Hiring a car in Alicante is the perfect way to explore this city and will enable you to visit the expansive golden beaches along the Costa Blanca coastline, as well as the jewels that can be found inland. Discover the region’s treasures at your own pace, soaking up the beautiful scenery as you go.

Touchdown at Alicante Airport and you’re around 20 minutes away from the city centre. Take the A-70 if you’re looking for a speedy and direct route or meander along the N-332 for your first glimpse of the glittering Mediterranean.

Neighbouring city Valencia showcases urban Spain at its best, with its space-age buildings – drive north along the A-7 to reach the city in under two hours. If you want to discover the architectural splendour of Murcia, with its Moorish and Gothic mix, take the A-7 south.

While the coastal roads of Costa Blanca offer an incredible scenic journey, equally picturesque roads snake inland from Alicante. Join the A-31 and head towards the E-903, which will take you to Albacete with its charming modernista shopping arcade – Pasaje de Lodares. 

Speed limits vary in Spain between different road types, from 120 km/h on motorways and 110 km/h on dual carriageways to 50 km/h in built up areas. The AP-7, stretching from Tarragona to Alicante is a toll motorway, known locally as an autopista, offering a relatively traffic-free route along the coast for a small fee.

When parking your car in built-up areas, such as Alicante city centre, be careful to avoid prohibited or restricted parking zones. These will be signposted or the curbs will be painted yellow. If the parking space is blue, you’ll need to buy a ticket.

While in Spain, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road and give way to traffic from the left. Seatbelts must be worn by the driver and all passengers. If you’re travelling with little ones in tow, it’s important to note that children under 12 must sit in the back of the car.

Uncover the authentic rhythm of Alicante and discover the customs that form the fabric of life in this sun-drenched city, where bright blue cloudless skies serve as a backdrop all year round. Channel your inner explorer – Costa Blanca boasts a goldmine of beauty spots and urban escapes to unearth.   

Trace Alicante’s history

Start by exploring the narrow streets of the city’s old town. Lined with pastel-hued houses and flourishing with lush greenery, this historic district charms with every step you take. Stop by San Nicolas Co-Cathedral, a grand 17^th century wonder built upon a mosque, and admire its baroque architecture. Tear your eyes away from its sapphire blue dome and head through the iron doors to take a peep at the pretty cloister inside.

From here climb up to the ruins of the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara – a ninth-century fortress of Muslim origin later recaptured by the Spanish. The ramparts here afford a memorable view out to sea, the lofty position emphasising why this piece of rock was fought over for centuries.

Feast on delicious delicacies

After a busy day ticking off Alicante’s top attractions, seek out one of the city’s finest eateries and indulge in a myriad of Mediterranean dishes. Stroll along the palm-fringed Explanada de España and pick out one of the many tapas restaurants packed with hungry locals – one of the best is La Terraza del Gourmet. Savour a bowl of mouth-watering, seafood-laced paella from this postcard-perfect waterfront spot. A good view can make a great meal taste even better.

Sink into the sand

Escape the city for a couple of hours and soak up the sun on a golden beach, with the blue Mediterranean Sea lapping at your feet. Seeking out an idyllic spot isn’t hard in Costa Blanca, with plenty of sandy stretches to choose from.

Drive north along the AP-7 to La Granadella, a breath-taking bay that’s been voted Spain’s best beach twice. Lay your towel down on the shore and head straight for the azure waters. Snorkel through the sapphire sea, watching out for the colourful schools of fish this spot is known for. Dry off back on land and admire the backdrop of dense emerald trees surrounding the cove.

Beyond the bright lights of Benidorm, discover Playa del Albir. Settle down on the caramel sands of this Blue Flag beach and enjoy the sea breeze. Go paddling in the shallow waters and, if you have time, stay around to watch the sun set in spectacular fashion.

Beyond Alicante

Experience island life on picturesque Tabarca. Drive to Alicante port and catch one of the ferries across the glittering waters to reach the naturally beautiful archipelago. Amble through the pretty fishing village to soak up its charming atmosphere and refresh at one of the local taverns serving up tasty fish stew. Make your way to the beach with your snorkelling gear in hand, and dive into the tranquil waters where you can spot red mullet and sardines swimming alongside you.

Set off on an expedition to Valencia and uncover its thriving contemporary spirit. Feast your eyes on the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a striking cultural complex perched on the city’s river. Whether you’re an opera lover or science fan, explore everything this futuristic spot has to offer. After a dose of discovery, get a taste for Valencia’s famed rice dishes – anything with ‘arroz’ in the name is pretty much guaranteed to be good.

Explore more of the town and beyond, with car hire in Alicante. Driving off into the sun never felt so good.