Alicante is one of the best bases in Spain for day trips. Within an hour or two you can reach mountain villages, coastal towns, caves, a UNESCO palm grove, salt lagoons and wine country. Here is how to choose.
Guadalest and the Algar waterfalls
The most popular combination. Guadalest is a cliff-top village reached through a tunnel in the rock, with a ruined castle, small museums and a turquoise reservoir. The Algar waterfalls are a short drive away, with natural pools and shaded paths where you can swim in warm weather. Together they make a full half-day or day, and tours often add Altea. Go early to avoid coaches, wear shoes with grip and bring swimwear.
Altea and Calpe
Altea is the white village with the blue-domed church and artists' lanes. Calpe, a little further north, has the Penon de Ifach, a limestone rock that rises from the sea, with a natural park and a trail to a viewpoint. Both have beaches and seafood restaurants, and they combine well in a single trip. For active travellers, add a kayak tour to the sea caves.
Tabarca
A small walled island and marine reserve, reached by boat. Spend the day swimming and snorkelling, walk the village and eat caldero rice. It is best from late spring to early autumn. Trips depend on weather, so keep your schedule flexible.
Elche
Twenty minutes from the city, Elche has Europe's largest palm grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus a historic centre and the Huerto del Cura garden. It is a gentle half-day and a good plan for a hot morning or a cooler season.
Canelobre Caves and Busot
A cathedral-like cavern in the mountains, cool all year, with striking stalactites. The tour usually includes the village of Busot. It is a good choice for families, for rainy days and for very hot afternoons.
Pink lagoon and salt flats
South of the city, Santa Pola and Torrevieja have salt lagoons and wetlands, with flamingos and sunset light. A tasting tour makes it a relaxed evening outing.
Wine country
Vineyards inland produce Monastrell reds, Moscatel and the historic Fondillon. A tour with a guide and tastings is an easy way to enjoy the countryside without driving.
Benidorm
An hour up the coast, Benidorm combines beaches, an old town with a famous viewpoint, theme parks and shows. Terra Mitica, Terra Natura and Aqualandia make it a destination in itself, so it suits families.
How to choose
If you love views and villages, choose Guadalest and Altea. If you love sea and swimming, choose Tabarca or a kayak tour. If you love history and gardens, choose Elche. If you love food and drink, choose a wine tour or a cooking class. Families may prefer the caves, Algar and the parks. For a car-free trip, guided tours with transport are the easiest, and the tram links Alicante with Benidorm and other coastal towns.
Practical tips
Start early, carry water and sun protection, and check what is included in the tour price, such as entrance fees. Summer can be hot, so choose shaded or water-based outings. In winter, check seasonal opening times. Combine two nearby places if you want a full day, but do not overpack the schedule; the pleasure of the region is in the slow moments.
Public transport and driving
The tram line along the coast links Alicante with Benidorm and several towns beyond, and buses fill the gaps toward Altea, Calpe and Guadalest. Trains reach Elche in about twenty minutes. If you drive, mountain roads are narrow and winding, and parking in small villages can be tight, so arrive early. Many visitors find that a small-group tour is the least stressful way to see two or three places in a day, because someone else handles the roads, the parking and the timing. Whatever you choose, keep a phone charged and carry a paper copy of your tickets. If you have more than a week, consider staying a night or two in Altea or Benidorm to cut down on travelling time and to enjoy the evenings in a different setting. A slow day with no tour, only a beach, a book and a long lunch, is also part of the Costa Blanca experience.