I’ve been living in Alicante for almost a year now, and I love driving around the area on weekends. Today I want to share a few places I’ve really enjoyed visiting, all within about an hour’s drive from Alicante.
Altea Old Town
Altea is about 50 kilometers from Alicante, roughly a 45-minute drive. The most charming part of this town is the old quarter on the hilltop, with its white houses and the iconic blue-domed church creating that perfect Mediterranean atmosphere. The old town has many small shops and restaurants, slightly pricier than downtown Alicante, but the surroundings of Alicante are absolutely stunning. I recommend going in the afternoon, exploring the old town until evening, then finding a restaurant for dinner with a sunset view.
Jávea Beaches
Jávea is about 90 kilometers north of Alicante. Although it’s a bit farther, the attractions around Alicante make it worthwhile. The beaches here are much quieter than those in Alicante, with clearer water too. Granadella Beach is my favorite—it’s a small cove surrounded by pine forests. However, parking is limited, so I suggest arriving early or visiting on weekdays.
| Location | Distance | Rating | Highlights |
|---|
| Altea | 50km | ★★★★★ | Old town views |
| Jávea | 90km | ★★★★☆ | Peaceful beaches |
| Elche | 25km | ★★★★☆ | Palm grove |
| Guadalest | 60km | ★★★☆☆ | Mountain village |
Elche Palm Grove
Elche is very close to Alicante, just over 20 minutes by car. It’s home to Europe’s largest palm grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry tickets are around 5 euros, with student discounts available. The grove is quite extensive—you can easily spend two to three hours exploring at a leisurely pace. The city center also has some excellent islands near Alicante tapas bars worth checking out for lunch.
Guadalest Mountains
If you want a change of scenery from the coast, head to Guadalest. This is a small village built on a mountainside with castle ruins. The village is tiny—you can explore it in about an hour—but the scenery is quite unique. Just be aware that the mountain roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should take precautions. There’s also a reservoir nearby that’s perfect for a walk when the weather is nice.
I’ve visited all these places at least twice, and each visit offers something different. If you have other recommendations, please share them—I’m looking for ideas for this weekend!
