Planning a trip to Alicante and looking for ideas for easy day trips ideas? The city of Alicante makes a fantastic base to explore the Spanish coastline of Costa Blanca. I recently spent a long weekend in Alicante, and travelled around the area a bit during my trip. Locals call this region Costa Blanca because of its white sand beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Beyond the coast, you will find medieval mountain towns, hiking trails, and hidden reservoirs. This guide covers the best day trips from Alicante, whether you have a car or prefer public transportation. Everything below is organized so you can build the perfect Alicante itinerary.

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Alicante offers plenty of great accommodation options for every kind of traveler. If you are renting a car, note that many places do not have private parking and the prices for public parking varies by location.

The Odyssey Rooms in Alicante are centrally located and one block from Postiguet beach. There is private parking available for reservation for only €10 per day, which is the best price you will find in Alicante. Each room offers air conditioning, a kitchenette and a private balcony. There is also a rooftop pool, sun terrace and lounge. See pricing and availability here. 

If you plan on taking day trips by public transportation, I recommend staying closer to the bus station or train station. Gerona by Manlia studio apartments are centrally located and only a 10 minute walk from the train station. Each studio has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen and luxury furnishings. See pricing and availability here.

Honestly, any time is a good time to visit Alicante, Spain. The Alicante region stays mild and dry for most of the year. That makes it a great choice no matter the season. It all depends on what you plan to do while you are in Alicante.

Summer (Peak Season)

Average day temperatures are about 27–31°C (81–88°F), with warm evenings around 20-25°C (70-77°F). June through August brings the biggest crowds and the highest prices. Beaches fill up fast, and popular hotels sell out weeks in advance. Expect warm, sunny days perfect for long stretches by the water. Book early if you plan to travel during these months.

Late Spring and Early Autumn (Best for Beach Weather & Less Crowds)

May and September are just outside the summer rush, and they might be the sweet spot for beach lovers. Average temperatures reach around 25°C (77°F) in May and 29°C (84°F) in September. That is warm enough for a proper swim without the peak season chaos. Crowds thin out, prices drop, and the beaches feel far more relaxed.

Winter (Quiet Season)

Average temperatures sit around 16–18°C (61–64°F) during the day, dropping to 7–9°C (45–48°F) at night. If you want to go swimming, winter might not be the best option. However, when I visited in winter we did see a few people at the beach. The biggest perks about travelling during winter are the smaller crowds and lower prices. If lower costs and quiet streets sound appealing, winter might suit you well.

Getting around the Costa Blanca is easier than you might expect. You have two main choices: renting a car or using public transportation. Here is what you need to know about each option.

Renting a car

You do not need a car to enjoy Alicante, since public transportation covers the coast well. A coastal train connects Alicante to many charming seaside towns. However, inland destinations have far fewer bus connections.

For this reason, I recommend renting a car if you want to explore the mountains. Car rental from the airport is quick, affordable, and easy. The roads throughout the region are well maintained and easy to navigate. Finding parking in small towns is usually the most difficult challenge when driving a car in this region.  

Public transportation

The public transportation network here surprised me. There are regular bus connections from the city center to the airport and to nearby towns. Trams and trains also link Alicante to all the villages along the coastline. You can pay for bus tickets with cash or card on the bus, and each ride costs about €1.45.

Ticket machines sell tram and train fares at every station and the price is dependent on the length of the journey. If you plan to travel often, consider the Bono Móbilis card. This card includes 10 trips for €5.25, plus a €2 card fee.

Prefer to skip the planning altogether? Consider taking a guided day trip tour from Alicante where they take care of transportation and logistics for you. These trips follow a set itinerary, so you can simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Below are a few tour options I recommend for exploring the Costa Blanca.

Distance from Alicante: About 50 km (31 miles) north of Alicante, roughly 1 hour by car.

Looking for adventure? Pasarela de Relleu delivers one of the most unique hikes near Alicante. This 3.6 km out-and-back trail follows the Relleu Reservoir through a dramatic canyon. The entire walk is on a wooden footbridge suspended against the cliffside. Photos truly do not capture how impressive this place feels in person. I do not recommend this hike if you are afraid of heights.

You can start from the town of Relleu and hike down or park closer to the reservoir, which cuts the walk from 1 hour to about 20 minutes. At the trailhead, there is a small ticket booth where you validate your ticket and receive a hard hat and hair net before you begin.

I highly recommend booking your time slot in advance, since only a limited number of hikers can enter each hour. You can book via their website here. During the busy season spots book up fast. Bad weather or high winds can close the route, so check conditions beforehand. There are picnic tables near the entrance that make a perfect spot for a snack after the hike.

If you are not renting a car but still want to do the Pasarela de Relleu hike, you can book a guided tour from Alicante. It is a small group tour that picks you up from the airport or Alicante city and takes you to the start of the hike and back. 

Distance from Alicante: About 65 km (40 miles) northeast of Alicante, roughly 1 hour by car.

El Castell de Guadalest is a medieval castle set directly into the rock above the Guadalest valley. It looks just as striking in person as in photos. As you approach the castle, a white tower perched on the cliff comes into view.

Getting closer, you notice other buildings tucked right into the stone. A narrow gate between two rock walls leads you into the old town, and suddenly you feel transported to medieval times.

The Orduna House museum is located just inside the entrance, and I highly recommend touring it. The self guided tour takes you through the entire house and along the castle walls. The tour ends at the cemetery, where you can explore the remaining walled areas.

There is also a small ethnographic museum that recreates 18th century village life inside a furnished cottage. There are several shops to explore, a few restaurants, and a miniatures museum within the castle walls.

From the courtyard, you get stunning views over the Guadalest valley. Walk to the western end of the wall for another beautiful viewpoint. Down in the town below the castle, there are more shops and restaurants, as well as a second miniatures museum. You could easily spend the whole day or a few hours here. 

There are a few guided day trip tours from Alicante that visit Guadalest, which is great if you are not renting a car. This tour is great because you will also get to visit the beautiful coastal city of Altea, swim in the Algar waterfall, a guided tour of El Castell de Guadalest and free time to explore.

Distance from Alicante: About 50 km (31miles) North of Alicante, roughly 45 minutes or 1.5 hours by bus. 

The Castle of Biar sits on a hill overlooking the small town below. With its turrets and battlements, it looks like a castle straight out of a childhood drawing.

Other than looking impressive, the castle holds real historical significance as it is home to one of the oldest Almohad domes in the world. Entry costs just €1 per person, and you can climb all the way to the top.

From there you can enjoy panoramic views across the valley, making it a wonderful sunset spot. In the town of Biar, situated below the castle, I recommend visiting the Church of Our Lady and wandering through narrow cobblestone streets lined with sand colored buildings.

The town of Biar has a long tradition in the ceramics industry, and it is apparent by the pottery decor on several buildings throughout the city.

Distance from Alicante About 65 km (40 miles) East of Alicante,  50 minutes by car or 1.5 hours by bus.

The village of Calpe makes a great day trip from Alicante, and yes, you can reach it via a 2 hour bus from Alicante. However, one of the main highlights is hiking in Peñón de Ifach Natural Park and it is easier to manage with a car, though not impossible by bus.

Calpe itself is a lively coastal town, famous for the massive limestone rock towering over the coastline. Colorful murals and street art decorate the city and add character everywhere you look. In the old town, keep an eye out for the iconic steps painted like the Spanish flag.

I recommend spending the morning hiking Peñón de Ifach before the hottest part of the day, then relaxing on the beach and exploring the town in the afternoon. You can also climb to the top with a guided tour.

There are also several great guided day trip tours to Calpe, which are a great option if you are not renting a car. This specific tour takes you to both Altea and Calpe. In each city there is a 30 minute guided tour and then 1.5 to 2 hours of free time to explore.

Distance from Alicante: About 30 km (19 miles) East of Alicante,  roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by tram or 30 minutes by car.

The name La Vila Joiosa translates to Joyful Town, and its colorful buildings truly live up to the name. If you love bright, cheerful coastal towns, do not skip this coastal town. It is just one hour from Alicante by train, which makes an easy day trip by public transportation.

Take time to wander the promenade, where you will find a row of colorful buildings with endless photo opportunities. Then spend an afternoon relaxing on the beautiful sandy beach.

If you have extra time and love chocolate (who doesn’t?), visit the Valor Chocolate Museum, which offers free guided tours every hour.

Distance from Alicante:  About 58 km (36 miles) east of Alicante, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by bus, 1.5 hours by tram, or 50 minutes by car.

A little further down the coast is a town known for its whitewashed houses. Honestly, the town feels more like a Greek island than a Spanish town. There are two options to get to Altea from Alicante.

The first option is a bus, which takes a little over an hour and costs €7.45 one way. There are only a few buses in the day, with the first leaving at 9am and the last bus at 5pm. Alternatively, you can take the tram, however this option takes about 1.5 hours but it goes more frequently than the bus and is only about round trip.  

When you arrive in Altea, I recommend wandering through the old town and visiting the large church with the blue dome at the top of the hill. Make your way down to the ocean and enjoy the views along the promenade or relaxing at the beach.

During the summer months from July through the first week of September, there is a nightly craft market that fills the square near the church. The market is open from 7pm to 12am and features local artists and artisans selling handmade goods perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

This guided tour takes you to Altea and Calpe. In each city there is a 30 minute guided tour and then 1.5 to 2 hours of free time to explore. It is a great option if you do not have a car.

Distance from Alicante: About 45 km (28 miles) East of Alicante, roughly 1 hour by public transport or 40 minute by car. 

Benidorm is among the more touristy stops along the Costa Blanca, known for its clubs and nightlife. If partying is not your scene, do not let that reputation stop you. Beyond the nightlife, Benidorm has plenty to offer.

Unlike the smaller towns nearby, Benidorm features tall skyscrapers and beaches lined with chairs and umbrellas. Water sports like jet skiing and kayaking tours are also popular here. There is still an old town worth exploring, with traditional Spanish architecture, though do not expect too much.

I recommend booking dinner or drinks at a rooftop bar to watch the sunset. If you have time, hike through Sierra Helada Natural Park for a bit of nature and coastal views.

Alicante truly is the perfect base for exploring the Costa Blanca. With so many towns, hikes, and castles nearby, you will never run out of options. Best of all, many of these day trips from Alicante are easy to reach by public transportation. Which day trip would you take?

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