You’ve done Benidorm. You’ve sunbathed on Levante Beach, survived a night out in the English Square (or maybe you didn’t—no judgement), and now you’re thinking, “What’s next?”
Enter Altea. The serene, artsy cousin of Benidorm. Where whitewashed houses cling to cobbled hills, artists sip coffee in tucked-away squares, and the vibe is less “all-day fry-up” and more “organic goat’s cheese and local wine, darling.”
But first things first: how far is Altea from Benidorm, and how do you get there without either a breakdown or a second mortgage?
Strap in, suncream up, and let’s explore the surprisingly doable journey from the wild heart of Benidorm to the blissed-out charm of Altea.
Well, my sun-seeking friends, Altea sits just 11km (about 7 miles) north of Benidorm along Spain’s glittering Costa Blanca. That’s roughly the distance I stagger looking for my hotel room after a night on Benidorm’s notorious Strip – though mercifully, the journey between these two distinctly different Spanish towns is considerably more straightforward!
Having made this trip more times than I’ve complained about airport queues (and that’s saying something), I’m delighted to share the various ways you can hop between Benidorm’s high-rises and Altea’s hillside charm – complete with costs, convenience ratings, and the inevitable holiday mishaps I’ve experienced along the way.
The Tram: Costa Blanca’s Best-Kept Transport Secret
Cost: €1.45 one-way (absolute bargain!) Journey Time: About 25-30 minutes Faff Factor: Minimal
The light rail tram service (locally known as TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante) connects these two towns with remarkable efficiency. In Benidorm, you’ll find the main station near the bus depot, while Altea’s charming station delivers you right into the heart of town.
Pros: Ridiculously cheap, runs frequently (every 30 minutes during peak times), offers spectacular coastal views that you’d pay good money for on a sightseeing tour, and air-conditioned carriages that feel like heaven in August.
Cons: The last service typically runs around 10:30pm, which can cut your evening explorations short. Also, be prepared for standing room only during peak season.
Last summer, I watched in fits of silent giggles as a family of four Brits attempted to validate their tickets by repeatedly jamming them into the window frame rather than the actual machine. Eventually, a kind Spanish grandmother took pity and demonstrated the correct procedure. Holiday kindness at its finest!
Top tip: Buy a return ticket (or better yet, a multi-trip card if you’re planning several journeys) to save both money and the faff of queuing twice.
By Bus: The Backup Plan
Cost: €2.10 one-way Journey Time: 30-40 minutes Faff Factor: Moderate
ALSA runs bus services between the two towns, though they’re less frequent than the tram.
Pros: Slightly more extensive route coverage than the tram, potentially dropping you closer to your specific destination.
Cons: Subject to traffic (which can be properly nightmarish during summer months), less frequent services, and honestly, why bother when the tram exists?
Check Omio for tickets.
During one memorable journey last Easter, our bus driver seemed determined to set a new land speed record while simultaneously providing an unsolicited tour commentary in rapid-fire Spanish. I understood approximately three words, but his enthusiasm was undeniably infectious.
Taxi: For When Money Is No Object (Or It’s Very Late)
Cost: €20-25 one-way Journey Time: 15-20 minutes Faff Factor: Minimal
When the tram has stopped running or you’re laden with shopping bags filled with questionable souvenirs, taxis offer door-to-door convenience.
Pros: Available around the clock, no need to figure out public transport, and mercifully direct.
Cons: Not exactly kind to the holiday budget, especially if you’re making return trips.
My taxi driver Miguel (there’s always a Miguel) once took me on what he called the “scenic route” between the towns. Whether this was genuine tourism enthusiasm or a creative approach to fare enhancement remains one of Spain’s great unsolved mysteries.
By Hire Car: Freedom on Four Wheels
Cost: Just petrol if you already have a hire car Journey Time: About 15 minutes via the N-332 Faff Factor: Variable (largely dependent on your parking karma)
The drive itself is straightforward along the coastal N-332 road.
Pros: Ultimate flexibility, potential for delightful detours to viewpoints or hidden beaches, and blessed, blessed air conditioning that you control.
Cons: Parking in Altea’s historic centre is about as likely as finding a full English breakfast under €5 – theoretically possible but rarely achieved. The narrow, winding streets were designed for donkey carts, not your Seat Ibiza.
Last May, I spent so long circling for a parking spot in Altea that I’m fairly certain I qualified for Spanish residency. Eventually abandoned the car in a supermarket car park and walked 15 minutes uphill – not ideal in 28-degree heat!
Walking or Cycling: For the Active (or Delusional)
Yes, it is technically possible to walk between Benidorm and Altea – the distance isn’t insurmountable. However…
Walking: Cost: Free (except for the plasters for your blisters) Journey Time: About 2.5-3 hours Faff Factor: Considerable
The coastal path doesn’t run the entire way, meaning you’ll be forced onto busy roads for sections. In summer heat, this quickly transforms from ‘pleasant stroll’ to ‘endurance event’.
Cycling: Cost: Bike rentals from €12 per day Journey Time: 45-60 minutes Faff Factor: Moderate
More feasible than walking, cycling offers a pleasant journey with dedicated bike lanes for much of the route.
In what I now refer to as “The Great Cycling Miscalculation of 2023,” I rented a bike in Benidorm, envisioning a leisurely pedal to Altea. The journey there was indeed delightful. The return trip, however, coincided with midday heat that had me questioning every life choice leading to that moment. Three bottles of water and one embarrassing roadside rest later, I made it back – resembling less a travel blogger and more a participant in a survival documentary.
The How Far Is Altea From Benidorm Verdict: What’s Best?
For sheer value, convenience, and views, the tram wins hands down. It’s my go-to recommendation for first-timers making the journey. For evening excursions past the tram’s bedtime, bite the bullet and take a taxi.
While these towns are geographically close, they’re worlds apart in character. Benidorm flaunts its high-rise hotels, British pubs, and vibrant nightlife, while Altea seduces with whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, and sophisticated seafront dining.
The contrast makes a day trip absolutely worthwhile – it’s like experiencing two entirely different Spanish holidays just 11km apart. Spend your days soaking up Altea’s authentic charm and stunning blue-domed church, then return to Benidorm for its unabashed holiday atmosphere and entertainment. If you want somewhere a little closer, Albir is a great option.
Just remember, however you choose to travel between them, the journey itself offers some of the Costa Blanca’s most spectacular coastal views – so keep your camera handy and your eyes peeled. And perhaps, unlike me, check the return timetables before you order that second bottle of rioja or jug of Sangria in Altea’s plaza!
