Alicante region - where to stay & visit?

[pettyprudence]

We are a family of 2 adults, 3yo ds & 5m dd. We have cheap flights booked to Alicante in October. I have never been to Costa Blanca so have no idea where to visit or where to stay. Usually on holiday in Spain we like booking chalets or similar at a campsite with kids pool/beach near by. Quite like short costal walks (will take sling!) .We have 8 days there & would prefer not to hire a car but will if essential - quite happy to take day trips by bus/train if feasible! Anyone got any suggestions?

Benidorm?

The beach is lovely for kids, full of sand sculptures and so family friendly.
A day trip to the little island, a waterpark (though yours may be a little young for it?) Benidorm palace, and close to Alicante.

There's also the Sticky Vicky vibe about it and it gets a bad rep... But Benidorm's a lovely place, I loved it as a kid (10-14ish, not 3ish, sorry).

Is there a bit of Benidorm by the sea but away from all the high rises? I don't want to write off a whole town because of some brits abroad BUT...

Javea and Denia are both nice. Javea has a lovely long sandy beach

Albea (?) and Altea. Lovely beach-side walk between the pair. Lovely towns. Buses regularly from Benidorm/Alicante.