Let’s be honest—most people coming on holiday to the Costa Blanca never make it past the beaches and bars of Benidorm, Alicante, or Calpe. But if you fancy swapping flip-flops for walking boots and sangria for a plate of hearty mountain stew, then let me introduce you to Tàrbena—one of the Costa Blanca’s best-kept secrets. So this is another of those wonderful places to visit, if you want a day away from Benidorm.
Tàrbena is that sleepy, whitewashed village you dream about when you’re stuck in traffic on the coast. Perched up in the mountains, surrounded by almond groves, pine forests, and winding country roads, it’s where time slows down, the air smells of rosemary, and the loudest noise you’ll hear is the local church bell—or possibly your stomach growling at the thought of the village’s famous sausages.
Where Exactly Is Tàrbena?
Tàrbena is tucked away inland, about 40 minutes’ drive from Benidorm and roughly 30 minutes from Altea or Calpe. It’s up in the hills of the Marina Baixa region, with spectacular views all around.
The drive itself is part of the adventure—winding mountain roads, sheer drops (don’t look down if you’re squeamish), and scenery that’ll have you pulling over for photos every few minutes.
The village sits at about 600 meters above sea level, which means you get those stunning views down to the coast while enjoying temperatures that won’t melt your brain in summer. It’s the kind of place where the church bells still matter, where everyone knows everyone, and where time moves at exactly the right pace.
What’s Tàrbena Known For?
- Traditional sausages, cured meats, and hearty mountain dishes
- Almond and cherry orchards (springtime here is breathtaking)
- Scenic hiking routes and cycling trails
- Rustic charm and total peace & quiet
Once a Moorish village, Tàrbena still feels a world away from the busy coast. The village has deep roots in farming and sausage-making, and some say their embutidos (sausages) are the best in Spain… and honestly, after tasting a plate of sobrasada or botifarra, you’ll struggle to argue.
Things To Do in Tàrbena (Apart From Eating, Obviously)
Wander the Village
The joy of Tàrbena is in simply wandering. Cobbled streets, blue-doored houses, and sleepy plazas offer the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Visit the Church
The village church, Iglesia de Santa Bárbara, sits right at the heart of the village. Small, simple, but pretty—pop in if it’s open.
Scenic Viewpoints
Climb up to the Mirador de la Cruz or Mirador de las Marinas for sweeping views over the mountains, valleys, and even out to the sea on a clear day.
Sample Local Delights
Try arròs al forn (baked rice), minxos (stuffed pastries), and, of course, anything with sausage in it. Restaurant Can Pinet and Casa Pinet are both legendary here for local food.
Can Ran
The village bakery is where your day should start. Fresh bread, croissants still warm from the oven, and the best Pan de Chocolate (or Napolitano de Chocolate as they call it here) this side of France. Even if you’re not self-catering, make the effort – it’s worth it.
Best Time of Year to Visit Tàrbena
Honestly? It depends what you’re after.
- Spring (March to May): Perfect. The almond trees blossom in February and March, turning the valleys into pink and white fairylands. Weather’s ideal for walking and cycling. This is absolutely magical. The weather’s perfect for hiking, the wildflowers are going mental, and you’ve got the place largely to yourself. Spring is especially fun if you’re hoping to hit some of Spain’s biggest festivals, and Tàrbena has its fair share of local celebrations that’ll give you a proper taste of village life.
- Summer (June to August): Scorching! Great if you like hot weather, but expect sleepy afternoons as everything slows right down. Now, down on the coast it’s absolutely roasting, but up in Tàrbena? Pure perfection. The altitude keeps things bearable, making it the ideal escape when the coastal towns are packed with tourists and the heat is unbearable. This is when the village really comes alive – the terraces are buzzing, everyone’s out and about, and those mountain evenings are something else.
- Autumn (September to November): Still warm, with harvest festivals and quieter streets. Probably my favourite time, if I’m being honest. The crowds have gone home, the weather’s still lovely, and there’s this peaceful quality to the place that’s hard to describe. Plus, it’s harvest time, so you might catch some of the local wine-making action.
- Winter (December to February): Cool and quiet—ideal for hikers, though evenings can get chilly. Look, it’s not going to be sunbathing weather, but if you want to see what real Spanish mountain life looks like, this is your chance. The village goes into hibernation mode, the locals hunker down, and you get this incredibly authentic experience. Just wrap up warm – those mountain nights can be proper chilly.
Parking in Tàrbena
Parking is surprisingly easy here—this isn’t a tourist hotspot with meters everywhere.
- Free parking is available near the entrance to the village.
- There’s also street parking scattered around, though streets are narrow, so watch those wing mirrors!
- Most people park near the town square or at the top of the village where the roads widen out.
Accessibility in Tàrbena
Tàrbena, like many mountain villages, wasn’t exactly built with wheelchairs in mind. That said:
- The village centre is reasonably flat and paved, but some streets are steep and narrow.
- Cobblestones can be tricky for wheelchairs or anyone with limited mobility.
- Most restaurants and shops are accessible, though a few may have steps or uneven entrances.
- It’s best to take it slowly—there’s no rush here anyway!
Handy Tips Before You Go
- Take cash: Some places don’t take cards, especially small shops and bars.
- Fill up on fuel: There’s no petrol station in Tàrbena—fill up before you leave the coast.
- Bring walking shoes: Even a gentle stroll involves some hills and cobbles.
- Try the sausages: Seriously, this is non-negotiable.
- Time your visit: Siesta hours (roughly 2–5pm) mean many places shut, but they’ll reopen later.
The Food Scene – Where to Eat and Drink
Right, this is where Tàrbena really shines. Forget your typical tourist traps – we’re talking about places where locals have been going for decades, where the food is honest, and where you might actually learn a bit of Spanish.
Bar la Plaça
Every Spanish village has one – that dark, slightly austere bar right on the main plaza that looks like it hasn’t changed since Franco was in charge. Bar la Plaça is exactly that, and it’s absolutely perfect.
Inside, it’s all tiles and dark wood, keeping things beautifully cool when the sun’s blazing outside. But the real magic happens on the terrace, where you can sit under the parasols, watch village life unfold, and slowly work your way through a cortado and tostada con tomate.
The morning rush is quite something to witness – half the village seems to stop by for their daily caffeine fix and gossip session. Unless it’s fiesta time, in which case the entire plaza transforms into party central and good luck getting a table!
Dolç i Salat
This is the newcomer, and what a welcome addition it is. The name means “Sweet & Savoury” in Catalan, and they absolutely nail both sides of that equation. It’s got this lovely modern feel while still respecting the village vibe.
Set up right opposite Bar la Plaça, you get the best of both worlds – the traditional plaza atmosphere with a slightly more contemporary approach to food and drink. There’s something magical about sitting there with a montadito and a glass of local red, church bells ringing overhead, feeling like you’ve discovered something special.
Can Pinet
Now we’re talking. This is where you come for the full Spanish experience – the menú del día that’ll leave you wondering why you ever bothered with fancy restaurants.
The moment you walk in, you know you’re somewhere special. This place has looked and felt exactly the same for decades, and that’s precisely why it works. The open kitchen means you can watch the magic happen, and if you’re smart, you’ll go for the slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Trust me on this one.
It’s family-run, properly homely, and the kind of place that makes you understand why people move to Spain and never leave. We’ve driven up from the coast just to eat here, and it’s always worth the journey.
C’as Pelut
Just outside the village, you’ll find this absolute time capsule of a place. It’s been family-run since 1983, and the third generation is now in charge, doing things exactly as their grandparents did.
The terrace overlooks the village, and sharing a pan of paella there is about as close to heaven as you can get without actually dying. It’s not fancy, it’s not Instagram-worthy, but it’s real, and that’s what makes it special.
Restaurante Sa Canterella
A lovely restaurant with homemade dishes. They specialise in boar dishes, for you meat eaters. They are also well known for their homemade desserts too.
Very popular stopping off point for cyclists, motorbikes and passers by in general. They also have a great swimming pool!
Keep an eye on their menu for their Braised Artichokes with Ham.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish village that hasn’t been turned into a souvenir shop, Tàrbena ticks every box. It’s peaceful, it’s rustic, it’s ridiculously scenic, and it’s the perfect antidote to the buzz of the coast.
Whether you’re a hiker, a foodie, or just someone looking to slow down for a day, you’ll leave Tàrbena with a full belly, a sun-kissed face, and probably a few packs of sausages stuffed in your bag for the ride back.
Visit here, take time to chill and explore, all at your own pace.
