Over the past few months, I’ve explored quite a few places around Alicante and discovered that this region is home to many fascinating small towns. Compared to the bustling city center, these destinations are perfect for weekend getaways or in-depth exploration. Today I’m sharing some of the most impressive towns I’ve visited as a reference for your travels.
Altea
This town is about 50 kilometers from Alicante, less than an hour’s drive. The main attraction is the white old town, where you can climb the hillside to see the blue-domed church. The streets are paved with cobblestones, lined with white-walled houses with blue windows - very Mediterranean in character. The town has numerous artist studios and small galleries, with handicraft markets on weekends. The beach is also excellent, much quieter than Alicante’s. I recommend visiting the old town in the afternoon and having dinner at a beachfront restaurant to watch the sunset.
Practical Information Comparison
| Town Name | Distance from Alicante | Main Features | Recommended Stay Duration |
|---|
| Altea | 50km | White old town, artistic atmosphere | Half day to full day |
| Jávea | 90km | Bay scenery, water activities | Full day |
| Guadalest | 60km | Mountain castle, reservoir views | Half day |
| Villajoyosa | 30km | Chocolate factory, beaches | Half day |
Jávea
Jávea is a bit farther out, but absolutely worth the trip. This town has three areas: the old town, the port, and the Arenal beach area. The old town preserves many medieval buildings and hosts a large market on Thursdays. At the port, you can rent boats for sailing or snorkeling - the water quality is exceptionally clear. The Granadella Bay is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, a small pebble beach surrounded by cliffs with transparent blue-green water. However, it gets crowded in summer, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. For more suggestions on places worth visiting around Alicante, this area offers endless possibilities.
Guadalest
This is a mountain town with a completely different vibe from the coastal areas. The entire town is built on rock formations, with castle ruins you can climb to overlook the surrounding valleys and reservoir. The town has several small museums, such as a miniature art museum and a salt shaker collection - quite interesting. The town is quite small and can be explored in an hour or two, but the scenery is truly spectacular. Nearby is the Algar waterfall, where you can swim in summer - perfect for families with children.
Other Places Worth Mentioning
I had originally planned to visit Villena to see the Moorish castle, but couldn’t fit it into my schedule. Villajoyosa, though not very famous, has a Valor chocolate factory you can tour, and the town’s colorful houses are perfect for photos. If you enjoy hiking and want to explore more attractions around Alicante, consider visiting the Fonts de l’Algar natural park near Callosa de Ensarriá, which features streams and natural pools. For additional recommendations on places to visit near Alicante, there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Each of these towns has its own character - coastal ones are ideal for summer swimming and sunbathing, while mountain towns are perfect for spring and autumn hiking. Most places aren’t well-served by public transport, so I recommend driving or joining local day tour groups. Feel free to leave comments with questions or other recommendations.
