Family Days Out Near Alicante
Most people visiting the Costa Blanca head straight for the beach resorts. But just inland from Alicante is a completely different side of Spain that many families never discover.
Rolling vineyards, hilltop castles, quiet beaches, palm forests, historic cities and family-friendly wineries all sit within easy reach of Casa Maria, our private villa in the beautiful Vinalopó wine region.
If you're planning a family holiday near Alicante and want more than crowded resorts and busy hotel pools, this part of inland Costa Blanca is genuinely one of Spain’s hidden gems.
Casa Maria is just 20 minutes from Alicante Airport, yet it feels wonderfully peaceful once you arrive.
Slow Family Holidays at Casa Maria
For many families staying at Casa Maria, the villa itself becomes the holiday.
The private 12-metre swimming pool is exclusively yours from arrival to departure. No shared spaces, no hotel rules, no queues for sunbeds. Just relaxed mornings outside, lazy afternoons by the pool, long dinners on the terrace and warm evenings under the stars.
Sometimes that’s all you need.
But when you do feel like exploring, there’s an incredible mix of family-friendly days out nearby, from beaches and water parks to castles, wineries and historic Spanish cities.
Family-Friendly Winery Near Alicante
Bodegas Heretat de Cesilia — 5 Minutes drive
One of the biggest surprises for visitors is how family-friendly the local wine region actually is.
Heretat de Cesilia is a beautiful working winery dating back to 1707, surrounded by vineyards beneath the dramatic Castle of La Mola. It feels authentic and relaxed rather than commercial, which is exactly why families love it.
The onsite Casa Sicilia restaurant is ideal for a long Spanish lunch with children. There’s a play area, plenty of outdoor space and an easy-going atmosphere where nobody rushes you.
Parents can enjoy local wines while the kids play nearby, and the food is excellent value, with long multi-course lunches often around €20 per person.
The winery also offers guided vineyard and farmhouse tours, which are worth booking ahead during summer.
If you stay at Casa Maria, we’re always happy to help arrange a visit or point you in the right direction.
Castles & Views in the Vinalopó Valley
Castle of La Mola — 10 Minutes drive
Perched high above the valley, the Castle of La Mola is one of the best viewpoints in the region.
The drive alone is beautiful, winding through vineyards, almond groves and open countryside before reaching the castle.
Older children and teenagers especially tend to love this trip, particularly if they’re interested in medieval history or photography. The panoramic views stretch across the vineyards and mountains for miles on clear days.
Right beside the castle is the striking Modernist Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, one of the most unusual churches in Spain. It’s free to enter and well worth seeing while you’re there.
Allow a couple of hours for the visit, or longer if you stop for lunch nearby.
Best Beaches Near Alicante for Families
One of the best things about staying inland is that you can enjoy the beaches without having to stay in the busiest tourist areas.
Santa Pola
Santa Pola is one of our favourite beach towns for families.
The beaches are long, sandy and ideal for younger children thanks to the calm, shallow water. Compared to some larger Costa Blanca resorts, it feels far more relaxed and local.
Behind the town, the salt flats and natural park are home to flamingos, which children always enjoy spotting.
It’s an easy, low-stress beach day and a great option if you want somewhere quieter.
Playa del Postiguet — Alicante City Beach
Alicante manages to combine beach and city surprisingly well.
Playa del Postiguet sits right beneath the impressive Castle of Santa Bárbara, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a swim or lunch by the sea.
The castle itself is free to enter and can be reached by lift from the seafront, which is much easier with children in summer heat.
Afterwards, wander through Alicante’s old town, stop at Mercado Central for snacks or fresh fruit, and walk along the palm-lined Explanada de España.
It’s perfect for a relaxed half-day out.
Guardamar del Segura — Quiet Costa Blanca Beaches
Guardamar is often overlooked by tourists, which is exactly why many families end up loving it.
The beaches are wide and backed by huge sand dunes and pine forests, giving the whole area a much calmer feel than the larger resorts.
The shallow water is ideal for younger children and there’s plenty of space even during summer.
If you prefer quieter beaches over busy promenades, Guardamar is well worth the short drive.
Alicante City With Kids
Alicante — 25 Minutes drive
Alicante is one of the easiest Spanish cities to explore with children.
It’s compact, walkable and relaxed, with enough to see without feeling overwhelming.
Highlights include:
Castle of Santa Bárbara
Mercado Central
Explanada de España
MARQ Archaeological Museum
The MARQ museum is particularly good for older children interested in Roman history, archaeology and ancient Spain.
Evenings in Alicante are lovely too, especially in summer when families gather along the waterfront for ice cream and late dinners.
Water Parks Near Alicante
Aqualandia — 55 Minute drive
If your children are asking for slides and wave pools, Aqualandia is the big one.
It’s one of the largest water parks in Europe, with attractions for everything from toddlers to teenagers.
Peak summer gets busy, so arriving early is definitely worthwhile.
Aquopolis Torrevieja — 40 Minute drive
Aquopolis is smaller and generally more relaxed than Benidorm’s parks.
For many families, especially with younger children, it ends up being the easier and less exhausting option.
A good choice if you want a water park day without the scale and crowds of Benidorm.
Easy Day Trips From Casa Maria
Elche — UNESCO Palm Forest
Elche is home to the largest palm grove in Europe and one of the most surprising places near Alicante.
The UNESCO-listed Palmeral gives the city a completely different atmosphere from much of southern Spain.
Families usually combine:
the palm forest
the old town
the archaeology museum
shaded walks through the gardens
It’s an easy half-day trip and very manageable with children.
Murcia — One of Spain’s Most Underrated Cities
Murcia is often skipped entirely by tourists, which honestly makes it even better.
The historic centre is beautiful, walkable and full of excellent tapas restaurants. The cathedral is stunning, and the city feels genuinely Spanish rather than heavily tourist-focused.
Great for parents wanting a slower cultural day while still being relaxed enough for families.
Cartagena — Roman History by the Sea
Cartagena has real depth historically and works brilliantly for older children.
Roman ruins sit throughout the city, and the museums are modern, interactive and easy to enjoy even if you’re not usually a museum family.
The harbour setting also makes it feel lively and scenic rather than overly historical.
Allow a full day if possible.
Why Families Love Staying Inland Near Alicante
What many visitors discover after staying here is that inland Costa Blanca gives you far more flexibility than staying directly in a busy resort.
You can spend the morning at a quiet beach, have lunch at a winery, explore a castle in the afternoon and still be back at your private villa pool before dinner.
The distances are short, parking is easier, and the pace feels slower and more authentic.
For families wanting a relaxed villa holiday near Alicante with plenty to do nearby, it’s one of the most underrated areas in Spain.
Plan Your Family Holiday at Casa Maria
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Casa Maria · Novelda · Vinalopó · Alicante · Spain
