Let’s explore the must-see stops along the road from Valencia to Alicante! Although this scenic route is a popular drive, many international travelers miss out on some of its hidden gems on the go. So, what are the most unique and unforgettable places to visit along the way?

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Valencia to Alicante Road Trip: All You Need to Know

How to get from Valencia to Alicante by car

The first thing to know is that there are two main highways connecting Valencia and Alicante: the E-15, which follows the scenic coastline, and the A-7, the inland alternative. Having driven both routes many times over my 15+ years as an expat in Spain, I thought it was the perfect time to share a dedicated guide to the must-see stops between these two major hubs of the Valencian Community.

Whether you want to explore every hidden gem or just pick a few highlights for your journey, this post will help you make the most of your Valencia to Alicante drive. On our most recent family trip to Alicante, we took the A-7, while just recently we followed the E-15 on our way to Benidorm – so both routes are still fresh in my mind.

Pro tip for car rentals: I usually compare deals through DiscoverCars, one of the largest platforms offering options from both local and international rental companies – perfect for finding the best price and availability.

Driving in Spain for the first time? – You might find handy this Driving in Spain Guide, with Expert Videos, 360 Driving Tours and an On-The-Go PDF.

The drive between Valencia and Alicante takes around 2 hours and 15 to 30 minutes, but if you’re planning to do it all in one day, it’s not realistic to see every spot I mention. I recommend choosing one or two key stops to make the most of your time.

Alternatively, you could book a hotel using the map below and spend a few days in the area – towns like Gandia or Denia make great bases for exploring the region in more depth.

Valencia to Alicante Road Trip (Option 1: road E-15)

Albufera

Albufera is Spain’s largest freshwater lagoon, spanning over 2,800 hectares – a peaceful escape just outside Valencia. It’s a fantastic spot to experience authentic paella for foodies and enjoy a relaxing boat tour across the serene waters (especially at sunset). While often visited as a day trip from Valencia, Albufera also makes for a perfect first stop on a road trip from Valencia to Alicante.

Locals love Albufera for its preserved rural charm, offering a glimpse of traditional life that’s becoming harder to find in vibrant, multicultural Valencia. This is one of the few places where you can still see barracas – the classic countryside homes unique to the Valencian region.

If you happen to visit during winter, keep an eye out for migrating flamingos, which can often be spotted around the lagoon.

For a taste of tradition, try local favorites like Nou Racó, L’Establiment, and El Graner. Another iconic spot is Casa Salvador in Cullera – a legendary paella restaurant featured in one of my vintage Spanish cookbooks, Los Mejores Arroces de la Comunidad Valenciana (though the book is currently quite pricey on Amazon!).

Sueca

Sueca is a lesser-known town in the Valencia region, often overlooked by travelers – but it does have a few interesting stops. On our recent Valencia to Alicante road trip, we decided to visit Sueca to check out its small Chocolate Museum. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite live up to expectations. We arrived around noon – about an hour and a half before closing – without having booked a tour in advance. Although the museum was technically open, we were told it was only functioning as a shop at that time, and guided visits were only available in the evening. So, our “museum visit” ended up being a quick browse and the purchase of a few chocolates… which, honestly, I didn’t even like.

Thankfully, right across from the Chocolate Museum is another local sight: the Museu Joan Fuster. As many of you know, I love exploring house museums in Spain, and this one was no exception.

Joan Fuster, a prominent writer and intellectual from Sueca, remains an important figure in Valencian literature. He was known for his left-wing views and strong advocacy for pro-Catalan nationalism. The museum, located in his former home, offers insight into his life, work, and the cultural history of the region.

Gandia

Gandia is a popular day trip from Valencia, but what stood out most to me was the impressive Ducal Palace, once home to the infamous Borgia family. You can read more about my visit in the full post.

Denia

Dénia is one of the most popular coastal towns along Alicante’s Costa Blanca. On our last visit, we enjoyed a charming stroll through its historic old town before catching a boat to Formentera. But what left the biggest impression on me was our stop at the nearby Jardí de L’Albarda – truly one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Spain.

You can find more photos and details from our visit to Jardí de L’Albarda in this post, and read more about Denia here.

Cueva de Las Calaveras

Cueva de las Calaveras is one of the most accessible caves to visit in Spain, making it a perfect stop on any Valencia to Alicante road trip.

Unlike many Spanish caves that require advance booking and guided tours, Cueva de las Calaveras is open for self-guided visits – allowing you to explore at your own pace. Stretching 900 meters, the cave has a fascinating history: it was once inhabited by Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens. During the first documented exploration in the 17th century, speleologists discovered the remains of two individuals inside.

Calpe & Altea

Calpe and Altea are two of the most picturesque small towns along Alicante’s Costa Blanca, each offering its own unique charm.

However, they’re not the quickest stops on a Valencia to Alicante road trip – frequent crowds and limited parking can make a short visit challenging. That’s why I recommend saving them for a dedicated weekend beach getaway to truly enjoy all they have to offer.

Calpe is internationally recognized for the striking Peñón de Ifach, tied to a fascinating local legend, as well as the colorful Spanish Flag Steps (Calle Puchalt), and the iconic La Muralla Roja – though the latter is only accessible to guests staying overnight.

Altea, on the other hand, captivates visitors with its whitewashed architecture, cobblestone streets, and postcard-worthy views at every turn.

Benidorm

If you’re traveling through Spain in the off-season, Benidorm makes for a perfect one-day stop on the road from Valencia to Alicante. Known for its vibrant dining scene, lively shows, and nightlife, Benidorm offers a different side of Spanish coastal life. It’s also famous for having the highest number of skyscrapers in Spain – and ranks third in Europe, just behind London and Milan.

You can read more about my experience in Benidorm in this post.

Finestrat Motor Museum

One of the most unexpected highlights on my road trip from Valencia to Alicante was the Motor Museum (Museo del Motor). This hidden gem is home to a fascinating collection of rare vintage cars that truly stands out.

Though the museum is relatively small, the exhibits are carefully curated and well worth a visit. At 12 euros per person, the entry fee is reasonable, and during our visit, there were only a handful of car enthusiasts – meaning we practically had the entire place to ourselves.

You can book tickets to the Motor Museum here. They also offer special family experiences and limo pick-ups for a unique visit.

Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa is famous for being one of the most colorful villages in Spain, and I always enjoy visiting this vibrant coastal town whenever it fits into my Spanish road trips. Beyond its charming streets, Villajoyosa is also a fantastic place to shop for local food souvenirs, boasting three renowned chocolate factories: Valor, Clavileño, and Chocolates Perez.

Valencia to Alicante Road Trip (Option 2: A-7)

Xativa

Xàtiva is famous for its stunning castle, one of the most picturesque in Spain, and for being home to Europe’s first paper mill, founded here in 1150. This charming town is also known as the birthplace of two popes from the infamous Borgia family, adding a fascinating historical layer to its rich heritage.

You can read more about my visit to Xàtiva in this post.

Bocairente

Bocairente is one of the most charming villages in the entire Valencia region, renowned for its picturesque streets and the ancient caves known as Covetes dels Moros. For more details and a gallery of beautiful photos from my recent visit, check out this post.

Alcoy

Alcoy is famous for hosting one of Spain’s most iconic festivals, the Moors & Christians Feast, celebrated annually around April 22nd to 24th.

This vibrant festival commemorates the historical events of the 13th century, when King Jaime I El Conquistador battled the Moors for control of Alcoy. You can learn more about this fascinating celebration year-round at the Museu Alcoià de la Festa.

Villena

During my recent trip to Alicante, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Atalaya Castle in Villena.

Also known as the Castle of the Pies Negros (Black Feet) or simply Villena Castle, this historic fortress originally dates back to Arab times but was extensively renovated and expanded in the 15th century. Atalaya Castle is also famous for housing the Treasure of Villena, one of Spain’s most remarkable archaeological finds – a collection of 59 gold, silver, iron, and amber artifacts from the Bronze Age. It’s the largest hoard of gold tableware discovered in Spain and the second largest in all of Europe.

The Sax Castle

Sax Castle, like many historic structures in the Alicante region, has Islamic origins. It was conquered by the Crown of Aragon in 1239. While there isn’t much to explore inside the castle itself, its hilltop location offers stunning panoramic views that make the visit worthwhile.

Keep in mind that access to Sax Castle is by guided tour only, with three daily time slots available – so booking in advance is essential.

Elche

Elche is famous for hosting the largest palm grove in Europe – El Palmeral. With over 200,000 palm trees, this unique landscape was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

From afar, it might look like a natural palm forest, but El Palmeral is actually a carefully planned plantation designed for agricultural use. The groves are bordered by rows of palm trees arranged in a distinctive grid pattern that becomes especially striking when seen from above.

You can find more details about my visit to Elche in this post.

Map of this Valencia to Alicante Itinerary

You can also explore my one-day itineraries for Valencia and Alicante, and save the route using this Google Maps link.

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