A Costa Blanca Road Trip in March: Seaside Towns and Inland Detours
Written by Our Hidden Earth Editorial Team
Last updated 23 October 2026
Summary: A road trip along the Costa Blanca in March balances coastal exploration with inland excursions. This route moves from the historic heart of Alicante through the dramatic cliffs of the Marina Alta, allowing you to enjoy coastal drives and mountain vistas before the summer heat arrives.
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Costa Blanca in March: at a glance
March offers mild daytime conditions ideal for exploring coastal towns and inland hiking paths.
The route from Alicante to Dénia provides a blend of Mediterranean harbours and rugged mountain terrain.
Expect quieter coastal streets in March compared to the mid-summer months, making parking easier.
Pack layers, as inland areas and elevated mountain passes can feel noticeably cooler than the sea level.
Why take this trip in March?
March on the Costa Blanca is a period of transition. While the coastal air begins to warm, the landscape remains lush from winter rains, and the harsh intensity of summer is still distant.
This is an ideal month for those who prefer to explore historical centres, walk coastal paths, and drive mountain roads without the thermal stress that defines the region later in the year. The month is well-suited to a driving itinerary because the major coastal highways and inland secondary roads see less traffic, allowing for a more relaxed pace between the fishing villages and hilltop settlements that characterise the region.
Choosing your route and trip length
A classic Costa Blanca road trip follows the coastline northward from Alicante toward the border of the Valencian Community, with essential detours into the interior. For a comprehensive experience, plan for at least five days.
This duration allows for a steady pace that accommodates both the seaside lifestyle of the Marina Alta and the quieter, traditional pace of the inland villages in the Sierra de Aitana region. If you have fewer days, focus your trip on the stretch between Dénia and Altea, which provides the most concentrated variety of landscapes and historical sites.
A suggested Costa Blanca road trip in March
Stage 1: The urban gateway of Alicante
Begin in Alicante, a city that functions as the primary hub for the coast. Spend your first day walking the Explanada de España and ascending to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. The fortress provides an elevated perspective over the coastline and the city’s urban layout.
In March, the city’s museums and the historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood are approachable without the humidity of late summer. Use this time to secure your vehicle and prepare for the drive north, ensuring you have the necessary maps for the secondary roads that climb into the nearby sierras.
Stage 2: The coastal character of Villajoyosa
Heading north from Alicante, your first stop is Villajoyosa, renowned for its row of brightly painted houses overlooking the sea. The town has a long-standing association with chocolate production, and a walk through the narrow streets of the old town reveals a distinct fishing-village character.
Unlike larger resorts, Villajoyosa maintains a working-harbour atmosphere throughout the spring. It serves as an excellent lunch stop or a base for a night, offering a more intimate experience than the larger cities further along the coast.
Stage 3: The elevated views of Altea
As you continue north, the geography shifts toward dramatic cliffs and rocky coves. Altea is visually defined by its hilltop church, whose blue-tiled dome serves as a landmark for the entire region. The old town, or Casco Antiguo, is a maze of whitewashed lanes and steep stairways.
In March, the flower-filled balconies and quiet plazas make this one of the most rewarding stops on the route. The drive from Altea toward the Sierra de Bernia provides some of the most scenic road vistas in the region, offering a clear contrast between the deep blue of the Mediterranean and the jagged limestone mountains.
Stage 4: Into the inland sierras
Divert from the coast toward Guadalest, a village carved into a dramatic rocky outcrop. The drive here takes you inland through winding roads that rise into the mountain passes. The reservoir below the village and the fortress remnants above offer a look at the region’s defensive history.
During March, the inland air is crisp, and the mountain environment provides a necessary change of pace from the seaside resorts. This is the stage of the trip where the rugged interior of the Alicante province truly becomes the focal point, offering extensive views over the valleys below.
Stage 5: The maritime heritage of Dénia
Returning to the coast, reach Dénia, which sits at the northern edge of the Costa Blanca. Dénia is a port town with a significant castle complex that overlooks the marina and the town centre.
Its geography is dominated by the Montgó Natural Park, a mountain that stretches toward the sea and serves as a backdrop for the town. March is an excellent time to walk the trails surrounding the base of Montgó, as the vegetation is lively and the temperature remains comfortable for sustained physical activity.
Stage 6: The northern reach and return
Conclude your trip in the vicinity of the Cape of San Antonio. The lighthouse here marks the easternmost point of the region and provides sweeping views back down the coast you have traversed. From here, you can easily access the main road networks for your departure or return journey.
This final stage allows you to consolidate your observations of the region’s diverse geography, from the lowland harbours to the high-altitude mountain lookouts, before navigating the final stretches of your road trip.
Planning the driving and packing
When planning your drive, prioritise secondary roads such as the N-332 for coastal transit, but be prepared for narrower lanes when moving toward the mountain villages. March weather is generally stable, but high-elevation areas like the Aitana range can experience cool winds, so a windproof jacket is an essential item.
Check that your rental agreement covers cross-border travel if you intend to move beyond the province of Alicante. Always keep a physical map or a downloaded offline navigation tool, as signals can be inconsistent in the deeper mountain valleys where cell coverage may drop.
Frequently asked questions
Is March a good time to swim in the sea?
The water temperature in March is generally cool after the winter months. While you may see people on the beaches enjoying the sun, swimming is typically reserved for those comfortable with lower temperatures.
Most travellers focus on coastal walking and sightseeing rather than beach-based water activities during this time.
Are the mountain roads difficult to drive?
The roads leading into the inland sierras are often winding and narrow, requiring cautious driving. While the routes are paved and well-maintained, they are not suited to high-speed travel. If you are uncomfortable with steep ascents or tight switchbacks, focus your itinerary on the flatter coastal roads instead.
Is parking easy to find in the coastal towns?
In March, parking is significantly more manageable than in the summer. Most towns have designated municipal lots on their outskirts. It is usually best to park in these areas and walk into the historic centres, as the older streets in places like Altea and Dénia are not designed for modern vehicle traffic.
Do I need a car for the entire trip?
A car is highly recommended for this specific route. While trains connect some coastal towns, they do not provide access to the inland villages like Guadalest or the scenic mountain viewpoints.
To experience the full variety of the Costa Blanca beyond the major cities, independent transport is the most practical choice.
How do the coastal and inland climates differ?
Coastal areas are moderated by the sea, offering mild conditions throughout the day. Inland, particularly at higher elevations, the air is thinner and temperatures drop noticeably once the sun sets. You should plan for a variation of several degrees between the sea level and the mountain passes.
Are there major events in March that affect travel?
Some towns in the region host local festivities involving bonfires or fireworks in mid-March. These events can result in road closures within town centres and increased demand for accommodation. It is worth checking local council websites for any specific town celebrations that might coincide with your travel dates.
Can I reach the islands from the Costa Blanca?
There are ferry services connecting the port of Dénia to the Balearic Islands, specifically Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca. If you wish to extend your road trip to include an island visit, Dénia is the most logical point of departure. Remember that your rental car may not be permitted on these ferries.
What should I pack for a March road trip here?
Pack layers to accommodate the change from sunny coastal afternoons to cool mountain evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are vital for navigating the cobbled streets of hilltop villages. Additionally, bring a light rain shell, as brief, sudden showers can occur in the mountains during the spring transition.
Final thoughts
For a balanced road trip, focus your journey on the stretch between Alicante and Dénia, incorporating at least one inland detour into the mountains. This itinerary is best for travellers who value a mix of maritime culture, historical sightseeing, and mountain drives, as it captures the regional diversity of the Costa Blanca while avoiding the peak-season congestion.
Weather, opening times and transport details in this guide were correct as far as we could check. Always confirm directly before you travel.
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