Best Day Trips from Alicante: 10 Amazing Places to Visit Nearby
In 2018 I made my first trip to Alicante and instantly fell in love with the Costa Blanca. Since then I’ve returned almost every year, and it’s still one of my favorite places in Spain for a mix of beaches, city vibes and easy adventures.
If you are planning your trip, check out my complete Alicante travel guide with all my tips for where to stay, things to do and hidden gems in the city.
Alicante itself is a great destination. Wander through the old town, hike up to Santa Bárbara Castle for sunset views, and stroll along the Explanada de España and the marina. But what makes Alicante really special is its location.
There are so many incredible places nearby that are perfect for day trips. From white villages like Altea to mountain views in Guadalest and historic cities like Cartagena, you can explore a completely different side of Spain within just a short drive.
After a couple of days enjoying Alicante, you’ll definitely want to get out and explore more of the Costa Blanca. Renting a car for a few days will give you the most freedom and access to the best spots.
Here are the best day trips from Alicante that I personally recommend after multiple visits to the region.
- 🌅 Best overall: Altea – white village vibes + stunning views
- 🏝 Best beach town: Villajoyosa – colorful houses + relaxed atmosphere
- ⛰ Most unique: Guadalest – mountain castle with incredible views
- 🏙 Best city trip: Cartagena – history, harbor & Roman ruins
- 🚊 Best without a car: Benidorm – easy by tram or bus
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There are so many cool day trips from Alicante and I checked them out for you one by one. From little coastal villages, to a Santorini look-a-like town and from exploring caves to hiking up to viewpoints.
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How to get around for day trips from Alicante
Alicante is a perfect base for exploring the Costa Blanca, and most of the best day trips from Alicante are within 30 to 90 minutes travel time.
The easiest way to explore is by rental car. Especially if you want to visit places like Guadalest or the Canelobre Caves, which are more off the beaten path and difficult to reach by public transport.
Renting a car in Alicante
Personally, I always rent a car when visiting Alicante. It gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, explore small villages and travel at your own pace.
I rented a car for less than €20 EUR per day via Booking.com. They compare all rental companies and usually offer the best deals. Adding full insurance is only a couple euros extra per day and definitely worth it.
By bus
There are frequent and affordable buses from Alicante to places like Benidorm and Murcia. A one-way ticket to Benidorm costs around €7 EUR and takes about 55 minutes.
By tram
The tram from Alicante to Benidorm is one of the most scenic routes in the region. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and stops in places like Villajoyosa, making it a great option if you want to combine multiple stops in one day.
Best day trips from Alicante without a car
Not renting a car? No problem. There are still several great day trips from Alicante that you can easily do by public transport.
Benidorm
Benidorm is the easiest day trip from Alicante without a car. You can take the tram or a direct bus, both running frequently throughout the day. The tram is slower but offers beautiful coastal views along the way.
Villajoyosa
Located along the same tram line as Benidorm, Villajoyosa is a perfect stop if you are looking for colorful houses and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s an easy and scenic ride from Alicante.
Murcia
Murcia is a great option if you are looking for a city trip. There are direct trains from Alicante and the journey takes about 1 hour. Expect historic architecture, lively squares and great food.
Cartagena
Cartagena is another fantastic city that can be reached by train from Alicante. It takes around 2 hours, but it’s worth it for its Roman ruins, harbor views and rich history.
While having a car gives you more flexibility, these destinations prove that you can still explore some of the best places near Alicante without renting one.
Amazing places to visit near Alicante
Here is my full list of incredible day trips from Alicante.
1. Altea
This is one of my favorite things to do in Alicante. Altea is one of the most beautiful towns I have seen in a long time. It is located on the coast 58 kilometers northeast of Alicante.On the toll road it only takes 40 minutes to get to Altea.
The village lies just off the main coastal road a little elevated on a hill. The old town is painted white and on top of the hill there is the main square with many terraces.
Trendy boutique shops can be found in the narrow streets. After seeing these photos there is no need to say that this is one of the best day trips from Alicante. Make sure you don't miss visting Altea on your trip to the Costa Blanca.
2. Benidorm
Probably one of the most popular Alicante day trips. The long golden sand Benidorm Beach is one of the most iconic places to visit in the Costa Blanca, which actually means white sand translate from Spanish.
Multiple skyscrapers lined up on a long boulevard make this place the Manhattan of Spain.
The boulevard is the perfect place for long beach strolls where bars and restaurants are lined up and people watching is one of the best things to do. Head to Benidorm Palace for an amazing dinner show or in summer a visit to the Aqualandia water park is a popular thing to do on holidays in Alicante.
3. Guadalest
When it is not all about beaches on your holidays in Alicante then you have to check out Guadalest. This iconic mountain village is a popular tourist spot in Alicante because of its city walls and castle on top of a hill.
This quaint little town is an Alicante off the beaten path tourist attraction and is surrounded by high mountain tops. There is also a water reservoir below.
There are several hiking trails around but sipping a coffee enjoying the amazing views also is a great thing to do. For around €5 EUR you can climb up to the castle. From Alicante to Guadalest is about 60 kilometers, 1 hour drive. From Benidorm you turn inland all the uphill to Guadalest. The drive is very scenic.
4. Calpe
Some more Alicante travel ideas you will find in Calpe. To be honest the city itself didn't really appeal to me, but that could also be because I didn't have time to climb to the top of the Calpe Rock: Peñon de Ifach. This impressive rock formation on the coast sticks out of the ocean like I have never seen before. It somehow reminded me a little of Gibraltar.
There is a possibility to climb to the top of the Calpe Rock, but it takes about two hours. Definitely one of the most adventurous things to do in Alicante. Next time I will surely give it a try! From Alicante to Calpe is 60 kilometers and takes about 50 minutes.
5. Polop
Polop is one of the most underrated and lesser-known day trips from Alicante. If you are looking for a hidden gem away from the crowds, this is the place to go.
Although picture perfect, just a little sleepy town on top of a hill. To me not worth taking a day trip from Alicante just for Polop, but when you are visiting Guadalest you will pass it by anyway. Good place to go for a drink and wander around in the narrow streets.
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6. Villajoyosa
A little overlooked by tourist that travel to Alicante and Benidorm! Villajoyosa (Villa Joiosa) is a cute little coastal town 30 kilometers North of Alicante and 14 kilometers South of Benidorm that should not be missed on your Alicante holidays. With a little fantasy you could name it the Cinque Terre of Spain. Villajoyosa also has a lot of small colorful houses.
Tall waving palm trees and the beach in front make this one of the best places to visit in Alicante. The houses are painted in red, green, yellow and blue so that the fisherman could recognize their village back in the days.
There is a lovely boulevard for a little stroll and a bunch of coffee places with good views. You can easily get to Villajoyosa by tram from Alicante and Benidorm.
7. Canelobre Caves
Just 25 kilometer north of Alicante you find the Canelobre Caves. It only takes 30 minutes to get there, but you will need a car as it is inland and uphill. The caves are open for the public on guided tours that leave every 30 minutes and cost around €9 EUR.
As it is close to the city I think it is a great Alicante day trip and you can perfectly combine it with hiking around the mountain range. There are several hiking trails leaving from the parking lot. The trails are displayed on big information signs.
8. Busot
Busot is a small and often overlooked village near Alicante, making it a perfect hidden gem for travelers who want something different.
On your way to or from the Canelobre Caves make a stop at Busot, another sleepy mountain village. If you are looking for places near Alicante a photo of the town square and the narrow colorful streets will surely pop up somewhere.
Sit in the shade on of the terraces and have a lunch after your hike in and around the caves.
9. Murcia
From Alicante Old Town to Murcia is about 80 kilometers drive, a little less than an hour. The city of Murcia is one of those medieval Spanish cities you always see in pictures. A colorful old town with a big square and a huge cathedral. Murcia also has flamingos, mud baths and thermal spa's. This is a city that is not overrun by mass tourism and for a slice of authentic Spain city life Murcia is another day trip that should be named in every Alicante travel guide.
10. Cartagena
No, we are not talking about the famous Cartagena in Colombia now, Spain has a little less popular city with the same name. Nevertheless one of those great places near Alicante.
The coastal village of Cartagena is famous for its spectacular Roman Amphitheater, which dates back more than 2000 years ago. It is nestled in the middle of the old town and well worth going on a day trip from Alicante.
From Alicante to Cartagena is about 1.5 hour by car.
Boat trips from Alicante
If you are looking for something different than the typical day trips from Alicante, consider taking a boat trip along the coast.
Two of the most popular options are Tabarca Island and Benidorm Island. Tabarca is especially worth it, as it has been a protected marine reserve since 1986 and is one of the best places for snorkeling near Alicante in summer.
A boat trip is an easy and relaxing way to explore more of the Costa Blanca and adds a completely different experience to your Alicante itinerary.
If you are planning your trip, also check out my complete Alicante travel guide with all my tips for where to stay, things to do and hidden gems.
Most boat trips leave from Alicante harbor and can easily be booked last minute during summer.
FAQ about day trips from Alicante
Do you need a car for day trips from Alicante?
No, but it is highly recommended. Some places like Benidorm and Murcia are easy by public transport, but destinations like Guadalest or Polop are much easier by car.
What is the best day trip from Alicante?
Altea is often considered the best day trip thanks to its white old town, beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere.
What are the best day trips from Alicante without a car?
Benidorm is the easiest day trip without a car thanks to the tram connection. Murcia and Cartagena are also accessible by train.
How many days do you need in Alicante?
2 to 3 days is enough to explore Alicante itself. If you want to include day trips, consider staying at least 4 to 5 days.
Final thoughts
Alicante is one of those destinations where the surroundings are just as impressive as the city itself. From whitewashed villages like Altea to dramatic mountain views in Guadalest and historic cities like Cartagena, there is so much to explore within just a short drive.
Personally, I keep coming back to this region again and again, and every time I discover something new. That’s exactly what makes Alicante such a perfect base for exploring the Costa Blanca.
If you have the time, don’t just stay in Alicante. Get out, explore, and experience what makes this part of Spain so special.
Enjoy your trip to the Costa Blanca!