Are you in Alicante and looking for some nice places for one-day trips in the area? Then you’re lucky as the whole region, the Province of Alicante, is full of charming towns and beautiful spots. We lived for 2 months there and during that time we visited quite a large part of this beautiful part of Spain and got a chance to know it pretty well. So today we’ll present you our subjective ranking of the TOP7 nice towns near Alicante, which stole our hearts and stayed in our memories for longer. Add them to your Spain travel bucket list – you won’t regret it.
Learn more: Things To Do In Alicante Old Town, Spain In One Day
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About the Province of Alicante
The Province of Alicante is one of three provinces in the Valencian Community, and the fourth most populated one in Spain. Over 200km of coastline, known as Costa Blanca, with countless stunning beaches is responsible for the main popularity of the region. But the area also boasts a large amount of mountainous terrain with lots of hiking trails (like one to Puig Campana) and many charming towns and vivid cities. For sure, everyone will find something for themselves in the Province of Alicante.
Ok, let’s get down to business and explore TOP7 nice towns near Alicante, Spain. All max 1h15min away from Alicante if you’ll be traveling by car. Order is random.
TOP7 Nice Towns Near Alicante, Spain
Calpe
Calpe is located about 60km from Alicante. 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. You can admire it from the beach, or go hiking and reach its top from where you can admire Calpe town from above. The town is also known for its colorful old town, picturesque sandy beaches, small hidden coves, and… many pink flamingos!
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Calpe, Spain
Altea
Altea is located about 55km from Alicante. It’s a charming and peaceful seaside town where it seems as if time has stopped. Altea has something magical in it – narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning beaches with calming sea views come together perfectly. Altea is also known as the Cúpula del Mediterráneo – the name refers to the iconic blue dome of the town’s main church, which is seen from afar. Without a doubt, Altea is one of the nicest towns near Alicante, which can’t be missed while in the area.
Learn more: 10+ Best Things To Do In Altea, Spain In One Day
Finestrat Old Town
Finestrat Old Town is located about 40km from Alicante, at the foot of Puig Campana, the second-highest mountain in the Province of Alicante. This enchanting small town is without a doubt a hidden gem on Costa Blanca, still undiscovered by many. Finestrat took us completely by surprise, as going there we didn’t expect anything special. The town is perfectly prepared for visitors, with a special signposted route leading through the most important parts of the city. Will it surprise you with its beauty? We hope so, as it’s definitely one of the best towns near Alicante to explore.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Finestrat, Hidden Gem On Costa Blanca
Guadalest
Guadalest is located about 65km from Alicante. It’s a little quaint Spanish village which is recognized as one of the most beautiful ones in Spain. Guadalest sits on top of a high rock at an altitude of about 550m and is full of charming old buildings, history, culture, and spectacular views over mountains and Guadalest Valley. All this together offers an unforgettable atmosphere right from the village doorsteps.
A day trip to Guadalest can be easily combined with a trip to Polop located only 10km away.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Guadalest Village And Valley
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa is located about 35km from Alicante. This town is especially famous for three things: colorful houses, beautiful beaches, and the Valor chocolate factory. Colorful, often shabby houses give Villajoyosa a unique vibe and make it one of the most picturesque towns near Alicanta and along all of the Costa Blanca. Taking a walk through the maze of narrow, colorful streets and enjoying pretty squares is a must.
Learn more: One Day In Villajoyosa, Spain. Complete Travel Guide
Cartagena
Cartagena is located about 120km from Alicante on Costa Calida. Thanks to its strategic location on the coast, the area has been praised since Carthaginian times but developed most during Roman times. In Cartegena, you’ll find many Roman ruins like the spectacular 1st-century B.C. Roman Theater, Casa de la Fortuna, or Punic Wall, as well as a super charming old town among which streets a stroll is a pure pleasure. Definitely, it’s one of the nicest towns near Alicante, that should be visited.
Polop
Polop is located about 55km from Alicante. It’s a small town and you can visit it on the same day as Guadalest located only 10km away. Polop is a nice and little sleepy place, perfect for a lazy stroll around the narrow streets and climbing the small hill where the castle used to be. Stunning views over the mountains and sea from the very top are guaranteed.
Bonus: Elche
Elche is located only about 30km from Alicante and is the only place here that we had on our list but didn’t have a chance to see with our own eyes as we ran out of time. The town is best known for being home to the largest palm grove in Europe, Palmeral de Elche, which was named a World Heritage Site. In Elche, you’ll also find a nice historic quarter with a famous religious site with two blue domes – the Basilica of Santa Maria. So give it a try when you’ll be staying in Alicante.
Photos source: topschoolinspain.com
Nice towns near Alicante, Spain – Summing up
That’s it, our favorite nice towns near Alicante that resonated with us most. Don’t they all look very beautiful? If you’re staying longer in the city you definitely won’t get bored. We hope this post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing the perfect places for your trips from Alicante. We hope that at least some of them will make it to your list of the most beautiful towns in Spain too! Enjoy your time there!
One more tip. Traveling by car, without a doubt, is the best and the fastest way of getting to all mentioned towns near Alicante. So if you’re not traveling by car, we recommend you rent one. But don’t worry if you don’t want to! To most places, you’ll be able to easily reach by bus.
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