Best Day Trips from the Costa Blanca

Introduction: Beyond the Beach Awaits

The Costa Blanca is famous for its golden beaches, warm Mediterranean climate, and year-round sunshine — but if you spend your entire holiday on a sun lounger, you’re missing out on one of Europe’s most rewarding travel regions. Stretching along Spain’s southeastern coast, the Costa Blanca sits at the heart of a world-class network of day trip destinations: from Roman ruins and hilltop castles to flamenco cities, UNESCO palm forests, and shimmering islands just a short ferry ride away.

The best day trips from the Costa Blanca are as varied as the region itself. History lovers can wander medieval streets and explore Moorish fortresses. Culture seekers can lose themselves in world-class museums and Gothic cathedrals. Nature enthusiasts can snorkel around marine reserves or hike through dramatic mountain gorges. Families can ride high-speed trains to Spain’s most exciting cities. And those who simply want to absorb the authentic soul of rural Spain can wind through whitewashed inland villages barely touched by tourism.

What makes the Costa Blanca particularly exceptional as a base is its central location on the Mediterranean coast. Whether you’re staying in Alicante, Benidorm, Denia, or Torrevieja, you have fast, affordable access to an extraordinary range of destinations — many within an hour or two by road, rail, or sea.

If you’re still in the early stages of planning your visit, be sure to check out our complete Costa Blanca Travel Guide – The Ultimate Resource for everything you need to know about the region, from where to stay and what to eat, to getting around and seasonal advice.

In this guide, we cover the very best day trips from the Costa Blanca: major Spanish cities, island escapes, inland cultural gems, and practical advice on how to make the most of every excursion. Let’s dive in.

Quick Reference: Best Day Trips from the Costa Blanca at a Glance

Destination	Base Town	Distance from Alicante	Approx. Travel Time	Best For	Guide
Valencia	Alicante	170 km	1.5 hrs (train)	City culture, food, architecture	Alicante to Valencia Day Trip
Murcia	Alicante	80 km	1 hr (train/car)	History, cathedral, tapas	Alicante to Murcia Day Trip
Cartagena	Alicante	100 km	1.5 hrs (car)	Roman ruins, port history	Alicante to Cartagena Day Trip
Granada	Alicante	280 km	3 hrs (car/bus)	Alhambra, Moorish history	Alicante to Granada Day Trip
Madrid	Alicante	430 km	3.5 hrs (AVE)	Capital city, museums, culture	Alicante to Madrid Day Trip
Barcelona	Alicante	510 km	4.5 hrs (AVE)	Architecture, food, beaches	Alicante to Barcelona Day Trip
Tabarca Island	Alicante	22 km offshore	45 mins (ferry)	Snorkelling, marine reserve	Day Trip to Tabarca Island
Ibiza	Denia	90 km offshore	2 hrs (fast ferry)	Beaches, nightlife, old town	Day Trip to Ibiza from Denia
Guadalest	Benidorm	30 km	45 mins (car)	Mountain village, castle, views	Day Trip to Guadalest
Elche	Alicante	25 km	30 mins (train/car)	Palm forest, UNESCO heritage	Day Trip to Elche
Altea	Benidorm	10 km	15 mins (car/tram)	Old town, art, seafront	Day Trip to Altea
Alcoy (Alcoi)	Benidorm	45 km	50 mins (car)	Festivals, gorges, heritage	Day Trip to Alcoy (Alcoi)
Xàtiva	Alicante	90 km	1 hr (train/car)	Castle, medieval history	Day Trip to Xàtiva
Villena	Alicante	60 km	50 mins (car/train)	Castle, treasure, quiet charm	Day Trip to Villena
Novelda	Alicante	35 km	35 mins (car)	Art Nouveau, sanctuary	Day Trip to Novelda
Orihuela	Torrevieja	30 km	30 mins (car/train)	Cathedral, palm grove, culture	Day Trip to Orihuela

Why the Costa Blanca Is Perfect for Day Trips

Few stretches of coastline in Europe are as well-positioned for exploration as the Costa Blanca. Its geographical advantages aren’t just a happy accident — they’re the result of the region sitting at a genuine crossroads between the Mediterranean coast, the interior of Andalucía, the mountains of the interior, and the island-dotted Balearic Sea.

Excellent Transport Infrastructure

The AP-7 and A-7 motorways run the full length of the coast, connecting all major towns from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south, and onwards towards Murcia and beyond. These fast, well-maintained roads make self-drive day trips impressively easy and stress-free, even in peak season.

The RENFE rail network is equally impressive. Regular services connect Alicante with Valencia, Murcia, Madrid, and Barcelona — and the AVE high-speed network puts Spain’s capital within 3.5 hours and Barcelona within 4.5 hours. Locally, the TRAM Metropolità d’Alacant (the coastal tram line) runs between Alicante and Denia, stopping at Benidorm, Altea, and dozens of charming towns in between — making it one of the most scenic and practical ways to explore the northern Costa Blanca without a car.

Ferry connections from Denia and Alicante open up the Balearic Islands, including the hugely popular day trip to Ibiza. And with Alicante Airport offering some of the best flight connections in Spain, even those planning onwards adventures to other cities have an excellent starting point.

The Ideal Base Towns

Your choice of base will naturally influence which day trips feel most accessible. Alicante is the best all-round base — the city itself is worth exploring, and it sits at the hub of road, rail, and ferry connections. Our guide to Day Trips from Alicante covers the full range of excursions available from the city.

Benidorm is ideally placed for inland adventures into the mountains of the Marina Alta and for coastal hopping along the northern coast. Discover the best Day Trips from Benidorm to make the most of your stay there.

Further north, Denia is the gateway to the Balearic Islands and the lush landscapes of the Marina Alta comarca — see our dedicated Day Trips from Denia guide for the best options from this charming port town.

In the south, Torrevieja offers easy access to the landscapes of the Vega Baja and Murcia — our guide to Day Trips from Torrevieja will help you plan the best excursions from this part of the coast.

Day Trips from the Costa Blanca to Major Spanish Cities

One of the great joys of being based on the Costa Blanca is how quickly you can reach some of Spain’s most iconic cities. A morning train can have you wandering Valencia’s medieval streets before lunch, or you can board the AVE and arrive in Madrid by mid-morning. Here’s a rundown of the best city day trips from the Costa Blanca.

Valencia

Valencia sits just 170 km north of Alicante and is one of the most popular and rewarding day trips from the entire Costa Blanca. The city is home to the jaw-dropping Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), a futuristic architectural masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava that alone is worth the journey. Beyond that, you’ll find the atmospheric Barrio del Carmen — Valencia’s oldest neighbourhood, packed with independent bars and street art — the stunning Valencia Cathedral, and the bustling Mercado Central, one of Europe’s finest fresh food markets.

Valencia is also the birthplace of paella, and a proper Valencian lunch is reason enough to make the trip. By train from Alicante, you can be in the heart of Valencia in as little as 90 minutes. For everything you need to know about getting there, what to see, and where to eat, read our full guide to the Alicante to Valencia Day Trip.

Murcia

Just 80 km south of Alicante, Murcia is an often-overlooked gem that makes for a wonderfully relaxed day trip. The city’s baroque cathedral is one of the finest in Spain, its gilded façade a dramatic statement in honey-coloured stone. Wander the pedestrianised city centre, visit the Casino de Murcia (an extraordinary private club open to visitors, decorated in a bewildering mix of architectural styles), and make sure to stop for tapas — Murcia’s food scene is seriously underrated. Our guide to the Alicante to Murcia Day Trip covers the best way to get there and what to prioritise on your visit.

Cartagena

Cartagena is a port city with more than 2,000 years of layered history, and a day trip here feels like a genuine journey through time. The Roman Theatre — only rediscovered in the 1980s and now beautifully excavated — is a world-class archaeological site. The Punic Walls museum takes you back even further, to the Carthaginian city of Qart Hadasht. Above it all, the ruined Castillo de la Concepción offers panoramic views over the harbour. It’s about 100 km from Alicante by car, making it very manageable as a day trip. Read our guide to the [Alicante to Cartagena Day Trip] for full planning details.

Granada

Granada is a longer reach — around 280 km and approximately three hours by car or bus — but many travellers consider it one of the most extraordinary day trips possible from the Costa Blanca, and it’s hard to argue. The Alhambra palace and Nasrid Palaces are among the most beautiful buildings in the world, full stop. The Albaicín neighbourhood, a UNESCO-listed Moorish quarter, and the views across to the Sierra Nevada make Granada feel entirely apart from the rest of Spain.

Be warned: the Alhambra requires advance booking, sometimes weeks ahead during peak season. If you’re considering this trip, weigh up whether an overnight stay might serve you better — but it absolutely can be done as a long day trip. Our guide to the Alicante to Granada Day Trip will help you plan it properly.

Madrid

Spain’s magnificent capital sits around 430 km from Alicante, but the AVE high-speed train makes it reachable in approximately 3.5 hours — which puts it firmly in day-trip territory if you’re prepared for an early start and a late return. Madrid rewards every moment: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía (home to Picasso’s Guernica), the grand Gran Vía, the buzzing Mercado de San Miguel, and the elegant parks of the Retiro are all within easy walking distance of each other. See how to make the most of a Madrid day trip in our guide to the Alicante to Madrid Day Trip.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the furthest city option at around 510 km and 4.5 hours by AVE, but for many travellers it’s a bucket-list destination that justifies the journey. Gaudí’s masterworks — the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló — are unlike anything else in Europe, and the city’s food scene, beaches, and Gothic Quarter make it endlessly rewarding. Realistically, Barcelona works best as an overnight trip rather than a pure day trip, but if you’re an early riser and a late returner, it’s achievable. Our guide to the Alicante to Barcelona Day Trip covers the best transport options, top sights, and how to structure your time wisely.

💡 Practical Tip: For Granada, Madrid, and Barcelona, book your AVE tickets well in advance through RENFE — early-bird fares can be significantly cheaper, and seats on popular morning services sell out fast, especially during Spanish public holidays and school breaks.

Island Day Trips from the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca isn’t just a gateway to mainland Spain — it’s also your launching pad for some genuinely spectacular island escapes. Whether you’re after crystalline snorkelling waters just 45 minutes from Alicante or a full Balearic adventure from the northern coast, island day trips are among the most memorable excursions you can make from the region.

Tabarca Island: Spain’s Only Inhabited Marine Reserve

Tabarca is the jewel in the Costa Blanca’s day-trip crown, and with good reason. This tiny island — just 1.8 km long and 400 metres wide — sits roughly 22 km offshore from Alicante and is Spain’s only inhabited marine reserve. The waters surrounding it are protected, extraordinarily clear, and teeming with sea life, making Tabarca one of the finest snorkelling destinations on the entire Mediterranean coast.

On the island itself, you’ll find a charming walled village with whitewashed houses, a 18th-century church, a scattering of excellent fish restaurants, and an atmosphere of blissful unhurried calm. There are no cars, no supermarkets, and very little noise beyond the lapping of the waves. It’s the perfect antidote to a busy beach resort.

The ferry crossing from Alicante takes around 45 minutes, and boats run regularly throughout the summer season. For full details on planning your visit — including ferry times, what to bring, and the best spots on the island — see our complete guide to the Day Trip to Tabarca Island.

If you’re specifically interested in the boat journey itself — including which operators run services, departure points from Santa Pola and Torrevieja as well as Alicante, and what to expect onboard — our dedicated Boat Trip to Tabarca Island guide covers everything you need to know.

⭐ Top Pick: Arrive early on Tabarca to secure a table at one of the waterfront restaurants for a long, lazy lunch of fresh caldero (a local rice and fish dish) before the afternoon crowds arrive. The island gets busy in July and August — a spring or early autumn visit offers a far more peaceful experience.

Ibiza from Denia: A Balearic Adventure in a Day

For travellers staying in the northern part of the Costa Blanca, one of the most exciting and surprisingly achievable day trips is the fast ferry crossing from Denia to Ibiza. The Baleària fast ferry covers the approximately 90 km crossing in around two hours, depositing you in Ibiza Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — in time for a full day of exploration.

Most people associate Ibiza with its legendary nightlife, but the island has far more to offer the day-tripper. The Dalt Vila (the old walled city perched above Ibiza Town) is genuinely stunning, with ancient ramparts, a cathedral, and panoramic views over the harbour. The beaches around Ses Salines and Cala Bassa are among the most beautiful in the Balearics. And the island’s market culture — particularly the famous Las Dalias hippie market — adds a vibrant, bohemian dimension to any visit.

It’s worth noting that this is a long day by any measure: an early departure from Denia, a full day on the island, and an evening return crossing. But for the experience of visiting Ibiza without the cost and logistics of a full stay, it’s hard to beat. Read our full guide to the Day Trip to Ibiza from Denia for ferry timetables, booking advice, and the best ways to spend your time on the island.

Inland and Cultural Day Trips from the Costa Blanca

For many visitors, the greatest surprise of a Costa Blanca holiday is what lies inland. Turn your back on the sea and within 30 to 60 minutes you can find yourself in a completely different Spain: ancient hilltop villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, UNESCO heritage sites, and historic towns where tourism barely registers and authentic Valencian and Murcian culture thrives.

This is where day-tripping on the Costa Blanca becomes truly special. These are the excursions that linger longest in the memory.

Mountain Villages: Drama and Beauty Above the Coast

Guadalest

If you do just one inland day trip from Benidorm or the northern Costa Blanca, make it Guadalest. This extraordinary mountain village clings to a rocky pinnacle in the Sierra Aitana, accessible through a tunnel carved directly into the rock face. At the top, the ruins of the Castillo de San José offer some of the most dramatic views in the entire Valencia Community — a shimmering turquoise reservoir far below, mountains stretching in every direction, and the village’s distinctive bell tower perched at the very edge of the cliff.

Despite being one of the most visited villages in Spain — and yes, it does get busy — Guadalest retains genuine charm and character. The village is home to a surprising number of quirky small museums, excellent local craft shops selling honey, almonds, and ceramics, and a handful of good restaurants. It’s just 30 km from Benidorm, making it an easy and immensely rewarding half-day excursion. Our full guide to the Day Trip to Guadalest covers how to get there, when to go to avoid the crowds, and everything worth seeing.

Altea: The Artist’s Village

Just 10 km north of Benidorm along the coast — but feeling a world away — Altea is one of the most beautiful and characterful towns on the entire Costa Blanca. The old town climbs steeply above the seafront, its narrow cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea tumbling over iron balconies, and a remarkable concentration of art galleries, craft studios, and independent boutiques that reflect Altea’s long-standing reputation as an artists’ colony.

At the summit of the old town sits the iconic blue-domed church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, whose mosaic tiles catch the light magnificently against the deep blue of the Mediterranean sky. The view from the church square — out over the terracotta rooftops and down to the sea — is one of the defining images of the Costa Blanca. Altea’s seafront promenade is equally charming, lined with seafood restaurants and the remains of a traditional fishing village culture. See our guide to the Day Trip to Altea for the best of the old town and beyond.

Historic Towns: Castles, Cathedrals, and Hidden Treasures

Xàtiva

Perched on a dramatic ridge 90 km north of Alicante, Xàtiva (pronounced “SHA-tiva”) is home to one of the most impressive castles in Spain — a long, dramatic fortification that stretches along the mountain ridge above the town, offering jaw-dropping views over the surrounding plains. The castle has a history stretching back to Iberian and Roman times and was later a stronghold of the Moors, the scene of battles during the Reconquista, and even a prison under the Bourbon kings.

Below the castle, the town itself is a delight — a maze of handsome baroque streets, elegant plazas, and the magnificent Collegiate Church of Xàtiva, which rivals many a cathedral in scale and grandeur. Xàtiva is also famous as the birthplace of Pope Alexander VI (the notorious Rodrigo Borgia) and his son Cesare Borgia — a fact the town wears with a mixture of pride and mild embarrassment. It’s reachable by train in around an hour from Alicante. Our [Day Trip to Xàtiva] guide has everything you need to plan your visit.

Villena

Villena is one of the Costa Blanca’s best-kept secrets — a proud inland city with a spectacular castle, a fascinating history, and the kind of authentic, unhurried atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in tourist Spain. The Castillo de la Atalaya dominates the skyline, its cylindrical towers a striking example of late medieval military architecture, and the views from the battlements over the surrounding vineyards and plains are superb.

Villena’s greatest claim to fame, however, is the extraordinary Villena Treasure — a hoard of late Bronze Age gold objects discovered by accident in 1963 and now displayed in the town’s municipal museum. It’s one of the most significant prehistoric gold finds in all of Europe, and yet Villena remains refreshingly off the tourist trail. If you’re looking for a day trip that feels genuinely like a discovery rather than a tick-box exercise, this is it. Read our full [Day Trip to Villena] guide for all the details.

Orihuela

Set in the lush palm groves of the Vega Baja, Orihuela is a city of surprising architectural richness and genuine cultural depth. Its Gothic cathedral — the Cathedral of Saints James and Philip — is a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture, while the city’s collection of baroque churches, Renaissance palaces, and medieval streets reflects its former importance as a major Valencian city.

Orihuela is also celebrated as the birthplace of Miguel Hernández, one of the great poets of 20th-century Spain, and the city takes its literary heritage seriously — there’s a museum dedicated to his life and work, and his spirit seems to infuse the whole place. The surrounding palm groves, irrigated since Moorish times, lend the landscape a distinctly North African quality that makes Orihuela feel unlike anywhere else in the region. It’s just 30 km from Torrevieja, making it an easy and enriching half-day excursion. Our guide to the Day Trip to Orihuela will help you make the most of your time there.

Art, Culture, and Hidden Gems

Elche

Elche (or Elx in Valencian) is one of those rare places that genuinely surprises visitors who arrive without high expectations and leave utterly captivated. The city is home to the Palmeral de Elche — a vast palm forest of more than 200,000 trees, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest palm grove in Europe outside of North Africa. Walking through it is a surreal and beautiful experience, the enormous date palms creating a cathedral-like canopy of green and gold.

Beyond the palms, Elche is home to the Dama de Elche — one of the most important Iberian archaeological finds ever made (the original is in Madrid, but an excellent reproduction is displayed locally) — and the Misteri d’Elx, a medieval mystery play performed every August that is itself a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s just 25 km from Alicante and easily reached by train in 30 minutes. Our Day Trip to Elche guide covers the palm forest, the old town, and everything in between.

Novelda

Novelda is a small inland town that punches well above its weight when it comes to cultural interest, and it remains genuinely under the radar for most Costa Blanca visitors. Its star attraction is the Casa Modernista de Novelda — an astonishing Art Nouveau building dating from 1903, designed in the style of Gaudí and considered one of the finest examples of Modernista architecture outside of Barcelona. It’s extraordinary that a building of this quality exists almost unnoticed in a small Spanish market town.

Just above the town on a rocky hillside sits the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, a striking neo-Gothic church with a spiral tower that has become something of a symbol for the town. Novelda is also the heart of Spain’s saffron-growing region, and the local culture around this precious spice adds another fascinating dimension to a visit. At just 35 km from Alicante and reachable in around 35 minutes by car, Novelda makes for an excellent and genuinely surprising half-day excursion. Our full guide to the Day Trip to Novelda covers the Casa Modernista, the sanctuary, and everything else worth seeing in this underrated gem.

Alcoy (Alcoi)

Alcoy — known in Valencian as Alcoi — is a city with a split personality that makes it all the more fascinating to visit. On the surface, it’s a working industrial city set in a dramatic river gorge in the mountains behind Benidorm, and its textile and paper-manufacturing heritage gives it a gritty, authentic character quite unlike the coastal resorts. But look deeper, and Alcoy reveals itself as a place of remarkable cultural richness.

The city is most famous throughout Spain for its Moros y Cristianos festival — the Moors and Christians celebration held every April — which is considered one of the finest and most spectacular of the dozens of such festivals held across the Valencia region. Elaborate costumes, thundering gunpowder explosions, and elaborate street parades make it an unforgettable spectacle if your visit coincides with it.

Outside of festival season, the city’s dramatic gorge walks, its collection of Modernista architecture, and its position as a gateway to the Font Roja Natural Park — a rare Mediterranean oak forest — make it well worth a visit. It’s approximately 45 km from Benidorm, about 50 minutes by car. Our guide to the Day Trip to Alcoy (Alcoi) has full details on what to see and when to visit.

💡 Planning Note: Several of the inland towns covered in this section — Guadalest, Alcoy, Novelda, and Villena in particular — are best explored by car, as public transport connections are limited. If you don’t have your own vehicle, consider joining an organised tour or renting a car for the day from Alicante or Benidorm.

How to Explore: Tours, Self-Drive, and Road Trips

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, the next question is how to get there. The Costa Blanca offers three main approaches to day-trip exploration, each with its own distinct advantages depending on your travel style, budget, and how much flexibility you want.

Guided Tours: Effortless Exploration

For first-time visitors, families, or anyone who simply wants to sit back and let someone else handle the logistics, guided tours are an excellent option. A good guided tour takes care of transport, navigation, entrance tickets, and context — meaning you arrive informed, on time, and free to simply enjoy the experience.

The Costa Blanca has a well-developed guided tour infrastructure, with operators running excursions from Alicante, Benidorm, and other major resort towns to all the main day-trip destinations. Tours range from large coach excursions to small-group specialist experiences, and many include a knowledgeable local guide who brings the history and culture to life in a way that independent exploration sometimes can’t match.

Self-Drive Exploration: Freedom and Flexibility

For those who want complete freedom — the ability to stop when something catches your eye, linger longer in places you love, and discover corners of the region that no tour bus ever visits — self-drive exploration is the way to go. The Costa Blanca’s road network is genuinely excellent, car hire from Alicante Airport is competitively priced, and even the mountain roads inland are generally well-maintained and well-signposted.

A few practical notes for self-drivers:

Toll roads: The AP-7 motorway is a toll road for much of its length. The parallel A-7 (the old national road) is free but slower. For day trips, the AP-7 is usually worth the modest toll cost.
Parking in historic towns: Many of the inland historic towns have limited central parking. Look for designated car parks on the outskirts — in Xàtiva, Guadalest, and Elche particularly, walking from a car park is far preferable to circling the old town.
Navigation: A reliable GPS app (Google Maps or Waze both work well in Spain) is essential for navigating the mountain roads and smaller inland towns.
Fuel: Fill up before heading into the mountains — petrol stations can be sparse in rural areas.

Our guide to Self-Drive Tours Costa Blanca includes suggested routes, driving itineraries, and everything you need to know about renting and driving in the region.

Inland Villages Road Trip: The Ultimate Multi-Stop Adventure

If you want to combine several inland destinations into a single, curated driving adventure, the Inland Villages Road Trip is the perfect framework. Rather than picking a single destination, this approach strings together a sequence of villages, viewpoints, and cultural stops into a memorable circular route through the Costa Blanca’s spectacular interior.

Picture this: a morning coffee in a whitewashed mountain village, a castle visit before lunch, a long afternoon exploring a UNESCO heritage site, and a scenic drive home through the orange groves and vineyards as the sun drops behind the sierra. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience the real Spain.

Our comprehensive guide to Guided Tours Costa Blanca covers the best operators, the most popular tour routes, what to expect, and how to choose the right tour for your interests and budget.

Our dedicated Inland Villages Road Trip guide maps out the best routes, suggests overnight stops if you want to extend the adventure, and highlights the hidden gems that most visitors to the Costa Blanca never find.

Day Trip Planning Tips for the Costa Blanca

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your day trips. Here are the most important Costa Blanca travel tips to keep in mind before you head out.

Best Time of Year

Spring (March–May) is arguably the best season for day trips, especially to inland destinations. The weather is warm but not oppressively hot, landscapes are green and flowering, and tourist crowds are manageable.
Autumn (September–November) offers similar advantages — comfortable temperatures, golden light, and the bonus of harvest festivals and local events in many inland towns.
Summer (June–August) is peak season, and while it’s perfectly possible to do day trips, temperatures inland can be brutal — regularly exceeding 38–40°C in cities like Murcia, Elche, and Granada. If visiting in summer, start early (aim to be at your destination by 9am), retreat indoors during the midday heat, and plan to return in the cooler evening.
Winter (December–February) is surprisingly pleasant for city day trips — Valencia, Murcia, and Cartagena are all perfectly enjoyable in winter, and you’ll have the major sights almost to yourself.

Getting Around: Key Considerations

Train vs. car: For city day trips (Valencia, Murcia, Madrid, Barcelona), the train is almost always preferable — faster, cheaper when booked in advance, and it drops you in the city centre without the stress of parking. For inland villages and rural destinations, a car is usually essential.
Book in advance: Ferry tickets to Tabarca and Ibiza, AVE train seats, Alhambra entrance tickets (Granada), and popular guided tours can all sell out weeks ahead in peak season. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
Car hire: Alicante Airport has excellent car hire options from all major operators. Book online before you travel for the best rates, and consider whether you need a vehicle with air conditioning — in summer, the answer is always yes.

How Far Is Too Far?

One of the most common day-trip planning mistakes is overestimating how much ground you can cover comfortably in a single day. Here’s a rough guide:

Under 1 hour from Alicante: Elche, Novelda, Altea, Guadalest, Torrevieja — easy half-day or full-day trips with plenty of time to relax
1–2 hours: Murcia, Cartagena, Valencia, Xàtiva, Villena, Orihuela, Alcoy — comfortably doable as full-day trips
2–3 hours: Granada — achievable but long; an early start and late return are essential
3.5–4.5 hours: Madrid and Barcelona — possible as very long day trips by AVE, but an overnight stay is generally a better experience

What to Pack

☀️ Sun protection: High-factor sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses — essential even in spring and autumn
👟 Comfortable walking shoes: Most of the historic towns and old city centres involve a lot of cobblestones and uneven terrain
💧 Water: Carry more than you think you’ll need, especially in summer and on castle visits where shade is limited
🎒 A light day bag: For essentials, snacks, and any purchases you make along the way
📱 Offline maps: Download your destination maps offline in case of poor signal in mountain areas
💳 Cash and card: Most places accept cards, but smaller rural restaurants and markets sometimes prefer cash

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from the Costa Blanca

What are the best day trips from the Costa Blanca?

The best day trips from the Costa Blanca depend on your interests, but the most popular options include Valencia (city culture, food, and architecture), Tabarca Island (snorkelling and marine reserve), Guadalest (dramatic mountain scenery), Elche (UNESCO palm forest), and Murcia (history and tapas). For longer adventures, Granada and its Alhambra palace is widely considered one of the most rewarding day trips in all of Spain.

Can you do a day trip to Valencia from Alicante?

Absolutely — and it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips on the Costa Blanca. The RENFE high-speed train connects Alicante to Valencia in approximately 90 minutes, with multiple departures throughout the day. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, explore the Mercado Central, wander the Barrio del Carmen, and enjoy a proper Valencian paella before heading back in the evening.

How do you get to Tabarca Island from Alicante?

Regular ferry services run from Alicante’s port to Tabarca Island, with the crossing taking approximately 45 minutes. Services also depart from Santa Pola (around 30 minutes) and Torrevieja, making it accessible from multiple points along the coast. Ferries run most frequently from June to September, with reduced services in the shoulder season. Tickets can be purchased at the port or booked online in advance — advisable in peak summer.

Is it possible to visit Ibiza as a day trip from the Costa Blanca?

Yes — if you’re staying in or near Denia, a day trip to Ibiza is genuinely achievable thanks to the Baleària fast ferry, which covers the crossing in approximately two hours. You’ll need to take the earliest morning departure and the last evening return to maximise your time on the island, which gives you a full day to explore Ibiza Town’s UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila, enjoy a beach, and browse the island’s famous markets. It’s a long day, but an unforgettable one.

What is the best way to explore inland villages from the Costa Blanca?

Self-driving is by far the most flexible and rewarding way to explore the Costa Blanca’s inland villages, as many of the best destinations have limited or no public transport connections. Renting a car from Alicante Airport or any of the major resort towns gives you the freedom to combine multiple destinations in a single day. Alternatively, several tour operators run dedicated inland excursions from the main resort areas — a great option if you’d rather not drive.

Are there guided day trips available from Benidorm?

Yes — Benidorm has an excellent range of guided day trips available, covering destinations including Guadalest, Altea, Valencia, Alicante city, and various inland cultural sites. Tours range from large coach excursions to small-group specialist experiences. Many hotel concierge desks can book tours directly, or you can browse local tour operators in the resort.

What is the closest historic town to Alicante for a day trip?

Elche is arguably the closest and most rewarding historic destination — just 25 km from Alicante and reachable by train in around 30 minutes. Its UNESCO-listed palm forest and ancient Iberian heritage make it far more than a quick tick-box visit. Novelda (35 km) is another excellent close option, particularly for its extraordinary Art Nouveau Casa Modernista. Both make ideal half-day trips that can easily be combined with a morning or afternoon on the beach.

Do I need to book day trips in advance?

It depends on the destination and the time of year. For Tabarca Island and Ibiza ferries, booking ahead is strongly recommended in July and August. AVE train tickets to Madrid and Barcelona should be booked as early as possible for the best fares and to guarantee seats on early morning services. Granada’s Alhambra requires advance booking — sometimes several weeks ahead in peak season — and this is non-negotiable if you want to see the Nasrid Palaces specifically. For most other destinations, you can be more spontaneous, though booking guided tours ahead of time is always wise in summer.

What is the most underrated day trip from the Costa Blanca?

Our vote goes to Villena — a proud inland city with a spectacular medieval castle, an extraordinary Bronze Age gold treasure, and an authentic, completely untouristy atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. It’s just 60 km from Alicante and yet barely features on most visitors’ radar. Novelda and Orihuela run it close for the title of the Costa Blanca’s most underrated day trip.

Summary: Planning Your Perfect Costa Blanca Day Trip

Planning Day Trips from the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca offers one of the richest and most varied day-trip landscapes in all of Europe. Within a two-to-three hour radius of the coast, you have access to world-class cities, spectacular island escapes, dramatic mountain villages, UNESCO heritage sites, Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, medieval castles, and some of the finest food and wine in Spain. That’s an extraordinary menu of experiences for a holiday region best known for its beaches and sunshine.

The key to making the most of it is planning with intention. Here’s a simple framework to help you choose:

If you have one day and want the easiest possible excursion: Head to Elche by train for the palm forest and a relaxed lunch, or catch the ferry to Tabarca Island for snorkelling and fresh fish.

If you have one day and want a city experience: Take the train to Valencia for architecture, food, and culture — or to Murcia for history, tapas, and a more authentically Spanish city atmosphere.

If you have one day and want dramatic scenery: Drive to Guadalest and combine it with a leisurely return along the coast road through Altea and Calpe.

If you have one day and want something genuinely off the beaten track: Head to Villena or Novelda for history, art, and the satisfaction of discovering a corner of Spain that most tourists never find.

If you have two days and want the most memorable possible experience: Head to Granada for the Alhambra — stay overnight if at all possible — or take the AVE to Madrid for a long day in Spain’s magnificent capital.

If you want to explore at your own pace over several days: Rent a car and follow our [Inland Villages Road Trip] itinerary, stringing together the mountain villages, historic towns, and hidden corners of the Costa Blanca’s spectacular interior.

Whatever you choose, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. The Costa Blanca is a region that consistently exceeds expectations, and nowhere is that truer than in the extraordinary range of day-trip experiences it places within easy reach of your sun lounger.

Before you go, here are some of our most popular related guides to help you plan the perfect Costa Blanca day trip:

🏖️ The Ultimate Costa Blanca Travel Guide — Everything you need to know about the region
🚂 Alicante to Valencia Day Trip — Full guide to Spain’s most popular coastal city
🏝️ Day Trip to Tabarca Island — Spain’s only inhabited marine reserve
⛴️ Boat Trip to Tabarca Island — Ferry options, operators, and what to expect
🌴 Day Trip to Elche — The UNESCO palm forest and ancient Iberian city
🏰 Day Trip to Guadalest — The Costa Blanca’s most dramatic mountain village
🎨 Day Trip to Altea — The artist’s village above the sea
🏛️ Day Trip to Xàtiva — Castle, history, and the birthplace of the Borgias
💛 Day Trip to Villena — Bronze Age gold and a forgotten medieval city
🌺 Day Trip to Novelda — Art Nouveau architecture in an unexpected place
⛪ Day Trip to Orihuela — Gothic cathedral and lush palm groves
🎭 Day Trip to Alcoy (Alcoi) — Mountain gorges, Modernista architecture, and Moors and Christians
🚗 Self-Drive Tours Costa Blanca — Planning your own road trip through the region
🗺️ Inland Villages Road Trip — The ultimate multi-day driving itinerary
🧭 Guided Tours Costa Blanca — The best operators and excursions available
🏙️ Day Trips from Alicante — All the best excursions from the Costa Blanca’s capital city
🎡 Day Trips from Benidorm — Making the most of your time in the north Costa Blanca
⛵ Day Trips from Denia — Island ferries and cultural gems from the northern coast
🌊 Day Trips from Torrevieja — The best excursions from the southern Costa Blanca

Last updated: May 2026. All travel information is subject to change — always check current ferry timetables, train schedules, and opening hours directly with operators before travelling.