Alicante is a fantastic city, but if you are spending your holiday on the Costa Blanca, you owe it to yourself to explore some of the charming villages nearby. Renting a car for a day or two gives you the freedom to discover the region's true gems.
Here are our 3 absolute favorites for day trips from Alicante!
1. Villajoyosa (The colorful chocolate town)
Just a 30-minute drive north of Alicante you will find Villajoyosa. The town is famous for its brightly colored fishermen's houses down by the wide sandy beach. But what the town is most famous for is chocolate! This is home to the famous Valor chocolate factory, which offers free tours and tastings.
2. Altea (The white pearl of the Costa Blanca)
If you drive 15 minutes past Villajoyosa, you'll reach Altea. This bohemian town is built on a hill and consists entirely of whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and cozy art galleries. At the top sits the iconic church with its blue domes. Perfect for a romantic dinner!
3. Guadalest (The eagle's nest in the mountains)
About an hour's drive inland lies the spectacular mountain village of Guadalest. The town has only around 200 inhabitants but attracts over 2 million visitors a year! The highlight is the view from the old castle down to the stunning turquoise water reservoir in the valley below.
🚗 Get ready for a Roadtrip!
To visit these towns on your own, renting a car is absolutely the best choice. The drive up into the mountains to Guadalest is especially magical with your own car. Compare prices and book your rental car in Alicante here.


