7 days by car: route from Alicante through Valencia and Costa Blanca

Marina Sanchez

September 16, 2025

Rent a car in Alicante

Renting a car in Alicante opens up huge opportunities for travelers.

In a week you can drive along the Costa Blanca and Costa de Valencia, see historic towns, climb fortresses and enjoy a beach vacation.

We have prepared a detailed itinerary for 7 days: with distances, hotels and convenient parking lots.


Day 1: Alicante: start of the journey (≈15 km)

What to watch:

  • Fortress Castillo de Santa Bárbara - the symbol of the city with a panorama of the sea.
  • Old Quarter Santa Cruz - white houses, colored facades, narrow streets.
  • Embankment Explanada de España - mosaic floor and palm alley.
Where to live: Hospes Amérigo 5★ - hotel in the center with a rooftop pool.

Parking: hotel underground parking lot (paid) or public parking lot Parking Alfonso el Sabio.

Day 2. Alicante → Xàtiva (≈165 km)

What to watch:

  • Castell de Xàtiva - a fortress on two hills, stunning views.
  • Old center: cathedral, Borgia museums, observation decks.

Where to live: Hotel Mont-Sant 4★ - A cozy boutique hotel with gardens and swimming pool.

Parking: free of charge at the hotel or municipal parking lot Plaza del Mercat.

Day 3. Jàtiva → Valencia (≈60 km)

What to watch:

  • Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias - Calatrava's masterpiece: the science museum, the Oceanographic, the Hemisfèric.
  • Park Jardín del Turia - 9 km long green zone.
  • Neighborhood Ruzáfa - restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Where to stay (2 nights): Only YOU Hotel Valencia 5★

Parking: paid parking at the hotel or public parking lots - Mercado Central и Plaza de la Reina.

Day 4. Valencia: historical center (≈20 km around the city)

What to watch:

  • Catedral de Valencia and the tower Migulete.
  • Mercado Central - fresh produce and groceries.
  • Lonja de la Seda - UNESCO site.
  • Medieval towers Torres de Serranos и Torres de Quart.
  • Malvarrosa beach in the evening.

Parking: There are many free and paid parking lots near the beach; in the center, it is better to book in advance.

Day 5. Valencia → Peñíscola (≈140 km)

What to watch:

  • Castillo de Peñíscola - Papa Moon Castle.
  • The white streets of the old town, Casa de las Conchasthe museum of the sea.
  • Nature Park Sierra de Irta - scenic trails along the sea.
Where to live: Parador de Benicarló 4★ or RH Don Carlos 4★.

Parking: free at Parador or paid parking Peñíscola Centro.

Day 6. Peñíscola → Altea / Calpe (≈280 km)

What to watch:

  • В Althea: the white streets of the old town, the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo.
  • В Calpe: rock Peñón de IfachThe beaches of Arenal Bol and La Fossa.

Where to live:

Parking: both hotels have a covered parking lot. Parking is free at the entrance to Ifach Park (better to arrive in the morning).

Day 7. Althea/Calpe → Alicante (≈50 km)

What to watch:

  • Morning coffee with a view in the old town of Altea.
  • An easy walk along the trail at the foot of Ifach in Calpe.
  • Swimming at Postiguet beach in Alicante before departure.

Parking: in Alicante, it is convenient to leave your car in the public parking lot by the beach, then drive to the airport.

Why you should rent a car in Alicante for at least a week


Convenience: the route covers cities, nature and beaches - without a car it would take twice as long.
Flexibility: you can stop at villages, viewpoints and beaches.
Comfort: hotels with parking make traveling easy and safe.
Price: weekly rentals are more profitable than short periods.

🚗 Conclusion: A week of car rental in Alicante allows you to see both historical cities (Xàtiva, Valencia, Peñíscola) and the Costa Blanca coast (Altea, Calpe), as well as enjoy the convenience of parking and comfort of the best hotels.

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