Getting to Moraira is one of those things nobody warns you about until you're sitting in a hire car on a mountain road wondering whether your sat-nav has sent you the wrong way. Spoiler: it hasn't. Moraira is tucked into a fold of the Costa Blanca's northern coastline, beautifully isolated from the motorway sprawl — and that's exactly why people love it here. But it does mean the journey requires a tiny bit of planning. Having lived here for a decade, I've watched thousands of visitors arrive confused and leave converted. Let me make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Which Airport Is Closest to Moraira?
This is the first question everyone asks, and the answer is: Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), without question. It sits roughly 90 kilometres south of Moraira, and the drive takes between 55 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic — mostly motorway via the AP-7 or the free N-332 coastal route.
Valencia Airport (VLC) is around 110 kilometres to the north and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you find cheaper flights to Valencia — especially on Ryanair routes from the UK, Germany or the Netherlands — it's absolutely worth considering. The drive down the AP-7 is straightforward and Moraira is well signposted from the Benissa exit (junction 63).
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Find rentals →Hiring a Car: Is It Essential?
Honestly? For Moraira, yes. Unlike Benidorm or Calpe where you can survive without wheels, Moraira is a town where having a car transforms your holiday. The beaches are spread around several coves, the supermarkets aren't all walkable, and some of the best restaurants and viewpoints require a short drive. Hire from Alicante Airport — companies like Goldcar, Europcar and Record Go are well priced when booked in advance. In June, expect to pay €180–€300 for a week in a standard car, though early bookers can find deals under €150.
Top tip: Book with full insurance included. The mountain roads around Moraira and Benitachell are narrow. Not scary-narrow, but scratched-bumper-narrow if you're not used to them.
Driving to Moraira: The Route Explained
From Alicante Airport, take the AP-7 northbound (toll road — budget around €12 each way) or the free N-332, which is slower but scenic. Exit at junction 63 (Benissa/Moraira) and follow signs for Moraira through Benissa town. The last 8 kilometres wind through terraced vineyards and almond groves — it's gorgeous, and a sign that you've arrived somewhere special.
From Valencia Airport, take the AP-7 south and exit at the same junction 63. The journey is largely motorway and easy to navigate.
Google Maps works perfectly for navigation in this area. If you're using Waze, be aware it occasionally routes you through Teulada — not a problem, just adds 5 minutes.
Parking in Moraira: The Honest Truth
Parking in Moraira in June is manageable — July and August are a different story. Here's what you need to know:
El Portet Beach: Small car park at the top of the hill, often full by 10:30am in peak season. Arrive before 9:30am or park in the streets above and walk down (5 minutes).
Playa de l'Ampolla / Town Beach: There's a larger municipal car park near the castle on Calle Castillo — paid parking, around €1.50/hour, usually has space until midday.
L'Andrago & Cala Cap Blanc: These coves have limited roadside parking. Park considerately on the verges and walk — they're worth it.
Town centre: The area around Avenida de Madrid and the port has mixed blue-zone (paid) and white-zone (free) spaces. Afternoons after 2pm are your best bet as locals go home for lunch.
One of the real advantages of staying in a holiday rental in Moraira rather than a hotel is that most villas and apartments come with private parking — no daily scramble, no fees.
Can You Get to Moraira Without a Car?
Technically yes, practically it's tricky. The ALSA bus connects Moraira to Benissa (the nearest large town with a train station) several times a day, but services are infrequent — roughly 4–6 buses daily — and the Benissa bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the train station, which connects to Valencia and Alicante via Cercanías.
For a car-free holiday, it's doable if you're staying in the town centre and you're not planning beach-hopping. But genuinely, most guests who try it end up hiring a car for at least a few days. Taxis from Alicante Airport to Moraira cost approximately €90–€110 one way and need pre-booking — try Taxi Moraira or Taxi Costa Blanca Norte.
Arriving by Ferry or Private Transfer
If you're coming by boat — lucky you — the small marina in Moraira accepts visiting yachts and motor cruisers. The port is well equipped with berths for vessels up to around 18 metres. Contact the Club Náutico de Moraira in advance during summer months as spaces fill quickly.
Private transfers from Alicante Airport are a comfortable option if you're travelling with a group or elderly family members. Expect to pay €100–€130 for a standard vehicle (4 passengers). Companies like Holiday Taxis and Benidorm Transfers cover the Moraira area reliably.
What to Do on Arrival Day
Most holiday apartments and villas in Moraira have check-in from 4pm. If you land early, don't waste the afternoon sitting outside your accommodation. Head straight to Playa El Portet for a swim, grab lunch at La Bodeguita del Puerto on the seafront, or drive up to the Castillo de Moraira viewpoint for your first proper look at what you've got yourself into.
Stock up on basics at Mercadona in Moraira (open until 9:30pm) or the smaller Mas y Mas near the port for artisan bread, local wine and Iberian charcuterie.
Book Direct and Save Up to 18%
Wherever you're arriving from and however you're getting here, you'll save considerably by booking your accommodation direct rather than through Airbnb or Booking.com. At JV Properties, booking direct saves guests up to 18% on the total cost — that's money better spent on a boat trip, a restaurant dinner or an extra day in Moraira. Browse our available villas and apartments in Moraira and see the difference for yourself.
Moraira rewards those who plan the journey. Once you arrive, you won't want to leave.
