The October long weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Benidorm. The 9th (Valencian Community Day) and the 12th (Spain's national day) bring half the country onto the same promenade, and everything with a roof — parks, museums, restaurants — fills up.
And then there is the sea, still empty. It is the best asymmetry of the year.
What the water is like that weekend
Over the long weekend the sea sits around 23-24 °C. Which means: paddle in swim shorts, and the swim afterwards is still pleasant. More on that in paddling in October on the Costa Blanca.
The only real risk is the forecast: October can hand you three flat days or an easterly that keeps you ashore. Check it the night before (how) and keep a plan B on land.
Three plans depending on your company
With kids → Cala de Finestrat. Small, sheltered, flat water and a short paddle back. With a 2-3 seat kayak two adults and a child fit easily. More in kayaking with kids.
As a couple → a sunrise launch from Levante towards Serra Gelada, back mid-morning and breakfast in town. The full plan is in sunrise kayaking in Benidorm.
With friends → a full day in Villajoyosa: coves in the morning, lunch in town, chocolate, and another loop in the afternoon. It is all in a day in Villajoyosa.
Parking, the scary part
It is the weak point of the long weekend. Quick advice:
- In Benidorm, start early and read the parking guide.
- In Villajoyosa there is more space than it looks if you know where: here.
- In Cala de Finestrat, either the underground car park or an early start: details.
And remember we bring the gear to the meeting point, so you can leave the car wherever suits without hauling a kayak uphill.
Why you do not need to book months ahead
Unlike a boat trip or a table on the promenade, you are not waiting for a spot in a group. All that matters is whether there is gear free that day.
Tell us which day of the long weekend you are thinking of on the rental page and we will confirm availability. Prices, everything included, on prices.