Alicante - Day trips to palm groves, hill villages and the coast

Alicante is a lovely base, but the Costa Blanca has plenty to offer a short drive from the city. Palm trees, mountain villages and small seaside towns are all within easy reach, and many can be visited without a rushed schedule.

This guide suggests day trips for travellers who want a break from the beach. Each one shows a different side of the region, from green oases to white-walled streets.

Elche and its palm groves

Elche lies a short way inland and is famous for its palm grove, one of the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thousands of date palms grow in neat rows beside irrigation channels, a tradition that goes back many centuries. A walk through the shaded gardens feels a world away from the coast. In town you can also see the old centre and the grand basilica.

Guadalest, a village above the reservoir

Guadalest sits high in the mountains, with a ruined castle perched on a rock and a turquoise reservoir far below. The village is small and often busy with visitors, so a morning visit is pleasant. The drive itself is half the fun, with winding roads, almond and olive trees and wide views.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets are steep.
• Bring a light jacket, because it can be cooler up in the hills.

Altea and Villajoyosa, colour by the sea

Altea is a whitewashed town climbing a hill, crowned by a church with a blue-tiled dome. Its old streets are made for slow wandering, and the views over the bay are lovely at sunset. Villajoyosa, a little closer to Alicante, is known for its row of brightly painted houses facing the water. Both towns work well as a half-day each, or you can link them on a single outing.

The Peñón de Ifach at Calpe

Further up the coast, a huge limestone rock rises straight from the sea at Calpe. It is a natural park and a landmark that can be seen for miles. A walking path leads up towards the top, and the views over the coast are worth the effort. Below the rock you find a harbour, a long beach and relaxed seafront cafés.

Planning your days out

• Getting around: A hire car gives you the most freedom, while buses and trams link several coastal towns. Check the timetables the day before.
• Timing: Start early in summer to avoid the strongest heat, and keep the afternoon for the beach.
• Combining: Choose two nearby places per day, for example Altea and Villajoyosa, rather than trying to do everything.
• Food: Try rice dishes, fresh fish and local almond sweets wherever you stop.

If you only have time for one outing, Elche is the easiest and Guadalest the most scenic. Many travellers also like to finish a day trip with a slow dinner back in Alicante, where the old town fills with relaxed terraces. Remember that villages in the hills are quiet in the early afternoon, so plan your visits for the morning and late afternoon, and leave a little spare time for unexpected stops and photographs along the way.

A few day trips turn a beach holiday into a richer journey. Book your parking at the departure airport in advance, and you can look forward to palms, villages and sea from the moment you land.