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While spending time in the sunny Spanish city of Alicante, you should take advantage of many day trips from Alicante. There are so many incredible places to visit just a short drive away. Whether you’re into picturesque villages, stunning beaches, or charming old towns, there’s something for everyone.
In this post, I will share some incredible day trips from Alicante that will help you make the most of your stay. While there’s plenty to do in Alicante itself, it is still nice to get away from the city and explore more of what this beautiful province offers.
I will also talk about the best transport options and link to some amazing hotels in each area. Let’s get into it!
The Best Day Trips From Alicante;
Guadalest
Located in the mountains, the village of Guadalest is a must-visit for anyone seeking a mix of history & stunning views. This small town is famous for its medieval castle, El Castell de Guadalest, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and reservoir. In particular, the views of the reservoir are amazing, it’s bright blue and the whole area can be seen from the castle.
The village is a joy to explore, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and charming shops selling local crafts & products. Plus there’s a Medieval Torture Museum (Museo Histórico Medieval) located at the beginning of the village. Although some displays are confronting, it’s interesting and only costs 4 euros to enter.
One thing to remember about Guadalest is that there are plenty of stairs. I wouldn’t recommend taking a stroller if you’re travelling with young kids.
Getting to Guadalest from Alicante is pretty straightforward. Driving is the best option, it takes about an hour and there’s plenty of parking. Or, there are public transport options from Alicante’s main bus station.
It’s the perfect day trip from Alicante to wander through the historical sites, learn about the history, eat delicious food & enjoy the scenery.
And, to top it off you can go swimming in the reservoir. The water in Embalse de Guadalest is incredibly blue and a swim will be extremely refreshing (yes it’s cold). It’ll be a bit difficult to get there without a car. On the southern side of Guadalest village is a narrow road called Calle la Era, follow this down to a small parking lot, and then follow the clear path to the reservoir.
Learn More: Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Guadalest Day Trip
Places to Stay Nearby:
Apartamento La Coveta de Guadalest
Would You Prefer a Guided Tour?
Get Your Guide – Guadalest + Algar Waterfalls Tour
Altea
Altea is a picturesque coastal town that’s perfect for an easygoing day trip from Alicante. Known for its beautiful old town with cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings, it’s particularly perfect for people who love photography.
Altea’s iconic blue-domed church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, was my favourite part as it’s located in the middle of town, I’m sure you won’t miss it. And, it also offers fantastic views over the Mediterranean Sea.
While exploring Altea take some time to enjoy the art galleries and shopping. There are so many beautiful stores, selling unique and locally made jewellery and other crafts. Then, of course, there are several restaurants to choose from for lunch.
To get to Altea from Alicante, you can take a direct bus from the city (there are multiple each day) or drive, which takes about 45 minutes.
Learn More: A Guide To The Best Things To Do In Altea, Spain
Places to Stay Nearby:
Porta Nova Suites (Adults Only)
Would You Prefer a Guided Tour?
Get Your Guide – Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea
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Vera
Vera is a charming town with a rich history and has a very quiet and laid-back feel. It’s known for its historic buildings, including the Church of Our Lady of the Encarnación (Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación). The town also hosts a lively market every Saturday where you can find local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Getting to Vera from Alicante involves a bit more travel, as it’s about a two-hour drive. To make the journey worth it, you can visit Majacar on the same day and having a car is the easiest option.
Another sight you should see while in Vera is Plaza de Toros de Vera. This bullring is very traditional and was built in 1879 and is known to be one of the oldest bull rings in Spain. Entry to the bull ring and adjoining museum is free, although all the information is in Spanish, but I still found it all very interesting.
Spend the morning exploring the historic sites, enjoying a coffee in one of the town’s many plazas, and soaking up the local culture.
Places to Stay Nearby:
Mojacar
Mojacar is a beautiful hilltop village that combines the best of both worlds – stunning mountain views and lovely beaches. The village is known for its whitewashed houses, winding streets, and beautiful flowers that add a splash of colour everywhere you look.
Once you’re there, take your time exploring the old town, and visiting local shops selling some of the most beautiful souvenirs. A souvenir that is unique to Mojacar is an ‘Indalo’. This is a statute of a rock figure dating back 4000 years and is said to bring good luck and attract wealth, abundance and peace. Indalo’s come in various sizes, or you could purchase an Indalo keyring or fridge magnet.
The beach area, Mojacar Playa, offers golden sands and clear blue waters. The row of shops along the beachfront gives plenty of lunch options, and there are also a couple of supermarkets in the area. On a sunny day, Mojacar Playa would be perfect. (We unfortunately had terrible weather, very cold and wet).
To reach Mojacar the best option is to drive from Alicante. It takes about two and a half hours and as I suggested above, stopping at Vera on the way is a great addition to this day trip from Alicante.
With Mojacar’s blend of mountain and coastal scenery, I am sure this will be one of your most memorable day trips.
Learn More: Top Things To Do In Mojacar: A Guide To Spain’s Most Charming Hilltop Village
Places to Stay Nearby:
Would You Prefer a Guided Tour?
Get Your Guide – Mojacar
If you’re finding this free guide helpful, please consider supporting my work!
Alicante Old Town
Even if you’re staying in Alicante, a dedicated day to explore Alicante’s Old Town is highly recommended. This historic area is full of charm, with its narrow streets, colourful pot plants and vibrant atmosphere.
Some of the key sights include the Santa Barbara Castle, the Basilica of Santa Maria, and the lively Explanada de España.
Alicante Old Town is easily accessible by foot or public transport from anywhere in the city. I always recommend walking because you never know what you may stumble upon. You’ll spend your day visiting the historical landmarks, enjoying the most delicious local food, and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Learn More: 1 Perfect Day In Alicante Old Town: What To See And Do
Places to Stay Nearby:
VillaVieja17 Studio-Apartments
Would You Prefer a Guided Tour?
Get Your Guide – Alicante Old Town Private Walking Tour
The Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is famous for its stunning beaches, and a day trip exploring this 200km stretch of coastline is a must. The Costa Blanca starts from Denia to Pilar de la Horadada, so passing through Altea, Calpe, Benidorm & Torrevieja which are all stunning areas.
Hiring a car is the best way to experience the Costa Blanca, allowing you to visit multiple beaches and coastal towns at your own pace.
Save this day trip from Alicante for when the weather will be the nicest during your trip and start early to head to some of the most beautiful spots along the coast. Each town has its own unique charm. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or wondering the local shops, the Costa Blanca has something for everyone.
Would You Prefer a Guided Tou?
Get Your Guide – The Costa Blanca
Day Trips From Alicante – In Conclusion
There you have it – six of the best day trips from Alicante to add to your itinerary. Whether you’re exploring charming villages like Guadalest and Altea, relaxing in Vera, or along The Costa Blanca, diving deep into the history of Alicante Old Town, there’s no shortage of incredible places to visit during your trip to Alicante.
Have I convinced you to plan a trip to this beautiful part of Spain?
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Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
Hello What a decent overview! Thanks for sharing!
It looks like Alicante is the perfect place for me. I love small towns and villages 😍
love these small, under the radar spors that look so beautiful, esp without the crowds.