The 5 Best Day Trips from Alicante | Explore the Costa Blanca

The Best Day Trips and Excursions From Alicante

Alicante is not only a wonderful city with beautiful sandy beaches and an imposing historic castle; it is also the perfect hub to explore the surrounding Costa Blanca. In less than an hour’s drive, you can travel from the sunny Mediterranean coast to rugged mountain peaks, visit picturesque medieval villages, or marvel at spectacular Art Nouveau (Modernist) architecture.

If you are planning your trip and want to know which excursions you shouldn’t miss, here is our selection of the 5 best day trips from Alicante.

---

1. Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls: History & Nature

This is undoubtedly the absolute star excursion in the Alicante province. It combines the history and charm of a medieval village with the freshness of a unique natural environment in a single day trip.

• El Castell de Guadalest: This singular village of Moorish origin is perched high on a sheer cliff and offers one of the most photographed scenery in Spain. Its belfry suspended over the precipice and the stunning views of the turquoise water reservoir will leave you breathless. Strolling through its whitewashed streets is a delight.
• Fuentes del Algar (Algar Waterfalls): A natural oasis surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, where the Algar River creates a series of waterfalls and crystal-clear natural pools (locally called tolls). It is the perfect place to cool off, relax to the sound of flowing water, and take a refreshing swim.

👉 Book your Guadalest & Algar Waterfalls Day Trip here (Includes pickup from your accommodation in Alicante and entry tickets).

---

2. Altea and Villajoyosa: Mediterranean Beauty & Chocolate

If you love charming coastal towns and traditional architecture, this dual destination is designed to delight all your senses.

• Altea (The Dome of the Mediterranean): Known as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Altea stands out for its steep cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses decorated with vibrant flowers, and art galleries. The highlight is the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, whose iconic blue-and-white tiled domes dominate the coastal landscape.
• Villajoyosa and its Chocolate Factory: Famous for its brightly painted fishermen’s houses facing the sea, which historically served as a guide for sailors returning home. Beyond its colors, Villajoyosa smells of cocoa. Here we visit the historic Valor Chocolate Factory to discover the traditional chocolate-making process and enjoy a delicious tasting session.

👉 Book your Altea & Villajoyosa Excursion here (With transport from Alicante included).

---

3. Elche and Santa Pola: Between Palm Trees and Salt

A perfect excursion for those looking to discover history, live nature, and coastal traditions of the province in a single day.

• Elche and its World Heritage Sites: Elche is home to the largest palm grove in Europe, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will explore its medieval historic center, visit the Basilica of Santa María (climbing its belfry for incredible aerial views), and enter the Altamira Palace. We will also visit a local footwear factory where you can buy handcrafted shoes at direct factory prices.
• Santa Pola and the Salt Flats: Returning to the coast, we stop at this traditional fishing town. We will contemplate its imposing Castle-Fortress and the famous Santa Pola Salt Flats, a unique ecological reserve where flocks of pink flamingos are commonly spotted in the wild.

👉 Book your Elche & Santa Pola Day Trip here (Includes transfers, driver-guide, and entry tickets).

---

4. Art Nouveau & Treasures of Vinalopó: Architectural Jewels

Venture into the inland Vinalopó region to discover one of the most fascinating and unexpected Art Nouveau (Modernist) legacies in the Alicante province.

• Castle of la Mola and the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena: In Novelda we will visit the historic Castle of la Mola, famous for its unique triangular tower (one of a kind in Europe). Right next to it stands the breathtaking Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, an architectural masterpiece inspired by Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia that seems to grow directly out of the mountain.
• The Novelda Modernist House-Museum: We will explore the historic center to visit this early 20th-century palace, which perfectly preserves its original opulent decor, spectacular staircases, and ornate ceilings. We will also see the Novelda Casino, the center of high-society life in the late 19th century.

👉 Book your Art Nouveau & Vinalopó Treasures Tour here (Includes transport and entry ticket to the House-Museum).

---

5. Guided Alicante Walking Tour + Santa Bárbara Castle

Not all great excursions require leaving the city limits. The historical heart of Alicante itself hides a wealth of heritage and culture that is best discovered with a professional local guide.

On this comprehensive walking tour, you will walk through the iconic Barrio de Santa Cruz, a labyrinth of narrow, colorful, and steep streets at the base of Mount Benacantil. The tour includes access to the monumental Santa Bárbara Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. From its historic ramparts, you will enjoy spectacular 360-degree views over the Alicante bay and the marina.

👉 Book your Guided Alicante & Santa Bárbara Castle Tour here

---

Practical Tips for Your Day Trips from Alicante

• Book in advance: Excursion groups are small (maximum of 8 people for road trips) to ensure a high-quality, personal experience. In peak travel seasons, spaces sell out very quickly.
• What to wear: For visits to places like Guadalest or Santa Bárbara Castle, you will need comfortable walking shoes. If you are visiting the Algar Waterfalls, don’t forget your swimwear, towel, water shoes (for rocks), and sun protection.
• Leave the car behind: Parking in tourist hotspots like Altea or Guadalest during the summer can be highly stressful. By booking an organized day trip with pickup from your accommodation in Alicante, you can sit back and just enjoy the scenery.

Choose your favorite adventure and let us show you the true essence of the Costa Blanca!