What's Happening in Alicante and the Costa Blanca in September? A September Calendar of Fiestas, Wine, and Culture.
25.09.2025
September on the Costa Blanca is a month for connoisseurs. The heat subsides, the sea is still perfectly warm, and the beaches become pleasantly spacious. It's a time when the region sheds its typical tourist fever and invites you to celebrate its deepest traditions – wine, rice, and local fiestas.
If you want to experience more than just a brochure holiday, September is for you. And with a set of car keys in your pocket, you can fully immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of the coast. Here is our guide to four September events that will make your trip unforgettable. We've included a complete logistical guide for each one.
In this article:
Fiesta del Moscatel in Teulada-Moraira: A Celebration of the Sweetest Grape
When: Usually the first weekend of September.
Where: Teulada, a charming inland town right next to the seaside resort of Moraira.
September in Spain smells of the grape harvest, and in the Teulada area, Moscatel reigns supreme – an incredibly aromatic grape variety used to produce sweet wines and raisins. The Fiesta del Moscatel is a tribute to this tradition. You can see demonstrations of traditional harvesting and grape treading methods, take part in tastings of sweet mistela (a local liqueur), and of course, try the fresh fruit. In the evening, the streets fill with music and dancing.
What to combine with the fiesta?
- A visit to Moraira: After an afternoon in traditional Teulada, take the scenic road down to the sea to Moraira. It is one of the most elegant and beautiful resorts on the Costa Blanca, with a beautiful marina and El Portet beach.
Scenic route CV-743: A short but spectacular road from Teulada to Moraira, offering beautiful views of the vineyards and the sea.
How to get there and park? (approx. 1h from Alicante airport)
- Route: The quickest and most convenient way is to take the paid AP-7 motorway towards Valencia. Exit at junction 63 (Benissa/Teulada). The journey is comfortable and fast.
- Parking: Teulada is a small town. During the fiesta, it's best to park on the outskirts and walk to the center. In Moraira, there is a large, free public car park right by L'Ampolla beach.
Bous a la Mar in Dénia: A Unique and Controversial Tradition
When: As part of the Santísima Sangre fiesta, which often extends into early September (check the exact dates!).
Where: The Port of Dénia.
This is one of the most unusual and controversial spectacles in Spain. "Bulls to the Sea" is a tradition where young daredevils provoke bulls into jumping into the water after them from a temporary, portside arena. This event evokes extreme emotions but is deeply rooted in the local culture and attracts crowds. Regardless of one's opinion, it is certainly a unique experience and a chance to see something that exists nowhere else in the world.
What's good to know?
- Arrive early to get a good spot in the stands or along the waterfront.
The event is accompanied by all the trappings of a fiesta – stalls, music, and food.
How to get there and park? (approx. 1h 10 min from Alicante airport)
- Route: Again, the AP-7 motorway towards Valencia (exit 62) is the best choice.
- Parking: There are several large, paid car parks in the port of Dénia, which are the most convenient option.
World Paella Day in Valencia: A Journey to the Cradle of Flavor
When: September 20th.
Where: Valencia, the capital of the region.
This is not just a festival. It is a global celebration of Spain's most famous dish, which was born right here in Valencia. On this day, the entire city lives and breathes paella. Restaurants serve special menus, cooking demonstrations are held in the squares, and the best chefs compete for the title of world champion in preparing authentic Paella Valenciana.
Why is it worth going there by car?
- A trip to Albufera: True Paella Valenciana comes from the Albufera lagoon region, just outside Valencia. Only by car can you freely drive there, see the rice fields, and eat paella in a traditional restaurant (barraca) in the town of El Palmar, watching the sunset over the lagoon. It is a complete experience.
How to get there and park? (approx. 1h 45 min from Alicante airport)
- Route: The AP-7 motorway (a toll road on this section) is the only sensible option to cover this route quickly and comfortably.
- Parking in Valencia: Do not drive into the very center. It's best to park in one of the underground car parks near the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) or around the former riverbed of the Turia and then proceed on foot or by public transport.
Moors and Christians in Mutxamel: A Fiesta on Alicante's Doorstep
When: Usually in mid-September.
Where: Mutxamel, a town just outside Alicante.
If you don't have time for longer excursions but want to feel the atmosphere of a grand Moors and Christians fiesta, the one in Mutxamel is ideal. It is smaller and more local than those in Calpe or Alcoi, but just as colorful and loud. It's a great way to spend an evening and see spectacular parades without a long drive.
How to get there and park? (approx. 20 min from Alicante airport)
- Route: A very simple drive. From the airport, take the A-70 motorway towards Alicante/Valencia, and then exit onto the CV-800 road, which leads straight to Mutxamel.
- Parking: The center will be closed during the fiesta. Look for street parking on the outskirts of the town.
How we do it at YourRent
Renting a car in Alicante in September is the best way to discover the authentic traditions of the Costa Blanca. Our fleet, from economical cars perfect for short trips to comfortable SUVs for a journey to Valencia, is at your disposal. And with unlimited mileage, you can dive into the whirl of fiestas and festivals without any worries.
