Alicante — attractions and places to see by car
The best places around Alicante are spread all across Costa Blanca — from mountain villages to a tapas-filled island. Public transport reaches almost none of them, so this guide focuses on attractions reachable by car from Alicante-Elche airport (ALC).
What to see in Alicante — in the city and beyond
In Alicante itself, climb up to Santa Bárbara castle above the old town, walk the Explanada de España promenade and have dinner in the El Barrio district. That's one day. Everything else — Guadalest, Tabarca, Calpe, Valencia — is out of reach of city buses and needs either an organised tour or your own car.
A car picked up straight at ALC airport saves half a day of logistics — you get in after landing and drive wherever you want, without rigid schedules and without a card hold.
8 Alicante and Costa Blanca attractions you can reach by car
Sorted from closest to farthest. Drive times measured from Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) parking, without traffic.
Guadalest
A fairy-tale village in the Sierra de Aitana mountains with the San José castle perched over a turquoise lake. Narrow streets, panoramic terraces and a few small museums.
Why by car: Reachable only by car — public transport is minimal. Perfect for half a day.
Tabarca
Spain's smallest inhabited island, a former pirate hideout. Crystal-clear bays, blue-and-white houses and excellent seafood.
Why by car: The car cuts the drive to the port and lets you pick the Santa Pola ferry instead of the crowded Alicante crossing.
Calpe and Peñón de Ifach
The iconic rock rising from the sea (332 m). A short but steep trail to the top with a view of the whole Costa Blanca. Afterwards — Arenal-Bol beach and tapas on the promenade.
Why by car: Hike + beach + lunch in one day only works if you have a car on site.
Altea
A whitewashed seaside town with the blue dome of the Mare de Déu del Consol church. Artistic vibe, boutiques and great sunset dinners.
Why by car: Combine with Calpe or Benidorm in one coastal N-332 route.
Torrevieja — Pink Lake
Salinas de Torrevieja — a natural lagoon with an intense pink colour thanks to Dunaliella salina algae. Walk around, take photos, enjoy a salty spa.
Why by car: An Instagram hit, but public transport doesn't reach it. A short drive from Alicante.
Benidorm and Terra Mítica
Skyscrapers, long Levante and Poniente beaches, and just outside town — the Terra Mítica theme park with an ancient civilisations theme.
Why by car: The easiest family day out — park under the hotel and drive back whenever you want.
Valencia
The City of Arts and Sciences, the old town with the cathedral, original paella at La Albufera, Malvarrosa beach. A full-blown city for a whole day.
Why by car: The AP-7 motorway is faster than the train and you drive back in the evening without worrying about timetables.
Elche — UNESCO palm grove
The largest palm grove in Europe (over 200,000 trees), on the UNESCO list. A quiet town with good Spanish food.
Why by car: Perfect for the first day after landing — short drive, gentle pace.
Practical tips for Spanish roads
- AP-7 and A-7 motorways — Most sections around Alicante are free. You can bypass paid stretches on the coastal N-332 road.
- Parking in old towns — Altea, Guadalest — leave the car on the outskirts and walk in. Old centres are narrow and mostly for residents.
- Valencia low-emission zone — The city centre restricts cars without an eco sticker. Best park by a metro station and take public transport in.
- Fuel — Motorway stations are pricier. Refuel in town or at Plenoil/Petroprix chains.
1-, 3- and 7-day routes from Alicante
- 1 day: Alicante (Santa Bárbara) → Elche → evening in Altea.
- 3 days: + Guadalest, Calpe (Peñón de Ifach), Tabarca.
- 7 days: + Valencia for a full day, Torrevieja (pink lake), a trip into the Sierra de Aitana mountains.
Ready to explore Costa Blanca your way?
Book a car with pickup at Alicante airport (ALC) — no deposit, full insurance, English-speaking support. Citroën C3 from €45/day.