The Costa Blanca stretches for many kilometres, and where you sleep shapes the whole trip. The main choice is between a city base in Alicante, a village base such as Altea, and a resort base in Benidorm. Each has a different feel, and each suits different travellers.
Alicante Explanada and marina
This is the best address for first-time visitors. The palm-lined Explanada runs beside the harbour, with the old town, the central market and the castle lift all within walking distance. Postiguet beach is nearby, and restaurants and tapas bars are plentiful. Melia Alicante and INNSiDE Porta Maris are in this area, along with the adults-only Level at Melia Alicante for travellers who want a quieter atmosphere. Rooms facing the promenade can be lively on summer weekends and during festivals, so ask for a higher floor or a harbour view if you prefer calm.
Alicante city centre and the Rambla
Slightly inland, the central avenues offer easy access to shops, the market and the old town at a lower price. Hotel Alicante Gran Sol is a good example. The advantage is walking access to almost everything, the trade-off is that there is no beach on the doorstep, though Postiguet is a short walk.
The north coast and Albufereta
If you want calmer beaches and a local neighbourhood feel, look north of the centre. Sercotel Maya Alicante is a mid-range option on this side of town. You will need a taxi, bus or tram for the old town, but you gain quieter streets and often better value. It is a good base for people with a hire car.
Altea
For atmosphere, Altea is the standout. The whitewashed old town, the blue-domed church and the artists' lanes give it a charm that the bigger resorts lack. Hotel Abaco Altea is a boutique choice in town, while Melia Altea Hills Resort offers a resort-style stay in the hills with pools and sea views. Altea works well for couples and slow travellers, and it is a good base for Calpe, Guadalest and the Algar waterfalls. Without a car, rely on the tram and buses, and check transport times at night.
Benidorm
Benidorm is the big-resort option and has the widest range of hotels. Levante beach is lively and long, while Poniente is calmer. Hotel BCL Levante Club and Spa is an adults-only choice with a spa, Port Benidorm Hotel and Spa is a larger resort, and Aparthotel BCL Levante Beach offers apartments with kitchens for families and long stays. Benidorm is also the base for Terra Mitica, Terra Natura and Aqualandia, so it suits families and theme-park fans. The tram and bus links make it easy to reach Alicante and Altea.
Matching the trip
For a city break focused on sights and food, choose the Explanada or the centre. For a beach and theme-park holiday, choose Benidorm. For a romantic escape, choose Altea or an adults-only hotel. For a flexible road trip, split your stay: two nights in Alicante and two in Altea or Benidorm gives variety without much packing.
Practical points
Parking in historic centres is limited and paid, so ask your hotel before you drive in. August and the Hogueras festival in late June are the busiest periods, and rates rise accordingly. Spring and autumn offer warm weather and easier availability. If you travel in winter, many Benidorm hotels offer long-stay deals, while Alicante and Altea are quieter but pleasant for walking. Check what is included in your rate, especially breakfast and spa access, and read the room type carefully for views, balconies and sleeping arrangements.
Budget and value
Prices swing sharply with the season. A room on the Explanada in August can cost far more than the same room in March, while Benidorm hotels often discount heavily in winter. If budget matters, consider staying a short tram ride from the centre, look for breakfast-inclusive rates and book flexible fares so that you can switch if the forecast changes. Apartments with kitchens can save money for families, because meals out add up quickly. Finally, remember that your base need not be your only base: split a longer stay between the city and the coast for the best of both. Another tip is to check the walking route from your hotel to the nearest tram or train stop, since a short, flat route makes day trips easier with luggage or children. If you plan to hire a car only for part of the stay, collect it on the day you leave the city rather than paying for parking throughout.