Updated July 2026
Alicante is a small city but a strong base. Everything on this list is doable in a day without a car, except where noted. Ordered by how often we actually send friends there.
Spain's smallest inhabited island, 45 min by boat from the port of Alicante. Fortified old town, one turquoise cove and lunch of caldero (rice + fish stew). Book the boat online in July/August. Full plan → Tabarca guide.
A castle village hanging over a turquoise reservoir. 2h by ALSA bus from the Alicante bus station. Pair with Fuentes del Algar waterfalls if you rent a car — otherwise stick to the village and its 8 tiny museums.
UNESCO palm grove of 200,000+ palms and a basilica famous for the Misteri d'Elx. 25 min by Cercanías C1 train from Alicante-Terminal. Half-day plenty.
White village on the coast, blue-domed church, cobbled streets and one of the best fish restaurants on the Costa Blanca. TRAM L1 to Benidorm, then TRAM L9 (change). Around 2h each way — go for lunch and stay until sunset.
Row of painted houses on the beach and the Valor chocolate factory. TRAM L1, 40 min. Great with kids.
Love it or hate it, the skyline is genuinely impressive and Playa de Levante is one of the best urban beaches in Europe. TRAM L1, 1h.
AVE 1h40 door-to-door. Doable as a long day trip for the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias + a paella lunch in the port. Two nights would be more honest.
Tabarca island from May to October (boat from the port). Guadalest for the rest of the year (bus with ALSA, 2h each way).
No for Tabarca, Elche, Altea, Benidorm, Villajoyosa — all reachable by TRAM, train or bus. Yes for Fuentes del Algar and inland villages like Xàtiva or Bocairent.
Yes on the AVE (1h40, from ~20 € one-way). Leave 08:00, back by 21:00. Doable but tight — 2 nights is better.
TRAM L1 from Luceros, ~1h, 4 €. Runs every 30 min. Coastal ride is a highlight in itself.
Yes — one of the most photographed villages in Spain. 2h by ALSA bus, plan ~5h on site with lunch.
Around 20–25 € return in 2026. First boat 10:00 from the port of Alicante, last back 18:00 in summer.
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Written by locals in Alicante. Verify opening hours and schedules before you go.
Local guide · VamosAlicante
