Away from the larger cities and the high-rise buildings of Benidorm, the Costa Blanca is home to a variety of beautiful little villages and towns which mostly began life as small fishing communities. They overlook the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and boast mountainous backdrops, wonderful weather, and Blue Flag beaches. Each town offers something unique and a charming sense of Spain’s history. Discovering these pretty towns can be great fun but also help with your search for buying a villa in the Costa Blanca when the location may be one of the key factors when making a choice.
The White Coast is a mix of long sandy beaches, mountains, rocky coves and clifftops and this means many of the villages are situated in the most amazing locations.
Altea clings to a cliff and offers bohemian charm, the white, narrow streets are made colourful by bougainvillea and the church provides wonderful views of the coast. Those who buy a villa in Altea will never cease to be inspired by the beauty of their home.
Moraira is a town that has grown from its fishing past but still embraces its inheritance with a great deal of pride. The marina now provides moorings for many luxury yachts in addition to the practical fishing vessels that can still be seen bobbing on the sea at sunrise to provide the daily catch for many of the town’s seaside restaurants. The historical centre has a good selection of boutique shops and pleasant places to relax and enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere. Restaurants and bars are plentiful and there are also several places that are popular for live entertainment making it a great place for budding musicians and bands. The complex mix of the tranquil and lively, friendly ambience of this town is one of its main draws to those who buy a property in Moraira.
Javea, overlooked by the elephant-shaped Montgo mountain, offers a charming old town which leads to a picturesque and lively port area. The town is full of character and history as well as pretty streets and the long sandy Arenal beach. Javea also has beautiful small areas nearby where you can find a luxury villa to buy close to gorgeous beaches and coves like Granadella.
Denia is a larger, lively town overlooked by its majestic and historic castle which guards the port area. The busy port offers day trips as well as ferry and hydrofoil crossings to the nearby Balearic Islands. There are traditional markets offering fresh, local ingredients and a scenic coastal path at Las Rotas. If you are more of a “towny”, then buying an apartment in Denia will provide everything you could possibly need.
Villajoyosa has colourful houses running along the sandy beachfront and is home to one of the most famous and historical chocolate producers in Europe.
Jalon Valley has so many beautiful villages where you can buy a townhouse or find a cosy village apartment for sale. The villages of Alcalali, Senija, Lliber and Jalon itself are just a short drive from the coast but transport you back in time. If you might enjoy a more rural lifestyle in Spain then the Jalon Valley could be perfect for you to relax and enjoy the seasonal pace of life from almond blossom time through to the harvesting of grapes, olives and other produce grown in this pretty valley. Each morning you can enjoy waking up to beautiful mountain scenery and truly fresh air filled with the scent of the trees and wild herbs growing everywhere.
Places that you will want to visit and show to your friends and relatives when you buy a house on the Costa Blanca include the tiny mountain village of Guadalest. This historic mountaintop town has narrow, winding streets that lead you to its castle with panoramic views of the area. Alcoy is a larger inland town with a wonderful historic centre, a lively atmosphere, and several interesting museums as well as great shops and restaurants.
Close to Alcoy is the settlement of Banyeres de Mariola about 860 metres above sea level with a textile industry as well as a castle dating back to 1213. It is surrounded by mountains, almond and olive trees and is a very popular area for hiking and biking.
In many supermarkets you will see a reasonably priced wine labelled Liria which is produced in the town of the same name located in the Valencian province. The town has a towering castle overlooking the town and local countryside, a museum showing a collection of items from the town's long history dating back to pre-Roman times. It is well known as "a town of music" with two renowned wind bands who compete successfully both nationally and internationally.
The Castillo de Lliria wines have been produced in the area's well-known winery since 1885 and produce fresh, elegant wines which are perfect both with a meal and on their own. There are two white varieties, a red and a rosé, so when you buy a home in the Costa Blanca remember to check this wine out when doing your shopping.
All these wonderful places are just waiting for you to visit and discover them. When you buy a house in the Costa Blanca, you will never run out of beautiful places to explore!
Some of the most picturesque places include Altea, Moraira, Javea, Denia, Villajoyosa, Guadalest and the charming villages of the Jalon Valley. Each has its own character, history and attractions.
It depends on your lifestyle. Coastal towns offer beaches, marinas and a lively atmosphere, while inland villages provide peaceful surroundings, mountain views and a more traditional Spanish way of life.
Absolutely. Exploring different towns and villages is one of the best ways to discover which area suits your lifestyle before choosing a villa, apartment, townhouse or other property.
Prices vary depending on the location and property type. Inland villages often provide excellent value, while coastal towns such as Moraira, Javea and Altea generally command higher prices because of their popularity and proximity to the Mediterranean.
The Costa Blanca North is served by both Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and Valencia Airport. Depending on where you choose to buy your property, most destinations can be reached within around one to one-and-a-half hours by car.
Updated in July 2026 by the Hamiltons Real Estate team.
