We love —
- Sailing across turquoise Mediterranean waters from Benidorm Port, feeling salt air and sun-warmed sea breeze on deck.
- Tasting handcrafted wines in a historic family bodega, absorbing oak aromas, fruit notes and quiet cellar atmosphere.
- Exploring the Costa Blanca by hire car, following coastal roads lined with sea views, citrus groves, and warm Mediterranean light.
Customer reviews —
The combination of the island excursion, the Bodegas Cerdà experience and having a car to explore at your own rhythm gives it a completely different feel from a standard beach holiday. Guadalest alone is worth the extra days — it's the kind of place clients come back raving about.
Discovery Package Alicante —
Explore the Costa Blanca through a self-drive journey where sunlit coastlines, hillside villages, and Mediterranean flavours unfold at your own pace, blending freedom with carefully curated moments of discovery.
Move effortlessly between vibrant seaside towns and tranquil inland landscapes with an included hire car, tracing a route shaped by sea views, historic streets, and soft coastal light. Two hand-picked excursions add depth to the journey: a maritime escape to Benidorm Island and a wine experience in the valleys of Hondón de las Nieves, where tradition and flavour come together in an authentic setting.
Please note: the Bodegas Cerda wine experience and Benidorm Island excursion excursions are only included for departures between 01/05 and 31/10/2026.
Suggested itineraries:
4-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & first glimpse of Benidorm
Arrive in Alicante and collect your hire car before driving to La Vila Joiosa. The afternoon is devoted to a first discovery of Benidorm, from the Balcón del Mediterráneo with its sweeping coastal views to the charm of the old town and the lively promenade of Levante Beach.
Day 2: Sailing to Benidorm Island
Depart from Benidorm Port for a crossing to Benidorm Island, where crystal-clear waters invite snorkelling and quiet exploration of coastal trails. The afternoon is left free to enjoy the beach and the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Day 3: Discovering Alicante’s heritage
Begin at Santa Bárbara Castle, overlooking the city and coastline. Continue through the atmospheric Santa Cruz Quarter, stroll along the elegant Explanada de España, and finish at the Central Market, where local flavours and traditional dishes can be enjoyed by the port.
Day 4: Wine experience in the inland valleys
Travel inland to Bodegas Cerdà in Hondón de las Nieves, a historic family-run winery founded in 1885. Enjoy a guided tasting or pairing experience before returning leisurely to the hotel for a final, relaxed afternoon.
6-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in La Vila Joiosa
Arrive in Alicante, collect your hire car and settle into La Vila Joiosa. Spend the afternoon exploring its colourful old town, its chocolate-making heritage, and its peaceful seaside atmosphere.
Day 2: Benidorm Island escape
Set sail from Benidorm Port to Benidorm Island for a morning of snorkelling and nature trails in clear turquoise waters. Return to the mainland for a leisurely afternoon along Benidorm’s promenade and historic centre.
Day 3: The spirit of Alicante
Discover Santa Bárbara Castle, the winding streets of Santa Cruz, and the elegant Explanada de España. End the day at the Central Market, where Alicante’s culinary traditions come alive.
Day 4: Wine culture & Elche heritage
Visit Bodegas Cerdà for a wine tasting or gastronomic pairing experience. Continue to Elche, home to the UNESCO-listed Palm Grove and the striking Basilica of Santa María.
Day 5: Altea & Calpe coastline
In the morning, explore Altea’s whitewashed old town, art galleries and sea-view terraces. In the afternoon, continue to Calpe, where the Peñón de Ifach rises above golden beaches and salt flats.
Day 6: Relaxation & return
Enjoy a final day at leisure at the hotel or by the sea before returning your hire car at Alicante Airport and departing.
7-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in La Vila Joiosa
Arrive in Alicante, collect your hire car and travel to La Vila Joiosa. Settle in with a gentle stroll through its colourful old town, chocolate heritage and quiet beachfront.
Day 2: Benidorm Island discovery
Sail to Benidorm Island for snorkelling and coastal exploration. Spend the afternoon enjoying Benidorm’s promenade and historic old town.
Day 3: Alicante highlights
Visit Santa Bárbara Castle, the Santa Cruz Quarter, the Explanada de España and the Central Market, where local life and gastronomy meet.
Day 4: Wine experience & Elche
Enjoy a tasting or pairing experience at Bodegas Cerdà before continuing to Elche to explore its vast Palm Grove and the Basilica of Santa María.
Day 5: Altea & Calpe landscapes
Discover Altea’s artistic old town in the morning, then continue to Calpe for its dramatic coastline and the iconic Peñón de Ifach.
Day 6: Guadalest & Dénia
Visit the mountain village of Guadalest, dramatically set above a turquoise reservoir, before continuing to Dénia for its castle, port and renowned seafood cuisine.
Day 7: Final moments & departure
Enjoy a final relaxed morning by the sea or at the hotel before returning your hire car and travelling to Alicante Airport.
Bodegas Cerda wine experience —
Discover a family-run winery founded in 1885 in Hondón de las Nieves, enjoying curated tastings, pairings, and a refined food and wine experience.
In the quiet inland setting of Hondón de las Nieves, Bodegas Cerdà offers a glimpse into generations of winemaking tradition. Founded in 1885, this family-run estate welcomes guests for a morning experience beginning at 11:00am, where time is shaped by taste, aroma, and craft.
Within the cool, characterful spaces of the winery, wines unfold in layers of depth, from structured reds to expressive local varietals. Guests may choose between a guided tasting of four wines served with an aperitif, a pairing of sherry wines with eight carefully selected cheeses, or a more indulgent food and wine experience including lunch. Each option reflects the region’s culinary identity, balancing simplicity with quiet refinement.
Practical Information:
- Location: Bodegas Cerdà, San José 2, 03688 Hondón de las Nieves, Alicante
- Start time: 11:00am
- Opening days: Daily except 25 December and 1 January
- Experience options:
- Wine Tasting: 4 wines with aperitif (no minimum participants)
- Wine & Cheese Experience: Sherry wines with 8 cheeses (minimum 4 people)
- Food & Wine Experience: Wine tasting with lunch (minimum 4 people)
- Includes: Guided winery visit and selected tasting experience
- Not included: Transport to the winery
- Languages: English, German, French and Spanish
- Voucher: Printed voucher required
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for: All travellers
- What to bring: Casual shoes and sun protection; warm clothing recommended during winter
- Under 18s: Soft drink and aperitif provided instead of wine
Benidorm Island excursion —
Set sail from Benidorm Port on a glass-bottom boat cruise to Benidorm Island, where crystal-clear waters invite snorkelling, gentle exploration, and close encounters with vibrant marine life.
Departing from Benidorm Port, this coastal journey unfolds aboard the Aquarius 2 or the Bahía de Benidorm, a glass-bottom vessel revealing shifting blues beneath the surface. As the coastline fades, the sea opens into a calm, luminous expanse before arriving at Benidorm Island after just 15 minutes. Here, the water is remarkably clear, revealing schools of fish and submerged rock formations shaped by time and tide.
Guests can slip into the sea for snorkelling, drift through quiet underwater scenes, or follow gentle trails along the island’s rugged paths, where the scent of salt and sun-warmed stone fills the air. The experience balances discovery and stillness, offering a rare sense of closeness to the Mediterranean in its purest form.
Practical Information:
- Departure point: Benidorm Port (Paseo Colón, Club Náutico 1, Benidorm Levante)
- Boats: Aquarius 2 or Bahía de Benidorm (glass-bottom boat)
- Departure times: Hourly from 10:00am to 15:00pm (except Sundays at 2:00pm)
- Crossing duration: Approx. 15 minutes each way
- Includes: Boat ticket to and from Benidorm Island
- Not included: Meals and transport to Benidorm Port
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Voucher: Printed voucher required
- Arrival time: Please arrive 30 minutes before departure (1 hour in August)
- What to bring: Swimsuit, suitable shoes, sun protection
- Recommended: Sunglasses and motion sickness medication if required
- Departure: Benidorm Port
- Boats: Aquarius 2 or Bahía de Benidorm (glass-bottom boat)
- Frequency: Departures every hour from 10:00am
- Duration: 15-minute crossing to Benidorm Island
Occidental Pueblo Acantilado 4* —
Just for you:
- Car hire included (Ford Fiesta or similar)
- Complimentary parking
Travel with us to the Occidental Pueblo Acantilado 4* in the resort of El Campello, close to bustling Alicante. The hotel is fully equipped with best-in-class amenities, including a blissful pool and fun live entertainment.
Dine in at the El Pontet Restaurant to enjoy the delicious local Spanish cuisine and an array of international dishes. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze of the Mediterranean and get ready for a wonderfully relaxing holiday under the Spanish sun.
Your room —
Enjoy a stay in a Junior Sea View Suite.
Junior Sea View Suite (55 m²)
With a bedroom and a separate living room, your Junior Sea View Suite will offer you all the space you need for a relaxing stay. Look out of your window and gaze out into the crystal clear waters of the sea.
Your dining choices
Just for you:
- Bottle of Cava in room on arrival
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
The hotel's restaurant serves both international and regional dishes, so there is something for everyone. If you like to end the day in style, head to the lobby bar where you can enjoy your favourite drink in an atmospheric setting.
Upgrade to half board or full board
Choose to upgrade to half board or full board at the next step of the booking process.
Your time
Take a refreshing dip in the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, then relax in the solarium. You'll love feeling the sun's rays on your skin and getting your fill of vitamin D. At night, enjoy live music or head to the game room for a fun evening.
Included excursions (for stays from 01/05 to 31/10/2026) —
Bodegas Cerda wine experience
Discover a family-run winery founded in 1885 in Hondón de las Nieves, enjoying curated tastings, pairings, and a refined food and wine experience.
Benidorm Island excursion
Set sail from Benidorm Port on a glass-bottom boat cruise to Benidorm Island, where crystal-clear waters invite snorkelling, gentle exploration, and close encounters with vibrant marine life.
Car hire: —
Unleash the spirit of adventure with car hire.
Your journey to Spain —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Alicante —
Alicante, bathed in Mediterranean light, is a city where golden beaches meet historic streets and lively plazas. With a castle perched high above the bay, palm-fringed promenades and a warm southern charm, it is a destination that balances relaxation, culture and vibrant nightlife.
Must-sees:
- Santa Bárbara Castle: Rising above the city on Mount Benacantil, this fortress offers sweeping views over the bay and centuries of history within its walls.
- Explanada de España: A palm-lined promenade paved with colourful mosaics, perfect for an evening stroll as the sun sets over the harbour.
- Basilica of Santa Maria: Alicante’s oldest church, with a baroque façade and a rich interior that speaks to the city’s heritage.
- Postiguet Beach: A golden stretch just steps from the old town, loved by locals and visitors alike for its calm waters.
- Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ): Award-winning Museum showcasing the region’s history, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
Culinary culture:
Alicante’s cuisine celebrates the flavours of the sea and the sun. Savour arroz a banda, a rice dish infused with fish stock and saffron, or caldero, a hearty fisherman’s stew. Local markets brim with fresh seafood, olive oil and citrus fruits, while the region’s nougat, turrón de Jijona, provides a sweet ending paired with a glass of muscat wine.
Dive deeper:
Venture inland to the Algar Waterfalls, a natural oasis where you can swim in crystalline pools. Hikers and cyclists will find scenic trails in the nearby mountains around Benimantell, while the resort of Benidorm offers lively contrasts with its water parks, nightlife and entertainment. For a quieter escape, explore the whitewashed town of Villajoyosa, known for its colourful seafront houses and fine chocolate tradition.
Good to know:
Alicante is served by an international airport just 15 minutes from the city centre. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the city comes alive with festivals, beach life and long, sun-drenched days. This is high season on the Costa Blanca, ideal for enjoying lively promenades, warm seas and vibrant nightlife. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, though trams and buses provide convenient connections along the coast.
