Hot summers, mild sunny winters, many leisure activities and cultural attractions, vivid nightlife, a charming old town, as well as cheap flights from many places in Europe, attract thousands of travellers to Alicante all year round. No wonder this city has become one of the most popular travel destinations in Spain! But Alicante isn’t only a perfect spot for weekend trips or a few days’ stay. This is also a great base for discovering more amazing places on Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. Sounds tempting? Stay with us and discover the best day trips from Alicante.
Note. We’ve been living in the area for almost 8 months and got a chance to know it pretty well. So here are our recommendations for amazing day trips from Alicante. All max 1.5 hours away if you’re traveling by car.
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Best day trips from Alicante – Villages & towns
Calpe
Calpe is located about 60km from Alicante. Without a doubt, the town is most famous for Peñon de Ifach mountain – a mighty rock that dominates the landscape and gives the area a very unique look. Calpe also stands out for its very charming and colorful old town, sandy beaches, small hidden coves, and salinas where you’ll find… cute pink flamingos! All of that makes Calpe one of the most amazing day trips from Alicante that shouldn’t be missed.
Altea
Altea is located about 55km from Alicante. It’s a peaceful seaside town where it seems as if time has stopped. Narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning beaches with calming views come together perfectly. Altea’s most recognizable spot is the blue dome of the town’s main church, which dominates the area. The town is also a paradise for artists – there you can find numerous workshops, small art galleries, and craft shops with various handmade items. Just a perfect day trip from Alicante for every type of traveller!
Javea
Javea, or Xabia in the local Valencian language, is located about 100km from Alicante. It’s a coastal paradise with amazing beaches, crystal-clear waters, a beautiful historic center, scenic hiking trails, and delicious cuisine. For sure, Javea has something for every traveler! What’s more, Javea is not as popular as other nearby Costa Blanca towns yet, so if you are looking for a slightly quieter destination, this one will do!
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is located about 35km from Alicante, which makes it another amazing idea for a day trip from Alicante. The town is best known for three things: colorful houses, beautiful beaches, and delicious chocolate manufactured by Valor. Old colorful houses give Villajoyosa a unique vibe and make it one of the most picturesque and colorful towns along the Costa Blanca. Taking a walk through the maze of narrow streets and enjoying pretty squares is a pure pleasure.
Guadalest
Guadalest is located about 65km from Alicante. It’s a quaint Spanish village that sits on top of a high rock at an altitude of about 550m. Guadalest is full of history, culture, charming buildings, and spectacular views of the surroundings – all together offering an unforgettable atmosphere right from the village doorstep. Also, Guadalest is named as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain! It’s definitely one of the most scenic day trips from Alicante we truly enjoyed.
Travel tip. A trip to Guadalest can be easily combined with a visit to nearby Fonts de l’Algar, located only 15km away.
Benidorm
Benidorm is located about 45km from Alicante. In just about 50 years, it evolved from a small sleepy fishing village to one of the most popular holiday resorts in Spain. It’s often affectionately called the “Manhattan of Spain”, and one look is enough to tell that Benidorm is totally different from most Spanish cities! Besides the unique coastline with many skyscrapers, the town has a lot to offer – beautiful beaches, mountain views, vivid nightlife, and lots of attractions both for adults and kids. It’s a great place near Alicante for those who would like to experience a bit more fun!
Denia
Denia is one of the most interesting and vibrant towns on the Costa Blanca, located about 90km from Alicante. Whether you’re looking to explore an old town full of history, admire scenic views, relax on the beach, taste local specialties, or be active on hiking trails – Denia won’t disappoint you! The town is also recognized for its culinary scene and was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy! It’s a truly amazing place for a day trip from Alicante.
Finestrat
Finestrat is located about 40km from Alicante, at the foot of Puig Campana, the second-highest mountain in the Province of Alicante. It’s a truly enchanting and colorful small town, not yet as popular as other towns in Costa Blanca. But don’t let it fool you – it’s one of the best-prepared towns for visitors we’ve seen! The colorful narrow streets and scenic viewpoints where you can admire views over the coast and Puig Campana make Finestrat a beautiful hidden gem. Add Finestrat to your list of day trips from Alicante – you won’t regret it.
Xativa
Xativa is located about 100km from Alicante. It’s one of the most charming historic towns in Valencia Region, packed with rich history, cultural treasures, scenic views, and a quaint old town. Xativa is best known for its impressive hilltop castle, being the birthplace of two Borgia popes – Callixtus III and Alexander VI, and a fascinating mix of Roman, Islamic, and Christian heritage. And it’s less crowded than other nearby tourist spots, making it a perfect place to soak up an authentic Spanish vibe! But let’s be honest – the views from the castle alone are worth the trip from Alicante!
Murcia
Murcia is located about 80km from Alicante. City’s historic center offers more of a small-town vibe, and it’s nowhere as busy as cities like Alicante or Benidorm, so it’s a great option if you wanna escape crowds. There you’ll find many lovely streets and squares, the impressive Cathedral and Palacio Episcopal, some street art, and of course, renowned gastronomy.
Cartagena
Cartagena is located about 120km from Alicante. Thanks to its strategic coastal location, the area has been praised since Carthaginian times, around 220 B.C. The city developed most during Roman times, which effects we can observe to this day. Among many Roman ruins in Cartagena, you’ll find a spectacular 1st-century B.C. Roman Theater, Casa de la Fortuna – a villa with murals and mosaics, or Punic Wall – an interpretation center that houses the remains of a 3rd-century B.C. defensive wall. Definitely the most perfect day trip from Alicante for history lovers!
Best trips from Alicante – Natural sites
Puig Campana
Puig Campana is located only about 40km from Alicante, near Finestrat. With an altitude of 1406m, it’s the second-highest peak in the Province of Alicante, visible from many places in the area. There are three hiking routes available: circular route, circular route + ascent, and vertical kilometer. Routes vary in distance and difficulty, but each of them guarantees spectacular views and unforgettable experiences. Perfect day trip from Alicante for active travellers!
Fonts de l’Algar
Fonts de l’Algar are located about 65km from Alicante. It’s a picturesque nature reserve with a walking path among waterfalls, springs, and natural pools. The surrounding landscape is the result of the karst process on the limestone. In 2002, Fonts de l’Algar was declared a Protected Water Area. It’s a truly beautiful place, so don’t forget to add it to your list of day trips from Alicante.
Travel tip. Trip to Fonts de l’Algar can be easily combined with a visit to Guadalest located only 15km away.
Mar Menor
Mar Menor is a coastal saltwater lagoon located in the Region of Murcia. It’s the largest lagoon in Spain with a coastal length of 70km, separated from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga, a 22km long sandbar. The water is only 7 meters deep at its lowest point. To see Mar Menor, you can travel about 90km from Alicante to the San Pedro del Pinatar area. You can also take a longer day trip and ride up to La Manga and admire views over Costa Calida from it.
Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada
Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada is located in Benidorm, about 50km from Alicante. It’s a perfect place for a long, lazy walk in nature. From the entrance, up to the lighthouse, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes – high cliffs, mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, and coastline views. The path in Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada is very easy and well-maintained, so almost everyone will be able to enjoy it.
Explore local attractions
Day trips from Alicante Spain – Summing up & Our TOP3
If you’re staying longer in Alicante, you definitely won’t be bored. There are so many beautiful places to discover in the area! We hope this post came in very handy for you, and now you’re one step closer to choosing places you’ll visit on on your day trips from Alicante!
So what are our TOP3 places near Alicante? Altea, Denia, and Xativa!
