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Alicante is one of those destinations that has it all: Mediterranean beaches, history, nature and charming villages. If you want to discover the best of this province in a few days, there’s nothing like renting a car and hitting the road. With Record go you can book your rental car at the Alicante Airport office or, if you prefer, at the Alicante Train Station office, to start your trip with total comfort and flexibility. Here we suggest a 3-day route through Alicante designed to allow you to enjoy all the essentials of this province. If you want to know more… read on!
Day 1 – Alicante city and surroundings
Start the day with a visit to the imposing Castillo de Santa Bárbara, one of the city’s icons. It is located at the top of Mount Benacantil, and from there you will have spectacular views of Alicante and the Mediterranean Sea. After the cultural visit, opt for a little relaxation. Playa del Postiguet is the most central beach in the city, ideal for a swim or simply sunbathing. Its location at the foot of the castle makes it one of the most photogenic.
Continue the day exploring the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz, with its network of narrow streets, white houses with flowers on the façades and viewpoints with picture-postcard views. Climbing up to the chapel of Santa Cruz is a ritual in itself, and the neighbourhood preserves the most authentic soul of Alicante. End the day enjoying Alicante’s gastronomy at the Mercado Central de Alicante where you can try fresh produce at the stalls and buy some gourmet souvenirs.
Tip: If you visit Alicante in summer, don’t hesitate to take a boat from the port to the island of Tabarca. It stands out for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling, and it is also the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community.
Day 2 – Route along the Costa Blanca
It’s time to make the most of your hire car and visit some of the most beautiful spots on the Costa Blanca. The route we suggest for this second day combines sea, history and nature.
Just half an hour from Alicante is Villajoyosa, famous for its colourful seaside houses and its chocolate-making tradition. Don’t leave without trying some of its handmade chocolates or visiting the Valor chocolate museum. A stroll through the old town or along the seafront promenade is a delight. Continue on to Benidorm, a destination which, although very touristy, surprises with its beaches and iconic skyline. Be sure to climb up to the Balcón del Mediterráneo (Balcony of the Mediterranean) to enjoy the best panoramic views.
Continue the route to one of the prettiest villages in Alicante: Altea. Its cobbled streets, white houses with blue doors and the views from the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo give this place a special magic. Finish in Calpe, where the star of the show is the Peñón de Ifach, an enormous rock that juts out into the sea. If you like hiking, you can climb to the top (with suitable footwear), but if you prefer something more relaxed, its beaches and seafront promenade are also worth a visit.
Day 3 – Inland and charming villages
After exploring the coast, on the last day we suggest a tour of the interior of the province of Alicante, where you will find nature, history and tranquillity.
Start the day in Guadalest, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. It is nestled in the rock, and offers views of the turquoise reservoir that surrounds it. Stroll through its streets, visit its small museums (such as the curious miniature museum) and don’t miss the climb up to the castle. Half an hour’s drive away are the Fuentes del Algar, a natural spot with waterfalls and pools where you can take a dip (weather permitting). It is an ideal place to relax and connect with nature.
If your schedule allows it, before returning the car you can make a final stop in Elche to see its famous Palm Grove, declared a World Heritage Site. An urban oasis with more than 200,000 palm trees that has walking routes, gardens and the Huerto del Cura.
As you can see, in just three days you can have an unforgettable experience visiting the best of Alicante: its city, its beaches, its villages and its nature. With a hire car from Record go, you can forget about timetables and restrictions and set off on a route full of moments to remember.
Ready to start the engines? Alicante awaits you.
