Best road trips around Alicante

Alicante

Located in the south of the Valencian Community, Alicante is the smallest of the three provinces in the autonomous region. However, its compact size is far from a disadvantage. Alicante has become one of the best provinces to explore by car, offering spectacular road trips that take you through charming inland villages and lead you to paradisiacal beaches.

Alicante attracts both national and international tourists as a top holiday destination. Within this small yet diverse province, you’ll find the perfect mix of coastal and inland landscapes. For this reason, hiring a car in Alicante is essential to ensure you don’t miss out on any corner of this stunning region.

Why visit Alicante by car?

There are several compelling reasons why driving through Alicante on its scenic routes is the best way to uncover the region’s incredible landscapes. While Alicante is not a particularly large province, having a car allows you to visit multiple places in a single day. In contrast, public transport can be time-consuming, requiring you to adjust to schedules and routes. Plus, hiring a car in Alicante gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace.

A car also opens up opportunities to explore nearby destinations, such as the Albufera Natural Park in Valencia, and the northern Levante region, including Castellon. With a rental car, you can also visit the most beautiful villages in Alicante or drive along Costa Blanca’s stunning beaches.

Driving routes around Alicante

Are you planning on doing a road trip around Alicante? If you’re undecided, here are two of the most popular itineraries that will ensure you experience the best of the region!

Road trip along Costa Blanca’s most beautiful beaches

While this route can technically be completed in a single day, we highly recommend spreading it out over several days to fully appreciate its beauty. Begin your journey in Denia, where you can explore Denia’s castle and visit Les Marines Beach—one of the area’s main tourist attractions. Start your day with breakfast at one of the charming seafront restaurants to set the tone for a relaxing drive along the Costa Blanca’s stunning beaches.

Head towards Javea, where Cala Portitxol and Granadella await. These coves are perfect for water sports like kayaking and diving, offering crystal-clear waters and unforgettable scenery. Your next stop is Calpe, home to the iconic Peñon de Ifach. This natural park offers a breathtaking hike, though we recommend visiting during cooler weather. End your day in Altea, renowned for its stunning beaches and quaint, whitewashed old town. It’s a short drive from Calpe, making it an ideal final destination for the day.

On the second day of your road trip, visit Benidorm, famous for its expansive beaches and long nightlife. However, if you prefer quieter locations, head straight to Villajoyosa. Here, you’ll find the serene Amerador Beach and the historic Illeta dels Banyets, a fascinating archaeological site.

Road trip of Alicante’s castles

For history enthusiasts, a road trip through Alicante’s castles is a must. Though this route can be completed in around three hours, we recommend spreading it over several days to fully explore each location.

Begin with Santa Barbara Castle, located right in the heart of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Alicante, if not the best. If you’re driving, there’s free parking near the castle entrance, making it a convenient starting point. Next, visit the Palacio Fortaleza del Marques de dos Aguas in Onil. This historic site offers a glimpse into Alicante’s rich heritage.

Drive onwards to Castalla Castle, a picturesque destination surrounded by hiking trails and stunning views. Your journey continues to Biar Castle, a charming fortress steeped in history. If you have enough time, stop at Villena to explore Castillo de la Atalaya, a majestic structure that towers over the town.

Further along the route, visit Sax Castle and Petrer Castle, both offering unique architectural features and fascinating histories. End your trip at the Castillo de la Mola in Novelda, next to the Sanctuary of Magdalena. Its design, which will remind you of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, makes it a fitting finale to your castle road trip.

Tips for planning a road trip

If you’re organising your trip and could use a bit of guidance, DoYouSpain offers helpful tips to make your journey around Alicante a breeze.

Understand your needs

When planning your car hire, it’s essential to choose the right vehicle for your group. If you’re travelling with family or have more than five people, consider renting a 7-seater or even a 9-seater car, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

We always recommend opting for the Full/Full fuel policy, as it allows you to choose where to refuel, often saving money, and avoiding additional fees. If you plan to embark on multiple road trips around Alicante, we suggest choosing a rental option with unlimited mileage.

Where to stay and where to eat?

Planning your accommodation and meals in advance is just as important as your transport. By organising where you’ll stay and eat, you can streamline your itineraries and maximise your time enjoying Alicante’s stunning landscapes, charming villages, and delicious gastronomy.

The best car rental in Alicante with DoYouSpain

As you can see, renting a car is an essential part of experiencing Alicante’s true essence. At DoYouSpain, we are dedicated to making your car hire experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

From booking to returning your vehicle, we are here to assist you every step of the way. If you have any questions, you can contact us via our Customer Area or by calling +34 964 830 995. Make your next holiday unforgettable by discovering the beauty of Alicante with the freedom of a rental car from DoYouSpain!