Five amazing day trips from Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, offering a blend of beaches and historical sites. Among them is Postiguet Beach, a favourite with both locals and visitors, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. In addition to beach activities, visitors can explore the charming Old Town, shop at Mercado Central for local treats, and enjoy a relaxing stroll along La Explanada de España. Also don't forget to visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a Moorish castle with stunning views. Consider spending a few days in Alicante before venturing out to explore the rest of the Costa Blanca. There are several day trip options worth considering, most of which can be easily done by public transport. Here are five recommended day trips from Alicante that I have personally enjoyed and hope you will too.

1 Murcia

Murcia, the capital of its namesake region, has a population of nearly 450,000, making it the third-largest city in Spain. Founded in the ninth century by the Moorish Caliph of Córdoba as Medinar Mursiya, the city retains strong influences from the Moors, who ruled the area until 1212. Often overlooked in favour of Andalusia or Valencia, Murcia is an excellent day trip from Alicante, being just 80 kilometres away. A self-guided walking tour – starting at the train station and ending at the bus station – is a great way to explore the city. Some must-see attractions include the Cathedral of Santa María, the Royal Casino of Murcia, and the Salzillo Museum. The cathedral boasts architectural marvels such as the Vélez Chapel, Junterón Chapel, and a Gothic cloister that now serves as a museum displaying valuable artworks. Its bell tower is the second tallest in Spain and provides impressive views of the city.

The Royal Casino of Murcia is a unique building that blends Modernist and eclectic artistic styles, attracting admiration from visitors. Situated in the city centre on Traperia Street, near the cathedral, it serves as the headquarters for the Real Casino de Murcia Society, a private institution founded in 1847. Built in the early 20th century, the structure reflects a mix of artistic styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After extensive restoration and modernisation, the building is now considered one of the most impressive in Murcia, with beautifully decorated halls showcasing works by renowned painters and sculptors of the period.

The Salzillo Museum showcases the works of Francisco Salzillo, the renowned Murcian Baroque sculptor. It is located adjacent to the Church of Jesús, which is an integral part of the museum. Renowned for his religious sculptures, Salzillo was an esteemed 18th-century Spanish Baroque sculptor, widely regarded as one of the top artists of the Baroque period. The museum features a selection of his iconic pieces, including the nativity scene and the floats used in the Salzillo procession on Good Friday.

2 Calpe

Calpe offers a blend of traditional Valencian culture and modern amenities. It serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area or simply unwinding on its three picturesque beaches. With a rich history and cultural significance, Calpe has been home to various settlers over the years. Evidence of the Iberian tribe has been found in the region, while the Romans established a successful colony focused on fish preservation. Despite pirate attacks in the past, the town found stability in the 18th century and has since become a popular tourist destination. The main attraction in Calpe is the impressive 332-metre-high Rock of Ifach and its natural park.

Calpe is located approximately 65 kilometres from Alicante. I took a day trip there from Alicante – much like my visits to Novelda and Elche – travelling by bus and returning by tram. In my experience, the bus is a better option, as it is faster and makes fewer stops than the tram. The tram station lies outside the city centre and requires a transfer in Benidorm. The route includes numerous stops and can often be crowded. The bus journey to Calpe took 1.5 hours, while the tram ride back lasted 2.5 hours. Once in Calpe, you will find two local bus lines serving the area: one circles the resort, running from the train station to La Vallesa, while the other links Calpe with Moraira and Teulada.

3 Elche

Elche, with nearly 240,000 residents, is the third-largest city in the Valencian Community. Visitors often come to Elche to see its famous Palm Grove, the Palmeral of Elche, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city, however, offers many other attractions that have also become popular with tourists over the years. The city has a long and fascinating past dating back to 500 BC, when the Iberians founded Hélike on a small hill. Today, visitors can discover numerous monuments nestled among its famous palm gardens. Located just 20 minutes from Alicante, Elche makes for an ideal day trip. The residents of Elche take pride in two things above all: the Palm Grove and the Lady of Elche. Designated a World Heritage Site in 2000, the Palm Grove is the largest in Europe and a symbol of the city. It is home to thousands of palm trees, some dating back to prehistoric times, with its peak occurring during the Muslim period when the palm trees were organised in orchards. The Lady of Elche is a 56-centimetre-tall limestone bust of a woman, believed to originate from the 5th or 4th century BC. Carved from fine orange limestone and adorned with traditional Iberian jewellery, including circular earrings and necklaces with small spheres, this sculpture is a masterpiece of Iberian art, continuing to intrigue researchers today.

4 Novelda

Novelda, located in the Vinalopó River valley, has historically served as a vital transportation and communication hub, linking the Spanish midland plain, the southeast, and the Mediterranean coastline. Despite its convenient proximity to Alicante and easy access from the main highway to Madrid, Novelda remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. However, this small inland town has a variety of attractions to offer, making it a worthwhile day trip from Alicante. The Modernist House Museum and St Mary Magdalene's Sanctuary are among the most popular places to visit in Novelda. The Navarro House, built by Antonia Navarro Mira, showcases Modernist architecture and now operates as a museum managed by the Mediterranean Foundation. The museum provides insight into the lifestyle and design aesthetics of the Modernist era.

Consider including St Mary Magdalene's Sanctuary and La Mola Castle in your Novelda itinerary if you have access to a car or are happy to walk for less than an hour each way. Unfortunately, there is no public transport available to these sites. The sanctuary and the castle are situated on a small hill at an elevation of 360 metres above sea level, approximately three kilometres northwest of Novelda. St Mary Magdalene’s Sanctuary is one of the town’s most prominent attractions, known for its unique architecture and a restaurant with a terrace offering scenic views of the surrounding area. The sanctuary was designed by engineer José Sala, a local resident inspired by Gaudí and the Modernist movement. Construction of the sanctuary began in 1918 and was completed in 1946 after nearly 30 years. Situated on a high cliff to the north of Novelda, the sanctuary stands out in the Vinalopó Valley for its use of rough stone construction rather than the typical polished façade found in Spanish churches. 

5 Villajoyosa, Altea, and Guadalest

I used the tour company's services to visit Villajoyosa, Altea, and Guadalest because I did not have a car, and getting to Guadalest by public transport seemed difficult.

Villajoyosa, located just 32 kilometres north of Alicante, has become a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and traditional charm. The town, known affectionately as La Vila, has managed to preserve its fishing and artisan roots while also being home to some of Spain's leading chocolate brands. I enjoyed exploring the picturesque streets and the port area, each offering glimpses into the town's rich heritage.

Situated on a hill overlooking the region, Altea boasts a stunning parish church and traditional whitewashed houses lining its steep, cobbled streets. Artists' workshops and craft shops are common in this area, alongside a bustling fishing trade at the port. The town also features a promenade and beaches with pebbles, coves, and cliffs that stretch for six kilometres.

Guadalest sits atop a rock more than 500 metres above sea level, offering a view of the reservoir that supplies water to the La Marina Baixa region. Nestled between the Aitana and Xortá mountain ranges, the town has a rich history of Muslim influence. Guadalest is home to historic and artistic buildings, including the 11th-century San José Castle, which can be accessed through a natural tunnel in the rock, providing impressive views. The only remaining tower of the 11th-century La Alcozaina Castle is another notable landmark. Other historical sites in Guadalest include the 18th-century Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Orduñas' House, and the 12th-century prison and water tank.

Due to elevated water levels, I was unable to visit the Algar Waterfalls, located 15 kilometres from Guadalest. However, you may want to consider including them in your trip. The waterfalls are spread across multiple levels, with a pathway and steps that lead up to the top. Along the way, you will encounter natural bathing pools, diving spots, breathtaking views, and various seating areas for relaxation or swimming. Additionally, there are numerous bars and restaurants in the area. Don't forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes if you decide to visit.

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What did you think? Have you been to Alicante? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.

Author: Anita Sane

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