About this tour
When Tom from our team ran this day trip from Valencia, we hit three very different pockets of the Costa Blanca in one go. You start at Algar Waterfalls—a proper natural reserve with pools you can actually swim in, shaded walking paths, and that cool-down feeling that hits hard on a hot Spanish day. Then it's up to Guadalest, a hilltop village with medieval bones and whitewashed walls that photograph better than they have any right to. You finish in Altea, the prettier-than-average beach town with a blue-domed church and enough artisan cafés to kill an afternoon. It's a full-on 10–12 hours, so pace yourself.
Highlights
- Swimming in crystal-clear pools at Algar Waterfalls—beats any crowded beach.
- Guadalest's cobbled streets and castle views feel genuinely medieval, not theme-park.
- Altea's blue-domed church and old town have real local character.
- Three distinct stops mean less time stuck on a coach.
- Entrance to Algar Waterfalls included—saves you the admin.
- Free time in each spot to move at your own pace.
- Shaded paths at the waterfalls make midday heat manageable.
What to expect
The day starts early, with pickup from Valencia and a drive to Algar Waterfalls. You'll get a couple of hours there—enough time to walk the protected area, change into swimmers, and cool off in the pools without feeling rushed. The paths are genuinely shaded, which matters when the sun's out.
From there, you head to Guadalest. It's a compact village, so you're free to roam the cobbled streets, poke into the castle views, and grab a drink without a guide breathing down your neck. The final stop is Altea, where the real free time sits. You can wander the old town's artisan shops, eat lunch, sit on the beach, or just find a quiet corner. The drive back to Valencia wraps up the day—it's long but broken up enough that you're not melting by the end.
What travellers say
- Three distinct stops—waterfalls, medieval village, beach town—no monotony.
- Swimming included at a real natural reserve, not a tourist pool.
- Generous free time to eat, explore, or just sit still.
- Entrance to Algar Waterfalls saves sorting tickets separately.
- Shaded paths and pools make heat manageable mid-tour.
- 10–12 hours is a long day; early start not for everyone.
- Food not included—budget extra for lunch in Altea or Guadalest.
- Peak summer crowds in Altea can feel hectic.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Three different experiences in one day beats bouncing between tours. The waterfall pools are genuinely refreshing and not overrun. Altea's old town is worth a proper poke around if you like local food and independent shops. Small enough group feel that your guide isn't herding 50 people.
It's a full day—10–12 hours is tiring, especially if you're not a morning person. You'll need swimmers and a towel, plus sunscreen (serious). Food and drinks aren't included, so budget for lunch—Altea has options but Guadalest is quieter. Museum entries in Guadalest cost extra if you want them. Some walking involved, though it's gentle. Peak summer crowds in Altea can be annoying. Infants must sit on laps. Check public transport options near your pickup point.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.