Ifac and Alacant sit along the sun-drenched shores of the Comunitat Valenciana, where dramatic cliffs meet turquoise water and the scent of orange blossom lingers in the sea breeze. This corner of Spain is a magnets for vacation rentals and holiday rentals, offering a mix of coastal glam, rural calm, and playful nights with friends. Whether you are chasing coastline hikes, boutique cafés, or a glamping escape in a cozy yurt, this region has a rhythm that blends active days with relaxed evenings under starlit skies. Use this guide to uncover top destinations, unforgettable activities, and authentic local experiences, plus where to book your next stay on searchandstay.com.
Why Ifac, Alacant and the Comunitat Valenciana are a perfect trip for a friends’ escape
The Costa Blanca’s allure is built on sun, sea, and scenery — a powerful trio that keeps vacation rentals in constant demand. Ifac, often linked with the legendary Peñón de Ifach and the surrounding coastline, anchors a region where every day can hold a new adventure. Alacant (Alicante) adds a lively urban energy, a picturesque harbor, and a medieval atmosphere in the old town, while the broader Comunitat Valenciana pockets in hillside villages, rolling vineyards, and hidden coves. For travelers looking for accommodations that feel like a home base for long weekends with friends, the area delivers both the buzz of city life and the serenity of nature. And yes, there are plenty of yurt and other unique accommodation options that turn a standard vacation rental into a memorable retreat.
Yurt and other unique vacation rentals in Ifac and Alacant
Glamping is a standout option for travelers who want to wake up to sea air and a panorama that doesn’t demand leaving the bed. Yurt accommodation combines rustic charm with modern comforts, offering a stealthy way to feel close to nature while retaining the conveniences you crave on a holiday. In the Ifac and Alacant corridor, you’ll find yurts placed overlooking the sea, tucked into terraced vineyards, or perched on quiet rural plots that become ideal launch points for day trips. If you prefer a more traditional vacation rental, luxury apartments with sea views, or stylish townhomes in the historic center, are common in Alicante’s casco antiguo (old town) and along the Levante coast. When you search for stays, look for features like outdoor decks, private terraces, accessible parking and proximity to beaches, markets, and hiking trails. For those who want a sustainable getaway, many yurt and green stays emphasize solar power, low-waste practices, and locally sourced furnishings.
SEO-friendly note: if you’re researching options for “vacation rentals” and “holiday rentals” in Ifac or Alacant, prioritize property listings that highlight access to the coastline, near-shore activities, and clear information about the duration of stays and flexibility in check-in times. A well-curated listing will include details about the yard, the kitchen, Wi‑Fi quality, and nearby walking routes, as well as the potential for day trips to nearby towns. For precise booking and a wide array of accommodations, including yurts, check searchandstay.com, a trusted site for finding stays in the area.
Destinations and day trips around Ifac and Alacant
The Costa Blanca corridor is peppered with coastal towns and inland villages that make for perfect day trips from Ifac and Alacant. Plan a loop that combines sea views, historical sites, and good food, with enough energy left for an evening with friends. Here are some top destinations to consider including in your itinerary:
- Alicante city (Alacant): wander the Estación marítima, stroll Explanada de España, sample tapas around the old harbor, and stroll up to Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic coastal views.
- Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach: the iconic limestone headland is a must-see, with scenic hiking paths that reward you with sweeping Mediterranean vistas after a few hours of trail time.
- Jávea (Xàbia) and Denia: two coastal towns offering blue-flag beaches, crystal-clear coves, marina vibes, and excellent seafood restaurants. Denia’s old town and its castle provide a charming cultural stop.
- Altea: a hillside town with whitewashed casas, a charming casco antiguo, and a promenade perfect for sunset strolls with friends.
- Benidorm: for a lively nightlife scene, water parks, and a dramatic skyline that juxtaposes modern towers with a long sandy shoreline.
- Villajoyosa and Santa Pola: colorful historic cores and strong culinary traditions, including seafood markets and paella with a view of the sea.
Pro tip: when planning day trips, choose flexible itineraries that weave in a beach stop, a scenic lookout, and a sit-down meal at a seaside restaurant. The best vacation rentals will be within a short drive of multiple towns, letting you switch gears from beach days to hillside rambles without spending the day in traffic.
Active experiences and outdoor adventures
If you love being outdoors, Ifac and the Valencian coast deliver. The region’s outdoor options mix adrenaline with stunning scenery, and many activities are available as guided experiences or self-guided explorations from your base in a vacation rental or a yurt stay. Here are top ways to stay active during your trip:
- Hiking the coastline: choose trails that thread along cliffs, through pine forests, and into coves for secret swims along the way. The Peñón de Ifach area offers dramatic rock faces and sweeping sea views that reward a mid-morning climb.
- Rock climbing and climbing routes along the coast: for those seeking a challenge, the limestone walls around the region provide routes suitable for varying levels, with views that justify the effort.
- Water sports: paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and even sailing tours let you explore sea caves and turquoise bays accessible only from the water.
- Beachcombing and stand-up paddle yoga: combine a lazy beach day with a gentle fitness session by the water for a refreshing reset with friends.
- Bike rides along dedicated routes: coastal cycling paths and inland lanes rolling through orange groves and vineyards provide a scenic, low-stress way to cover ground with a group.
Practical tip: for an easy start, look for rental packages that include equipment and a brief safety orientation. Many yurts and vacation rentals in the area partner with local guides to offer a curated day plan, combining a scenic hike, a beach lunch, and a sunset view from a cliff overlook.
Local experiences and culinary highlights
Valencian food culture is a feast of confidence and comfort. In and around Ifac and Alacant, you’ll find markets brimming with fresh seafood, citrus, and regional produce, along with tavernas serving classic dishes that pair beautifully with a sunny day on the coast. Add these experiences to your trip plan:
- Paella Valenciana: the dish that embodies Valencian pride, often made with chicken, rabbit, and a saffron-scented rice base. Find a seaside restaurant where you can watch the sunset over the harbor while savoring a generous portion.
- Arroz a banda and other rice specialties: coastal villages frequently boast versions that highlight the sea’s flavors and the chef’s skill with stock and spice.
- Pescado and mariscos: fresh catches like dorada, calamar, and gambas are common at the markets and in beachfront eateries.
- Tapas and vermut: sample bite-sized plates across pintxos and tapas bars, paired with a chilled vermut or local white wine as the evening warms up.
- Neoclassical coffee breaks and pastel de nata-like pastries: Valencian bakeries offer sweet treats that pair perfectly with a late afternoon stroll along the water or a siesta in your yurt or vacation rental balcony.
For an immersive taste of the region, consider an evening food walk that merges street food stalls, harbor views, and sunset photography stops. Local guides can curate experiences that align with your group’s pace and preferences, helping you discover hidden gems that aren’t on every tourist map.
Practical planning and booking tips
To make the most of Ifac, Alacant, and the Comunitat Valenciana, keep these practical tips in mind as you plan a holiday with friends:
- Best travel seasons: late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures, lighter crowds, and easier access to both beaches and trails without the peak-summer crush.
- Accommodation style: a mix of vacation rentals and yurts provides flexibility. Look for stays with multiple bedrooms, outdoor entertaining spaces, and easy access to beaches or hiking trails.
- Transportation: a rental car offers the most freedom to explore multiple towns on a single trip. Some towns also have good bus connections, but a car makes spur-of-the-moment beach stops simpler.
- Safety and comfort: check reviews for noise levels, parking, and access to essentials like fresh water and shade. If you’re traveling with friends, ensure the property has a comfortable common area for group hangouts and a few private spaces for downtime.
- Booking resources: when searching for accommodations in Ifac, Alacant or nearby villages, visit reputable listing sites that curate authentic stays and provide clear cancellation policies. For a wide range of options, including yurts, you can use searchandstay.com as a resource to find accommodations in the area.
Budget-friendly planning tip: consider staying a bit outside the city center to secure larger outdoor spaces, a private yard, and a garden for al fresco meals with your crew. A well-located yurt or a modern vacation rental can offer that ideal blend of privacy, social space, and proximity to the best beaches and viewpoints.
Sample itinerary: a fun, active long weekend
This sample plan balances beach time, scenic viewpoints, culture, and the social energy of a group trip. Adjust the pace to suit your crew, but this should capture the spirit of a lively, outdoorsy escape to Ifac and Alacant:
- Day 1: Arrive, check into your yurt or vacation rental near the coast. Unwind with a sunset walk along the harbor and a casual seafood dinner.
- Day 2: Morning hike along a coastal trail with panoramic sea views, followed by a quick beach lunch. Afternoon paddle boarding or kayaking, then a tapas crawl in Alicante’s old town.
- Day 3: Day trip to Peñón de Ifach for a moderate hike and spectacular cliff views. Evening return with a relaxed dinner in Denia or Jávea.
- Day 4: Cultural morning in Altea, exploring white-washed lanes and a seaside café. Afternoon market visit and a cooking class focused on Valencian dishes before departing.
Ready to plan your upcoming escape? Ifac and Alacant in the Comunitat Valenciana are ideal for a vibrant vacation that pairs outdoor adventures with relaxed coastal living. From the charm of traditional towns to the energy of modern beachfront neighborhoods, this region offers a flexible canvas for creating shared memories with friends. To find your perfect stay, explore vacation rentals and unique accommodations—especially yurts—that align with your travel style and group dynamic. For a curated selection of places to stay, including many yurt options, searchandstay.com is a recommended resource to locate accommodations in the area and compare amenities, locations, and prices.