On 20 April 2026, Idealista — Spain's largest property portal — published its selection of the ten most beautiful coastal towns in the province of Alicante. The list reads like a map of the Costa Blanca's most active second-home markets. Below is the full list with our take on each town from a real estate perspective: typical buyer profile, price points, and which of our area pages to start with.
Idealista's editor Cesca Rampley picked the towns on landscape, heritage and atmosphere — not commercial criteria. We've cross-checked each against our own listings and our buyers' actual search patterns to add the practical layer.
1. Dénia
Idealista highlights Dénia for its setting at the foot of Montgó Natural Park, its long sandy coastline, the hilltop castle and a marina lined with rice restaurants.
For buyers, Dénia is where the Northern Costa Blanca starts. Strong demand from Dutch and German buyers. The town has a working ferry to Ibiza and Mallorca — unique on this coast. Apartments around the old town and Las Marinas typically start from around €180,000 for refurbished units; new builds near the marina €240,000–€450,000. Detached villas in Las Rotas or Marquesa €600,000+.
Browse our properties in Dénia →
2. Jávea (Xàbia)
Idealista calls Jávea "framed by dramatic headlands and some of the clearest water on the Alicante coast" — Blue Flag beaches, sea caves, hidden coves.
Jávea is one of the fastest-growing search trends on our site over the past quarter. The town splits into three: the historic pueblo inland, the marina (Port), and the long beach strip at Arenal. Premium pricing — apartments from €280,000, modern villas from €700,000, sea-view properties in Cap Negre and La Granadella regularly above €1.5M. Suits buyers prioritising natural setting over urban convenience.
Browse our properties in Jávea →
3. Altea
Idealista picks Altea for its iconic blue-domed church crowning the old town, the art galleries on cobblestone streets, and pebbled beaches.
For property buyers, the most active sub-area is Altea Hills — a luxury hillside enclave above the town with sea views, gated communities and large detached villas typically €1.2M–€4M. Apartments in Altea town centre are tighter inventory but range €250,000–€500,000. Altea attracts a more international, design-conscious buyer than its neighbours.
Browse our properties in Altea Hills →
4. Moraira
Idealista describes Moraira as still feeling like a former fishing village — the 16th-century fortress built against pirate raids, a small marina, intimate beaches.
Moraira is one of the smallest towns on the list but among the most price-stable. Strict zoning has kept high-rise development out, which keeps demand-supply tight. Modern villas in El Portet and Benimeit start around €700,000 and quickly run past €2M. Townhouses and apartments around the centre €280,000–€600,000. Buyers here are typically investors looking for long-term value rather than quick rental returns.
Browse our properties in Moraira →
5. Villajoyosa
Idealista picks Villajoyosa for its brightly painted seafront houses and the Valor Chocolate Museum — a colour palette unique on the Spanish coast.
Villajoyosa sits between Benidorm and Alicante and is increasingly attracting buyers priced out of nearby premium markets. The tram connects directly to both. Apartments by the beach (Playa Centro, Playa Paraíso) are €180,000–€350,000; villas in Cumbre del Sol, Playa Bonn and Montíboli reach €600,000+. Strong rental yields year-round, especially since the airport is only 30 minutes away.
Browse our properties in Villajoyosa →
6. Benissa
Idealista calls Benissa's coastline "one of the most rugged and photogenic in Alicante" — rocky coves, coastal paths between pine trees, a quieter rhythm than its neighbours.
Benissa is for buyers who want nature over nightlife. The coast is split between Cala Pinets, Cala Baladrar and Les Bassetes, all small and intimate. Detached villas dominate inventory — typically €450,000–€900,000 with sea views. Apartments are scarcer; when available, €200,000–€400,000. The town centre, set inland, has its own character with traditional Valencian architecture.
Browse our properties in Benissa →
7. Calpe
Idealista's defining feature for Calpe is the Peñón de Ifach — the 332-metre limestone rock that rises straight from the sea. The town also has salt flats home to flamingos and excellent hiking.
Calpe is one of the most accessible markets on the list — wider price range than the premium-only neighbours. Beachfront apartments from €170,000 (compact) to €600,000 (large units in towers near Playa de la Fossa). Villas in Maryvilla, La Empedrola and Cucarres €450,000–€1.2M. The Peñón itself is unsellable, but its views drive a noticeable price premium for properties facing it.
Browse our properties in Calpe →
8. Benidorm
Idealista is honest about Benidorm: "skyscrapers line Levante and Poniente beaches, creating a skyline more reminiscent of Miami." Beautiful or not depends on taste — but the engineering and the beaches are undeniable.
Benidorm is the most liquid market on this list and one of the most active in all of Spain. Apartments range from €120,000 (older blocks inland) to €1M+ (high-floor sea-view in Intempo or Sunset Drive). New-build projects continue to launch — including the upcoming tallest residential building in Europe in Poniente Beach. We track Benidorm together with neighbouring Finestrat, where most new luxury villa development is concentrated (€650K–€2.5M).
Browse our properties in Benidorm – Finestrat →
9. Santa Pola
Idealista picks Santa Pola for its active fishing port, the salt flats (also home to flamingos), and the boat access to Tabarca Island — Spain's smallest inhabited island.
Santa Pola sits south of Alicante airport (15 minutes by car), which makes it one of the most convenient locations for second-home owners flying in for short stays. Apartment prices start around €130,000 in older buildings, €200,000+ in newer developments. Villas in Gran Alacant and Cabo de Santa Pola €350,000–€800,000. Less international buyer base than the northern Costa Blanca — more domestic Spanish demand and Belgian/French.
Browse our properties in Santa Pola – Gran Alacant →
10. Guardamar del Segura
Idealista describes Guardamar at the mouth of the Segura River, backed by protected pine dunes — one of the few coastal towns where natural setting still dominates over development.
Guardamar is the price entry point of the list. Apartments from €120,000 in older blocks; new builds (significant new construction in recent years) €180,000–€280,000. Villas in surrounding urbanisations like El Raso and El Moncayo €280,000–€500,000. Strong rental demand in summer, weaker in winter — typical of southern Costa Blanca.
Browse our properties in Guardamar del Segura →
Quick Reference Table
| Town | Best for | Apartment from | Villa from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dénia | Family + ferry access | €180K | €600K |
| Jávea | Nature, premium | €280K | €700K |
| Altea Hills | Luxury hillside | €250K | €1.2M |
| Moraira | Long-term value | €280K | €700K |
| Villajoyosa | Tram + airport access | €180K | €600K |
| Benissa | Nature, calm | €200K | €450K |
| Calpe | Wide price range, iconic Peñón | €170K | €450K |
| Benidorm – Finestrat | Most liquid market | €120K | €650K |
| Santa Pola | Closest to airport | €130K | €350K |
| Guardamar | Entry-level prices, nature | €120K | €280K |
Idealista's selection skews towards landscape and atmosphere. From a buyer's standpoint, the same 10 towns split into three tiers: entry-level (Guardamar, Benidorm, Santa Pola), mid-market (Calpe, Villajoyosa, Dénia, Benissa), and premium (Jávea, Moraira, Altea Hills). Choosing the right tier matters more than picking the prettiest town.
Prices indicative, current as of April 2026. Live listings on each area page reflect actual pricing.
