When we think of the Costa Blanca, we usually picture coves and seaside promenades, but the charm goes far beyond the coastal towns. Just 15–25 minutes from the sand you will find valleys and small villages where life slows down and the authentic Alicante identity is preserved: weekly markets, family-run wineries, age-old festivals and neighbours who still greet you by name. In places such as Pego, Vall de Guadalest, Relleu, Jijona/Xixona or Monforte del Cid, the beach is still within easy reach, but you also enjoy cooler nights, larger plots and open views. From Pego, for instance, the Parc Natural de la Marjal Pego-Oliva (1,255 ha) acts as a green lung just minutes from the beaches of Oliva and Denia; while from Guadalest or Relleu, Benidorm and Villajoyosa are just a short drive away.
Connectivity and quality of life
For those who want to live here rather than just spend holidays, these villages offer real connectivity and everyday services. Jijona is connected to Alicante city in about 30 km and has bus service; Monforte del Cid has excellent links via the A-31 and lies close to Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), with year-round flight connections; Mutxamel/Bonalba is only 10–14 km from San Juan beach. This makes it easy to work on the coast, fly regularly or study at the University of Alicante while enjoying more space and calm at home.
According to data from Idealista and the Spanish Land Registry, average prices per m² in inland towns such as Relleu, Jijona or Monforte del Cid are between 20% and 40% lower than in prime coastal locations such as Jávea, Altea or Denia. This has attracted growing interest from international buyers who seek more space, privacy and tranquillity without giving up the beach within half an hour’s drive. In addition, local councils such as Relleu and Callosa have launched urban renewal and tourism promotion plans, which are also encouraging investment and the renovation of traditional homes.
Iconic nature of the Costa Blanca interior
Beyond its beaches, the Costa Blanca boasts protected natural areas that make these inland villages a truly unique place to live. The Marjal Pego-Oliva Natural Park, with over 1,200 hectares of wetlands, is home to species such as the samaruc fish and the purple heron, and offers activities like hiking or kayaking in crystal-clear waters. Inland, the Guadalest Reservoir and its medieval castle offer panoramic routes and some of the most stunning views in Alicante.
In Relleu, the footbridge at the old reservoir, inaugurated in 2022, has become a major attraction thanks to its cantilevered walkways over a canyon. Meanwhile, Callosa d’en Sarrià is home to the famous Fuentes del Algar, declared a protected Wetland of the Valencian Community, with natural pools and waterfalls just 15 km from Benidorm. Further south, Crevillente offers the Sierra de Crevillent and the El Hondo Natural Park, a haven for more than 170 bird species including flamingos and ospreys, making the area a hotspot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Tradition, culture and local economies
Tradition still shapes everyday life in these towns. Jijona/Xixona is world-renowned as the birthplace of turrón, a nougat with Protected Geographical Indication, an industry that provides steady jobs and attracts gastronomic tourism. In the Vinalopó Valley, towns like Monforte del Cid and Novelda are leaders in the production of Alicante wines with DO and the Vinalopó bagged table grape with Protected Designation of Origin, exporting millions of kilos annually to European markets.
Callosa d’en Sarrià is another showcase of agricultural wealth: it produces the Callosa loquat with PDO, an economic and cultural driver celebrated in local fairs and festivals. In the Jalón/Xaló Valley, local wineries and the Saturday flea market attract residents and visitors alike. Finally, Crevillente stands out for its historic carpet and textile industry, exporting worldwide, and for its Moors and Christians festival, declared of National Tourist Interest, which every October fills its streets with music and tradition.
Distances and strategic connectivity
One of the great advantages of these areas is that they offer peace without isolation. From Mutxamel/Bonalba, San Juan beach is only 10–14 km away and Alicante city less than 20 minutes. Callosa d’en Sarrià is just 15 km from Benidorm, blending rural atmosphere with proximity to a wide leisure offer. Monforte del Cid is about 25 km from Alicante-Elche Airport, a key factor for frequent travellers. Meanwhile, Crevillente lies about 30 km from Alicante city, with direct access to the A-7, making it easy to reach Murcia, Valencia or the airport itself.
This proximity means that many international buyers see these towns as the perfect balance between quality of life and convenience: larger plots, lower prices per square metre compared to frontline coastal areas, and the assurance of having services, beaches and airports always close by.
Featured Luxinmo properties
An elegant colonial-style villa with spacious terraces and sea views. It stands out for its large interiors, mature garden and a fine balance of rustic charm with modern comfort. Located in Pego, a charming inland town with easy access to the coast, just 10 km from Les Deveses beach and close to Denia.
A unique villa with castle-like character set on top of a hill, surrounded by 40 hectares of land. Its fortified style and self-sufficiency, with solar panels and private water supply, make it a truly special home. Located in Relleu, an inland retreat just half an hour from the coast.
This spacious colonial-style villa sits in a privileged natural setting, close to the Fonts de l’Algar. Its large plot, palm-filled garden, swimming pool and outdoor bar with pizza oven make it an ideal home to enjoy the outdoors. Located in Callosa d’En Sarrià, about 25 minutes from the beaches of Calpe.
A traditional country finca with an independent guest house. Highlights include its private swimming pool, barbecue area and sweeping mountain views. Located in the picturesque countryside of Jijona, it combines inland tranquillity with proximity to the coast, only 27 km from San Juan beach.
Would you like to discover the hidden charm of the Costa Blanca? At Luxinmo, we guide you area by area to find the home that best suits you in Alicante province — whether in wetlands, valleys or the mid-mountain villages.
