5 Days Exploring Alicante’s Hidden Gems

What to see and do in the province of Alicante on a 5-day route? Open beaches, bright old towns and castles with a story to tell: the province of Alicante is best enjoyed when you give yourself time to take it all in. This simple road trip gives you plenty of opportunities to wander, eat well and relax by the Mediterranean.

And remember, this itinerary is only one option. The province of Alicante is teeming with interesting places to explore, so have fun getting to know them little by little.

What is the best driving itinerary for discovering Alicante’s hidden gems?

If you are wondering how to plan a 5-day route along the coast and inland of Alicante, we have put together a comfortable journey that follows the coastline and heads inland at the end. We have chosen iconic coastal destinations, a small village that looks like something out of a fairy tale and a Modernist city between deep ravines:

• Day 1: Alicante at your own pace. Spend the whole day in Alicante. Walk up to Santa Bárbara Castle, lose yourself among the flowerpots of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood and end the afternoon with a drink by the harbour or on Postiguet beach. Oh, and don't forget to explore the origins of the city at the Tossal de Manises archaeological site.

• Day 2: Villajoyosa and its colours. It’s a short drive to Villajoyosa, where you can spend the day walking past the brightly painted houses by the beach, head to the fish market to see the boats come in and learn more about the town’s chocolate-making tradition. And make sure you leave time for a submarine that has been turned into a museum.

• Day 3: The white calm of Altea. Give yourself a full day to enjoy Altea. Saunter up its cobbled streets, browse the craft shops and stay for dinner in the church square beneath its blue domes. If you fancy a short there-and-back excursion in the afternoon, the local road takes you straight up to El Castell de Guadalest, which is listed among the most beautiful villages in Spain, and comes with viewpoints over the reservoir.

• Day 4: Calp beneath the Peñón de Ifach. Spend the day in Calp. Walk along the seafront, look out for flamingos at the salt flats and head into the old town to see streets decorated with murals.

• Day 5: Alcoy between bridges and mountains. Say goodbye to the sea and head for Alcoy. Spend the day exploring its Modernist buildings, crossing its iron bridges and breathing the fresh mountain air of Alicante before bringing the trip to a close.

Tips for enjoying Alicante’s coastal and inland towns

Devoting each day to a single stop lets you really get to know both the villages of the Alicante coast and the villages of inland Alicante. Set off early so you can park with ease, book a table to try local flavours and leave free hours to sit on a terrace and take in the scenery. You will never forget this road trip!