Introduction
After a few days of soaking up the sun and indulging in tapas, I often find myself craving a different kind of adventure. One that trades sandy shores for cobbled streets and centuries-old stories. The Costa Blanca isn’t just a paradise for beach lovers. It’s also a living museum of history, culture and tradition. From atmospheric churches and grand castles to charming little museums hidden in sleepy villages, every corner has a tale to tell. Here’s my handpicked guide to the region’s most fascinating cultural and historical gems, town by town.
Calpe
1. Museo de Historia de Calpe (Casa de la Senyoreta)
Tucked in the old town, this museum walks you through Calpe’s evolution from ancient Iberians to modern tourism. Bonus: the building is beautiful.
2. Roman Baths – Baños de la Reina
More open-air museum than gallery, these seaside ruins bring Roman luxury to life. You can still spot the fish farms and soaking pools!
3. Torreó de la Peça and Town Walls
History blends with architecture in this fortified medieval tower. You’ll feel transported back in time just walking around.
4. Art Exhibitions at Ajuntament Vell
Calpe’s town hall hosts rotating art exhibitions often from local artists. Always worth a peek!
Benidorm
1. Boca del Calvari Museum
Located just off the lively beach boulevard, this museum tells the story of Benidorm before skyscrapers. The exhibitions change regularly, and it’s always free.
2. Casa-Museo Hort de Colón
A lesser-known gem hidden in plain sight. It feels more like entering someone’s elegant home than a museum.
Altea
1. Palau Altea Centre d’Arts
This is the cultural heart of Altea. Concerts, art expos, theatre and more. Even if you’re not seeing a show, it’s worth checking what’s on.
2. Museo Navarro Ramón
A local painter with international recognition. His expressionist work adds color to Altea’s classic white facades.
3. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo
More cultural than museum, but stepping into this iconic blue-domed church feels like entering a piece of living history.
4. Roman Villa in Albir (Museo al Aire Libre), Albir
Open-air ruins with a small interpretative center. It’s fascinating and makes for a unique seaside walk.
5. Albir Lighthouse
Built in the early 20th century, this working lighthouse still guides ships navigating the rocky coastline. The easy trail leading up to it is one of Albir’s most popular walks, with panoramic views over the Mediterranean and interpretive panels telling the story of the lighthouse keepers who once lived here.
Jávea (Xàbia)
1. Iglesia-Fortaleza de San Bartolomé, Javea
This 15th–16th century fortified Gothic church is the centerpiece of Jávea’s old town. Its robust stone walls and striking twin bell towers were not just for prayer. They doubled as a refuge during pirate raids. Inside, admire the beautiful vaulted ceilings and the quiet, solemn chapels.
2. Cap de Sant Antoni Lighthouse
Perched on the cliffs of the Montgó Natural Park, this 19th-century lighthouse guards the entrance to the Bay of Jávea. The site also has remnants of older fortifications built to protect the coast from pirates. The viewpoint offers unbeatable views over the bay, the distant Peñón de Ifach and, on clear days, even Ibiza.
3. Soler Blasco Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum
Set in a Gothic palace, this museum offers an eclectic mix, from Roman artefacts to traditional tools.
4. Ca Lambert Cultural Center
Rotating art exhibitions and installations, always something different and free to visit.
5. Hermitage of Santa Llúcia
A scenic hike brings you to this peaceful chapel with panoramic views and a little taste of the town’s spiritual heritage.
Denia
1. Dénia Castle (Castillo de Dénia) This impressive fortress dates back to the 11th century under Moorish rule, but its roots go deeper. Layers of Roman walls are hidden beneath the stone ramparts. Walk the castle walls for panoramic views over the city, the marina and the Montgó Massif. The castle also hosts open-air events and temporary exhibitions in summer. 2. Museu Arqueològic de Dénia (inside the castle) Ancient Iberian pottery, Roman coins, and Islamic artifacts all inside the castle with a sea view. 3. Ethnological Museum Tucked into a historic mansion, this museum explores Dénia’s turn-of-the-century raisin boom. 4. Centre d’Art l’Estació A former train station turned into an art gallery. Modern and accessible, always hosting fresh exhibitions. 5. Toy Museum (Museu del Joguet) Nostalgic and heartwarming, vintage toys from local factories in the 20th century.Jalón Valley
1. Bodegas Xaló, Jalon
More of a tasting experience, but their cellar tour and display of old tools feels museum-worthy.
2. Iglesia de Santa María, Jalon
A stunning neoclassical church located on the main square of Jalón, featuring a striking blue dome. A local landmark and a peaceful spot to sit and take in the town’s charm.
3. Jalón Wine & Ethnological Museum
A small but insightful museum that showcases local winemaking traditions, tools and daily life from centuries past. It’s good to combine with a visit to the nearby Bodegas Xalo.
4, Etnologic Museu de la Pansa, Alcalalí
Located in a medieval watchtower, this museum dives into the history of raisin production, once a booming industry in the valley. You’ll learn about the Moorish influences and traditional methods still honored today.
5. Museo Maserof
A rustic, off-the-grid estate about 10 minutes south of Jalón. Features an archaeological site of a Roman villa, ancient wine presses and hands-on wine-making activities. You can even crush grapes the old-fashioned way! Includes lunch and wine tastings.
Moraira, Teulada, Benissa
1. Castillo de Moraira
Right on the seafront, this 18th-century fortress is small but dramatic. Exhibitions come and go.
2. Church Santa Maria dels Desemparats, Moraira
Simple, serene, and central. A glimpse into Moraira’s religious traditions.
3. Iglesia de Santa Catalina
More than a place of worship, this 16th-century church once served as a fortress to guard the town against pirate raids. With thick walls, towers and a romantic organ.
4. Cova de les Cendres (Cave of Ashes)
Perched on the cliffs near Moraira, this cave is one of the most important archaeological sites on the Mediterranean coast. Traces of human life here date back over 25,000 years, it’s history literally carved into the rock.
5. Bodega Montesanco, Teulada
Set against a backdrop of restored riu-raus (traditional raisin-drying arches) and a verdant Mediterranean landscape, Montesanco is where sustainability meets storytelling. The place to have winetasting or a glass of local wine.
6. Casa Museo dels Cabrera-Abargues, Benissa
This is a remarkable 18th–19th century manor house, now a museum that preserves the lived experiences of Benissa’s high society. Free entrance.
7. Purísima Xiqueta Church, Benissa
This stunning 18th-century Baroque church dominates the town center with its elegant façade and beautifully detailed interior. Known locally as the “Cathedral of the Marina”, it reflects Benissa’s rich religious heritage and artistic craftsmanship.
8. Monumento al Riberer
This poignant monument commemorates the “Riberers”, seasonal migrant workers from Benissa who traveled on foot to the Ribera del Júcar region to work in rice fields. The statue depicts a kneeling man, symbolizing the moment when these workers paused to pray before leaving their village. The tradition of honoring the Riberers continues annually with a floral tribute during the Puríssima Xiqueta festival.
9. Torre Vigía de Moraira
This ancient coastal watchtower served as an early warning system, alerting locals of incoming ships or potential threats from the sea. Standing tall on a cliff, it’s a great spot for panoramic views and imagining life centuries ago.
