Costa Blanca Magazin

Benissa - An unspoilt coastal town with a rocky coastline & vineyards

Mediterranean tranquillity, historical depth and green hinterland

Benissa, one of the oldest municipalities on the Costa Blanca, is located between Calpe and Teulada-Moraira. Compared to the well-known coastal towns, Benissa appears more reserved, but this is precisely what makes it so attractive. The town offers historic architecture, a Mediterranean lifestyle and an established social fabric that is just as popular with international residents as it is with locals.

The town is clearly divided into two characteristic zones: the old town centre in the interior and the coastal region of Benissa Costa, which impresses with its quiet beaches, picturesque bays and elegant villa districts.

Urban development & history

Benissa, one of the oldest municipalities on the Costa Blanca, is located between Calpe and Teulada-Moraira. Compared to the well-known coastal towns, Benissa appears more reserved, but this is precisely what makes it so attractive. The town offers historic architecture, a Mediterranean lifestyle and an established social fabric that is just as popular with international residents as it is with locals.

The town is clearly divided into two zones: the traditional town centre in the interior and the coastal region of Benissa Costa, which is known for its bays, residential areas with villas and idyllic beaches.

Historic old town - authentic and well-kept

The centre of Benissa is located around 4 km from the coast and is one of the best-preserved historic towns in the region. The alleyways around the Plaza de la Iglesia, the Puríssima Xiqueta cathedral and the Franciscan monastery tell of a time when Benissa was an important trading centre.

In the heart of the city, small shops, tapas bars, cultural institutions and traditional festivals characterise daily life - far away from the typical tourist hustle and bustle. The town hall and central contact points for official and municipal services are also located here.

Beaches in Benissa - small, clean, relaxed

Benissa's coastline is very different from the beaches in Calpe or Benidorm: small pebble bays, rocky sections and clear water dominate here - ideal for snorkelling, kayaking or quiet days on the beach.

The best-known bays include:

  • Cala Advocat - sheltered, with small promenade, bar and access for water sports
  • Cala Baladrar - green surroundings, good water quality, quiet location
  • Cala de la Fustera - the largest bay of Benissa Costa with beach bar, showers and car park
  • Cala Pinets - unspoilt, with access to the „Baños de la Reina“, natural rock pools

All beaches are well-maintained, partially barrier-free and not overcrowded even in high summer.

Benissa Costa - coastal life in a quiet form

Benissa Costa stretches along around 4 kilometres of coastline - a loosely built-up, green residential area with well-kept urbanisations, small bays and villas with sea views. The CV-746 coastal road connects the individual beaches and urbanisations and offers access to well-developed but pleasantly quiet bathing areas.

Festivals & events - rooted in the region

Benissa emphasises its cultural roots. Various local festivals take place throughout the year, which international residents also enjoy attending:

  • 🕯️ Festes Patronals de la Puríssima Xiqueta (end of April): The most important festival of the year with music, parades and religious accents
  • 🤺 Moros y Cristianos (June): Historically staged parades through the city centre
  • 🎶 Summer culture weeks with outdoor concerts and theatre performances
  • 🎨 Art and craft markets around the old town

The festivals are well organised, open and integrative - they strengthen cohesion in the village and at the same time convey regional identity.

Weekly market in Benissa

The Weekly market takes place every Saturday morning in the historic centre - around the Plaza del Mercado. There you will find fresh produce, textiles, plants and much more. It is occasionally supplemented by themed markets and organic stalls.

Landscape & leisure - mountains, sea and tranquillity

Benissa is ideal for those who want to live close to nature. The Sierra de Bèrnia is right on the doorstep and offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the sea and hinterland. Mountain bikers, horse riders and nature lovers will also find good conditions here. Those looking for the sea can reach the quiet bays of the Benissa Costa in just a few minutes.

The town is clearly divided into two characteristic zones: the old town centre in the interior and the coastal region of Benissa Costa, which impresses with its quiet beaches, picturesque bays and elegant villa districts.

Life in Benissa - between history and modernity

Benissa offers good medical care, supermarkets, pharmacies, local craftsmen and international services - all within a short distance. There are several international property agencies, German and English-speaking doctors and a lively social life among the residents. Property prices range from moderate to high, especially along the coast, where sea views and tranquillity are appreciated.

📌 Contact & information

Benissa Tourist Office
📍 Calle Escoto, 72 - 03720 Benissa (Alicante)
📞 +34 966 498 371
✉️ benissa@touristinfo.net
🌐 www.benissa.net