The Marina Baixa (known in Spanish as Marina Baja) is one of the most diverse and popular regions of the Costa Blanca, located in the south of Alicante Province within Spain’s Valencian Community. Combining world-famous beach resorts, charming fishing towns, spectacular mountain scenery and traditional Spanish villages, Marina Baixa offers something for every visitor.
Bordered by the Marina Alta to the north, L’Alacantí to the south, L’Alcoià inland and the Mediterranean Sea to the east, the comarca covers around 580 square kilometres and is home to approximately 200,000 permanent residents, with numbers increasing dramatically during the summer tourist season.
Benidorm – Spain’s Holiday Capital
No visit to Marina Baixa would be complete without exploring Benidorm, one of Europe’s best-known holiday destinations. Famous for its impressive skyline, long sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, Benidorm has been welcoming international visitors since the 1960s.
The town offers two award-winning beaches, Levante and Poniente, alongside countless restaurants, bars, shopping areas and family attractions including Terra Mítica, Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Natura.
Despite its modern appearance, Benidorm also retains an attractive Old Town, where narrow streets, tapas bars and the Church of San Jaime provide a glimpse of its fishing village origins.
Beautiful Coastal Towns
Beyond Benidorm lies a coastline filled with character.
Altea is often regarded as one of the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca, with its whitewashed old town, blue-domed church and lively waterfront promenade.
Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa) is instantly recognisable thanks to its colourful seafront houses and long fishing heritage. It is also famous for chocolate production, with the Valor Chocolate Museum attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Smaller coastal communities such as L’Alfàs del Pi, Finestrat and El Albir provide quieter alternatives while still offering excellent beaches and easy access to the rest of the region.
Mountains, Valleys and Inland Villages
While many visitors stay on the coast, inland Marina Baixa reveals a completely different landscape.
Traditional villages including Polop, Callosa d’en Sarrià, Guadalest, Sella, Tàrbena, Confrides, Relleu and Orxeta are surrounded by almond groves, olive trees and dramatic mountain scenery.
These villages preserve much of their traditional Valencian character, with historic churches, castles, local markets and excellent restaurants serving authentic regional cuisine.
The winding mountain roads are particularly popular with cyclists and motorcyclists, while numerous walking trails lead through forests, valleys and rocky peaks.
El Castell de Guadalest
One of Marina Baixa’s greatest attractions is El Castell de Guadalest, frequently listed among Spain’s most beautiful villages.
Perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the spectacular turquoise Guadalest Reservoir, the village dates back to the Moorish period and is dominated by its medieval castle remains.
Visitors can wander through narrow streets lined with museums, cafés and craft shops while enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.
Natural Attractions
Marina Baixa offers some of the Costa Blanca’s finest natural landscapes.
The Serra Gelada Natural Park, stretching between Benidorm and Altea, protects towering coastal cliffs, hidden coves and marine wildlife. Walking routes along the cliffs provide spectacular views across the Mediterranean.
Just inland from Benidorm are the famous Fonts de l’Algar (Algar Waterfalls), where crystal-clear pools and cascading waterfalls create one of the province’s most popular summer attractions.
The nearby Puig Campana, one of Alicante’s highest mountains, is a favourite destination for experienced hikers and photographers.
Festivals and Local Traditions
Marina Baixa celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year.
The spectacular Moros i Cristians (Moors and Christians) celebrations in Villajoyosa are among the most famous in Spain, featuring elaborate costumes, mock battles and the unique landing of the Moors on the beach.
Other towns host traditional fiestas, Easter processions, patron saint celebrations and lively summer festivals that showcase Valencian music, food and culture.
Food and Gastronomy
Like much of the Valencian Community, Marina Baixa is renowned for its Mediterranean cuisine.
Fresh seafood, locally caught fish, traditional rice dishes, paellas, grilled meats and mountain stews all feature prominently on restaurant menus.
The inland villages produce excellent olive oil, almonds, citrus fruits and locally-made wines, while Villajoyosa remains famous throughout Spain for its chocolate-making tradition.
Why Visit Marina Baixa?
Marina Baixa perfectly combines everything that makes the Costa Blanca such a popular destination. Visitors can relax on award-winning beaches, explore mountain villages, discover medieval castles, enjoy nature parks, sample outstanding local food and experience colourful fiestas—all within a relatively compact area.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a walking holiday, a cultural break or simply looking to explore beyond Benidorm, Marina Baixa is one of the most rewarding regions to discover on Spain’s Mediterranean coast.