After living in Alicante for nearly two years, I often drive around the area on weekends and have discovered many interesting places. Today I’m sharing this compilation for your reference - all places I’ve personally visited, and some are genuinely surprising.
Recommended Coastal Towns
Altea
This town is about 50 kilometers from Alicante, less than an hour’s drive. The old town sits on a hill with white houses and a blue-domed church creating a distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere. I recommend visiting in the afternoon so you can explore the old town until evening, then find a restaurant by the sea for dinner and sunset. For parking, there’s a free parking lot at the bottom of the hill, about a 15-minute walk up.
Jávea
Jávea is a bit further than Altea, but worth the trip. This area around Alicante has three zones: the old town, the port, and the beach area. My favorite is Granadella Beach - the water is incredibly clear and perfect for snorkeling. Note that it gets very crowded in summer, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. The old town is also nice, with many small shops and restaurants, plus a market on Thursdays.
Inland Town Experiences
Guadalest is a mountain town with a spectacular castle built on a cliff. The town is small and can be explored in an hour or two, but the scenery is truly amazing. The entrance fee used to be 4 euros but it’s now increased to 5 euros. There’s a reservoir in town that turns turquoise on clear days, perfect for taking beautiful photos.
Below is a comparison of basic information for these places:
| Location | Distance from Alicante | Highlights | Recommended Duration |
|---|
| Altea | 50km | White town, beach | Half day |
| Jávea | 80km | Beaches, snorkeling | Full day |
| Guadalest | 60km | Mountains, castle | 2-3 hours |
| Elche | 25km | Palm grove | Half day |
Elche’s palm grove is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 200,000 palm trees. While this might not sound particularly appealing, visiting places around Alicante actually feels quite special. The park is large and ideal for walking, and in summer the shade under the trees is quite refreshing. The town also has a shoe museum worth checking out if you’re interested in the footwear industry.
Finally, these places tend to be more crowded on weekends, especially in summer. If possible, try visiting on weekdays for a much better experience. Also, when driving, note that some [attractions around Alicante] small towns have limited parking, so it’s worth checking parking lot locations in advance. If you’ve visited other interesting places, feel free to share - I’m still exploring the area.
