Benissa straddles the main road between Calpe and Moraira on the northern Costa Blanca, split between an inland old town and a coastline of small rocky coves a few kilometres away. The old town has a surprisingly grand church, a network of narrow streets with medieval houses, and a local character that the coastal resorts have mostly lost. The coast side has a series of small calas (coves) connected by a coastal walking path. We rate Benissa as a good villa base for visitors who want both inland Spanish life and coastal access, though neither part is within walking distance of the other.
Why Stay in Benissa
- Two settings in one: The inland old town for restaurants, markets, and cultural atmosphere. The coast (Benissa Costa) for swimming coves and the ecological walk. They're about 5 minutes apart by car.
- Coastal walking path: The Paseo Ecológico is a well-maintained 4km clifftop path linking several coves. It's flat, scenic, and has information boards on the local ecosystem. Good for morning walks.
- Old town character: Benissa's centre has a Saturday market, several tapas bars, and an old quarter that feels genuinely Spanish rather than resort-developed. The church (Catedral de la Marina) is disproportionately large and impressive for a town this size.
- No big beach: The coves along the coast are small and rocky. There's no wide sandy beach. For sand, drive to Moraira (10 minutes) or Calpe's Arenal-Bol (15 minutes). The coves are better for snorkelling than sandcastle building.
Things to Do in Benissa
Walk the Paseo Ecológico along the coast. The path connects Cala Baladrar, Cala Pinets, and Cala Llobella, with swimming access at several points. It's accessible and takes about an hour one way. Morning light is best.
In the old town, explore the medieval streets around the church and the Sala de la Purisima. The Saturday morning market fills the main streets with local produce, olives, cheese, and honey.
Drive to Calpe (15 minutes) for the Penyal d'Ifac, the dramatic limestone rock that juts 332 metres out of the sea. The hike to the summit takes about an hour (free, but you need to register online to manage numbers) and the views are very good. The fish restaurants along the harbour in Calpe are reliable and well priced.
Moraira (10 minutes) has a more upmarket feel, a sandy beach, and good restaurants around the castle. For a larger outing, Guadalest (30 minutes inland) is a hilltop castle village above a turquoise reservoir. It's touristy but the setting is genuinely impressive. Go midweek to avoid the worst of the coach traffic.