Things To Do
in La Nucía

La Nucía is a hillside town on the Costa Blanca in Alicante province, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean and a backdrop of olive groves and citrus orchards. It blends traditional Valencian culture with modern amenities, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. The town is known for its green spaces, family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to nearby mountains, reservoirs, and historic villages.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic trails, and authentic local cuisine within a short drive of Benidorm and Guadalest.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in La Nucía
morning
:

Arrive at the picturesque town of La Nucía and check into your charming accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets and admire the unique architecture. Enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Aqua Natura water park for some fun in the sun. Splash around in the pools and relax on the lazy river. Alternatively, visit the La Nucía Cultural Center where you can explore exhibitions and art displays.

evening
:

Dine at a quaint restaurant in the town, where you can indulge in regional dishes such as paella or tapas. Experience the lively atmosphere of La Nucía as locals gather for the evening. Take a peaceful post-dinner stroll to admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

day 2
Exploring Benidorm
morning
:

Take a short trip to the nearby coastal city of Benidorm, known for its beautiful beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Levante Beach, soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Enjoy fresh seafood from a beachside chiringuito (beach bar) for lunch.

afternoon
:

Explore the Benidorm Old Town, characterized by its narrow streets and quaint shops. Visit the local markets and pick up some souvenirs. For thrill-seekers, consider an afternoon at Terra Mítica theme park for exhilarating rides and attractions.

evening
:

Return to La Nucía and treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Wind down your evening at a cozy bar with some live music, immersing yourself in the local culture. Engage with friendly locals and perhaps make some new friends.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$2-4
🚌Public transport (one-way)$1.5-3
🏨Mid-range hotel (night)$70-120
🛒Groceries (weekly basics)$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning mountain and coastal views within easy reach
  • Accessible Valencian cuisine and markets with a relaxed pace
  • Smaller nightlife scene compared to coastal cities
  • Some hillside areas involve hilly navigation and longer walks
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Dónde está…?" - Where is…?
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Habla inglés" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in La Nucía

Visit one of these nice places.

Mirador de la Sierra de Bernia

A high vantage point along the Bernia ridge with sweeping coastal and valley views, ideal at sunrise or sunset.

Guadalest Valley Viewpoints

Terraced viewpoints above Guadalest town with dramatic cliffs, the reservoir, and the castle ruins in the distance.

La Nucía Old Town Lookouts

Elevated streets and plazas within the hillside neighborhood offering classic white-walled houses and flowering balconies.

Culinary Guide

Food in La Nucía

La Nucía sits in the Valencian culinary belt, where fresh produce and seafood shape a flavorful regional cuisine. Expect bright, Mediterranean flavors with a focus on rice dishes, vegetables, olive oil, and locally produced wines.

La Nucía Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Paella Valenciana

A classic Valencian rice dish traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, and vegetables, cooked in a wide pan for a saffron-infused flavor.

Must-Try!

Arroz a banda

Rice cooked in seafood stock and served with separate saffron-flavored broth, often topped with alioli on the side.

Olleta de la Marina Baixa

A hearty stew from the marina baja area featuring chickpeas, vegetables, and pork or sausage, reflecting rustic hillside farming traditions.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de La Nucía

Weekly market offering fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, honey, and regional products; great for sampling local flavors.

Town terrace snacks

Casual street-food options and tapas bars around the town center offering quick bites and seasonal specials.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Expect plenty of sunshine most of the year, with seasonal rainfall concentrated in autumn and spring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A friendly greeting like 'hola' or 'buenos días' goes a long way in social interactions.

Siesta awareness

Some shops may have shorter afternoon hours; plan accordingly and be respectful of local lunch hours.

Respect for quiet hours

Evenings are often relaxed; keep noise to a reasonable level in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

La Nucía is generally safe for visitors. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, be aware of local traffic rules on mountain roads, and follow guidance on outdoor trails, especially in remote sections.

Tipping in La Nucía

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but modest. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common; cafe staff and hotel porters appreciate small tips.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; carry some cash (euros) for small markets and cafés that may not take cards.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with sea breezes; enjoy early mornings and evenings on the hillsides. Pack sun protection and stay hydrated; expect busier coastal zones nearby.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for hikes and outdoor markets. Slightly variable weather, so bring a light waterproof layer.

Autumn

Crisp air and clear skies; great for photography and cycling. Sea temperatures begin to drop, but outdoor activities remain comfortable.

Winter

Milder than inland Spain but cooler at night; some hillside trails may be damp. Museums and tapas bars offer cozy indoor experiences.

Nightlife Guide

La Nucía at Night

La Nucía has a calm, family-friendly scene with bars and terraces that come alive after sunset. Nearby Benidorm offers a broader nightlife with clubs, live music, and waterfront venues, if you’re seeking a late-night scene.

Hiking in La Nucía

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sierra de Bernia Summit Route

A challenging day hike along the Bernia ridge with sweeping sea and valley views; best with proper footwear and water.

Guadalest Valley Trails

Forest and hillside paths starting near Guadalest village, offering tranquil scenery and photo opportunities.

Airports

How to reach La Nucía by plane.

Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC)

Main international hub for the region, about an hour’s drive to La Nucía; connected by road and frequent shuttle services.

Valencia Airport (VLC)

A larger alternative option with connections to major European cities; further by road to La Nucía but doable for certain itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable with well-connected viewpoints, but expect some steep streets on the hillsides. A car is convenient for day trips to Guadalest and Bernia, though you can rely on local buses for longer hops to nearby towns.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families and long-term locals with strong ties to agriculture and regional traditions.

Retirees and expats

A growing presence of retirees and international residents drawn to the climate and quality of life on the Costa Blanca.

Visitors and day-trippers

Tourists exploring Guadalest, Bernia, and nearby beaches contribute to seasonal population flux.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

A popular sport across Spain; local teams and clubs offer friendly matches and community events.

Cycling

Hilly terrains and coastal routes make the area a favorite for road cyclists and mountain bikers.

Hiking and Trail Running

Extensive trails in the Bernia mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light within La Nucía, with busier corridors connecting to Benidorm and Alicante. Mountain roads can be winding; drive cautiously and plan routes in advance during peak tourist seasons.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting La Nucía.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most menus offer vegetable-forward plates, cheeses, and rice dishes. Ask for vegetable-based paellas or salads that avoid meat broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available in the region with local primary care centers, and larger hospitals in nearby Benidorm or Alicante. Carry your EU health card if applicable and ensure travel insurance covers medical needs.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide