size): €250–350
• Motorway tolls (AP-7, return): approximately €20–30
• Petrol (week of local driving): €40–60

Overall, getting here and having wheels for the week adds maybe €400–600 on top of flights for a family. Spread across seven days, that's very reasonable for the freedom it buys you.

Where to Stay in Moraira

Once you've sorted the journey, the next decision is where to base yourself. Booking a holiday rental directly — rather than through Airbnb or Booking.com — typically saves 15–18% because you cut out the platform commission. That's real money: on a €1,500 week, you're looking at €200–270 back in your pocket.

Browse our available properties in Moraira — from sea-view villas above El Portet to apartments walking distance from the harbour. Every listing includes private or dedicated parking information, and our team can answer any practical questions about the transfer or the area before you arrive.

Moraira is one of the most rewarding places on the Costa Blanca precisely because it takes a little effort to reach. The visitors who make the trip — and arrive prepared — consistently say it's the best holiday they've had in Spain. I'd put money on you agreeing.