Exploring the Costa Blanca in a Day: A Practical Look at The Magnificent 7 Day Trip
If you’re visiting Benidorm and craving a broader view of the Costa Blanca beyond its lively beaches and nightlife, the Magnificent 7 Day Trip offers a well-organized way to soak in some of the region’s best sights in a single day. For around $28, you’ll hop onto an air-conditioned coach guided by knowledgeable locals, with stops that include the picturesque town of Altea, the traditional village of Polop, and a visit to the quirky Costa Magica miniature museum. It’s a tour that balances scenic beauty with cultural insights, all while keeping the pace manageable for most travelers.
What I find particularly appealing about this trip are two things: first, the expert guidance — a guide like Lisa, praised in reviews for her wealth of information — makes the journey more engaging and educational. Second, the stunning views through mountain roads and coastal vistas make the whole experience feel like a scenic escape rather than just a sightseeing list. That said, if you’re sensitive to curvy mountain roads, which are part of the fun but could cause motion sickness, it’s worth keeping in mind.
One possible drawback is the tight schedule—with only about an hour in Polop and two hours in Altea, your free time is limited. If you’re hoping for extensive exploration or a leisurely lunch in Altea, you might feel a bit rushed. Also, note that lunch isn’t included, so budget time (and money) for a meal in Altea’s charming town center. This trip offers great value, especially if you want to see multiple highlights in a single day without the hassle of driving yourself.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Affordable Price for a Full Day: At just $28, it packs in a lot of scenic and cultural sights for a reasonable cost.
- Expert Guides Make a Difference: Guides like Lisa receive high praise for their friendly attitude and wealth of information, enhancing the experience.
- Stunning Mountain and Coastal Views: The journey takes you through mountain roads and lovely seaside vistas, ideal for photography or just soaking up the landscape.
- Limited Free Time in Key Stops: With only 1-2 hours in Polop and Altea, you’ll need to prioritize your interests, especially if you want to explore or dine.
- Visits to Iconic Landmarks: From the Church of Altea with its blue dome to buildings recreated in miniature at Costa Magica, you’ll see both scenic and cultural highlights.
- Suitable for Most Travelers: Not ideal for those with mobility issues or severe motion sickness, as the route involves mountain roads and no restroom facilities on the coach.
Discovering the Charm of Altea and Beyond
The trip kicks off from several convenient meeting points in Benidorm, making it easy to join regardless of where you’re staying. Once underway, the coach takes you around Villajoyosa, famed as “chocolate city” thanks to its past as a chocolate manufacturing hub, which adds a touch of sweetness to your day. From there, climbing inland up to Finestrat with its hanging houses offers a quirky architectural spectacle against the backdrop of Puig Campana Mountain.
Driving behind the Sierra Cortina, the journey feels a bit like a roller coaster—twists and turns through the mountains that, while scenic, might be challenging if you’re prone to motion sickness. The ride through Callosa Den Sarrià and Nispero groves introduces you to more agricultural charm, typical of this region’s landscape.
Polop: A Quiet Village with Literary Roots
Arriving in Polop, your guide will likely point out the home of Spanish writer Gabriel Miró—a small but meaningful detail for literature lovers. The Plaza de los Chorros, with its natural springs and 221 tiny water sources, offers a refreshing break and a chance to see the local lifestyle. The Costa Magica museum showcases handmade miniature buildings representing iconic structures of the Costa Blanca, such as the Cathedral of Valencia and the blue-domed church of Altea. These delicate models, crafted by the late sculptor Antonio Marco, are surprisingly detailed and worth a quick visit.
One review mentions that the miniature display is “painstakingly recreated by hand,” and provides a unique angle to appreciate the region’s architecture without the need to visit each site personally. It’s a fun, manageable way to grasp the region’s diversity in design.
Altea: The Bohemian Seaside Gem
The highlight for many travelers is the stop in Altea, renowned for its whitewashed houses and the famous church with its striking blue dome. The town’s cobbled streets and views over the Mediterranean make it a photographer’s paradise. You’ll have about two hours here, which is enough for a leisurely stroll, some shopping, or a simple lunch in one of the many cafes lining the streets.
Reviews note that Lisa, the guide, adds a lot of value with her insights, and many appreciated her friendly, informative style. You can also enjoy sweeping vistas from the mirador, where the town seems to cling to the hillside, offering a perfect spot for photos.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour
- Arrive early at your designated meeting point to avoid missing the bus.
- Bring comfortable shoes—the cobbled streets and some uphill walks in Altea require footwear that supports your feet.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water—there’s plenty of sun, and no restroom facilities are available onboard.
- Allocate some time in Altea for lunch or snacks—there are many local eateries, but plan ahead as the stop is only a couple of hours.
- Be aware that the journey includes mountain roads with curves, which could cause discomfort or motion sickness—if this is a concern, consider taking precautions.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience suits travelers who want a cost-effective, guided overview of the region’s highlights without the hassle of driving or extensive planning. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic drives, cultural sights, and a touch of local flavor, especially in towns like Altea and Polop. If you appreciate guides who share stories and insights, the current reviews praise guides like Lisa for their engaging approach.
However, if you prefer more relaxed, in-depth exploration or have mobility challenges, this might not be the best fit. The limited free time at each stop means you’ll need to prioritize what interests you most.
Price and Logistics: Analyzing the Value
At $28 per person, this tour is quite affordable, especially considering it covers multiple destinations and includes entry to Costa Magica. The coach transport offers comfort, though you should brace yourself for a bit of a mountain road ride, which could be bumpy for some. The duration of about 6.5 to 7.5 hours covers a full day, including travel time, sightseeing, and free time.
The organized nature of the trip means you avoid the stress of navigation, parking, and route planning. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the scenery, which is a significant advantage for casual travelers or first-timers in the area.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see a slice of the Costa Blanca, with knowledgeable guides and scenic views, this trip delivers. It’s great for travelers who prefer a guided experience to maximize sightseeing without the burden of planning each stop. The stops in Altea and Polop allow you to glimpse authentic regional life and architecture, with some leisure time to soak it all in.
While it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or those seeking an in-depth exploration, it hits a sweet spot for most casual visitors. The tour’s highlights—beautiful towns, scenic mountain roads, and a touch of regional culture—make it a well-rounded day out.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children or families?
Most likely, yes. The scenic nature and manageable schedule make it family-friendly, but keep in mind the mountain roads and limited free time which might not appeal to very young children.
Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. You’ll have about two hours in Altea, so plan for a meal or snacks during that time.
Does the tour accommodate special needs?
No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with severe motion sickness due to mountain roads and walking on cobbled streets.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and water are recommended as there are no facilities on the coach.
How long are the stops in each town?
Polop is about 1 hour; Altea allows for roughly 2 hours of free time and sightseeing.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.
This guided day trip packs a mix of scenic mountain roads, charming towns, and cultural sights into one affordable package. While it’s a brisk overview, it offers enough to whet your appetite for further exploration of the Costa Blanca’s many treasures.