7-Day Costa Blanca Itinerary from Alicante 2026: Best Round-Trip Road Trip Guide
I remember the first time I stumbled off a plane at Alicante Airport, bleary-eyed from a red-eye flight, the Mediterranean sun already punching through the haze like it had a personal grudge against my sunglasses. That was back in 2018, but I've returned enough times—six, seven?—to know Costa Blanca isn't just a coastline; it's a mood, a salty breeze that whispers promises of lazy afternoons and unexpected adventures. If you're plotting your own escape, this 7-day Costa Blanca itinerary from Alicante 2026 is your blueprint. It's the best Costa Blanca road trip 7 days round trip I've pieced together, a looping path that hugs the shore north and south before circling back, blending sun-soaked beaches, quirky towns, and those Costa Blanca hidden gems 7 day round trip that locals guard like family recipes. Perfect for families on a family friendly 7 day Costa Blanca trip Alicante, or couples chasing a romantic Costa Blanca getaway itinerary 7 days. Rent a car at the airport—Europcar or Sixt right there in the terminal—and let's dive in. This Alicante Costa Blanca week long travel plan assumes you're flying into ALC, with flexible pacing for 2026's expected upgrades like smoother traffic apps and eco-friendly beach shuttles.
Day 1: Alicante – The Vibrant Heartbeat Where It All Begins
Touch down at Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), grab your wheels, and ease into the city's embrace. Alicante isn't some polished postcard; it's raw, alive, with fishmongers hollering over the clang of market stalls and the sea's eternal rhythm underscoring it all. I once spent a whole afternoon lost in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, its narrow lanes draped in bougainvillea that smells like summer regret if you brush too close.
Central Market: A Sensory Feast
Start at the Central Market (Mercado Central de Alicante, Av. Alfonso X El Sabio, 10, 03002 Alicante). Open Monday to Saturday 9 AM–2:30 PM, it's a feast for the senses—piles of glistening prawns from nearby Tabarca Island, oranges so ripe they burst under your thumb, and paella rice that's impossibly fragrant. I haggled for a wedge of tortilla once, ended up chatting with a vendor whose family’s been selling here since Franco's days. Devour it on a bench overlooking the port, where yachts bob like they're judging your cheap sangria. The marble counters cool under your elbows, the air thick with olive oil sizzle from demo pans, echoing shouts in Valenciano. It's not touristy; it's essential. Pro tip: arrive by 10 AM to snag the freshest boquerones en vinagre, vinegar-cured anchovies that slide down like liquid silk. Families love the kid-sized jamón slices; romantics, the chocolate-dipped strawberries from the back stalls. In 2026, expect QR codes for allergen info—progress without the polish.
Explanada de España and Castle of Santa Barbara
Wander to the Explanada de España (Paseo de la Explanada de España, 03002 Alicante), that mosaic-tiled promenade where palm shadows dance on your skin. It's open 24/7, but best at dusk when buskers strum flamenco riffs. Climb the Castle of Santa Barbara (Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Camí del Castell, s/n, 03003 Alicante; daily 10 AM–8 PM, free entry). Perched 166 meters up, the views hit like a gut punch—Endeavors Bay glittering, the Tabarca islet winking offshore. I picnicked there once with manchego cheese crumbling between my fingers, wind whipping my hat into the abyss. Dinner? Dársena area—try Nou Manolín (Calle Virgen del Socorro, 13; evenings till midnight) for arroz a banda, rice swimming in fish stock so rich it haunts your dreams. Crash at Hotel Melia Alicante (Pl. del Portal de Madrid, 6; from €120/night), steps from the action. Day one sets the tone: you've just launched your explore Costa Blanca in 7 days from Alicante.
Day 2: South to Santa Pola and Guardamar – Salt Flats and Golden Dunes
Fuel up with cortados and hit the AP-7 south (30 mins to Santa Pola). This stretch feels like the Costa Blanca beaches and towns 7 day route's appetizer—flats of pink flamingos, the air briny with salt pans. Santa Pola’s Santa Pola Salt Museum (Museo de la Sal, Ctra. Farallón s/n, 03130 Santa Pola; Tue-Sun 10 AM–2 PM & 5–8 PM, €3) is a gem I nearly skipped. Housed in an old windmill, it traces salt harvesting with hands-on demos—rub the crystals between your fingers, taste the minerality. The flamingo lagoon nearby? Binoculars essential; at sunset, they're cotton candy on water. I laughed at myself slipping on the mudflats, shoes caked like moon boots.
Beachfront Bites and Dunes Adventure
Lunch at Chiringuito El Tío Pepe (Playa de Levante, 03130 Santa Pola; 10 AM–midnight), beachfront with calamares a la romana crispier than my resolve on diets. Then drive to Guardamar del Segura (20 mins), its pine-backed dunes a family playground. The Torre de la Punta Watchtower (Punta de la Glea, 03140 Guardamar; always accessible) offers climbs for panoramic sweeps—kids scamper, lovers linger. Spend hours on Playa de la Glea, soft sands that swallow your toes, waves gentle for floats. I bodysurfed till prune-fingered, then devoured fideuà at Restaurante 39 Escalones (Calle Madrid, 13; noon–11 PM). Overnight in Guardamar at Hotel RH Corona del Mar (Av. del Lirio, 1; €100/night), balconies whispering sea lullabies. This detour proves the perfect 7 day Costa Blanca holiday starting Alicante isn't all glitz—it's these salty secrets.
Day 3: Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa – Salt, Salt, and Sultry Evenings
Dawn patrol to Torrevieja (15 mins), where the Laguna Rosa's hues shift like mood rings. Las Salinas de Torrevieja (Parque Natural, 03188 Torrevieja; visitor center 10 AM–6 PM) is surreal—mountains of salt piled like snowdrifts, air so crisp it tingles. I kayaked the channels once, oar slicing pink water, herons eyeing me suspiciously. The town’s seafront promenade buzzes with retirees promenading, but don't dismiss it; the Mercado de Abastos (Calle Arquitecto Larramendi, 03182; Mon-Sat 8 AM–2 PM) overflows with Moorish spices and plump figs.
Orihuela Costa Relaxation
Afternoon to Orihuela Costa—Playa de la Zenia (Urbanización La Zenia, 03177 Orihuela Costa), a crescent of calm with chiringuitos slinging mojitos. La Zenia Boulevard (Av. de las Cortes Valencianas, 03177; shops 10 AM–10 PM) is family heaven: ice cream parlors, mini-golf under stars. Dinner at El Granaino (Calle Estrecho de Gibraltar, 7; 1 PM–midnight)—gazpacho chilled to perfection, lamb so tender it mocks forks. Stay at Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa (Av. de las Palmeras, s/n, 03589 Cabo Roig; €150/night), infinity pool merging with the horizon. By night three, you're hooked on these 2026 Costa Blanca highlights from Alicante airport.
Day 4: Back North Through Alicante to Villajoyosa – Chocolate and Colorful Chaos
Retrace north, pausing Alicante for coffee, then Villajoyosa (30 mins north). This fishing village explodes in rainbow facades—each house painted by sea captains for their sweethearts. Valor Chocolate Factory (Av. Francisco Grau, 1, 03570 Villajoyosa; tours Mon-Fri 10 AM–1 PM & 4–7 PM, €8) is olfactory heaven. Watch beans roast, dip strawberries in molten streams; I emerged with a sugar buzz and a kilo of tablets. The beachfront? Playa del Paradís, pebbly but alive with net-menders and sardine grills.
Benidorm Sunset Stop
Hike to Torre de Villajoyosa (Camí de la Torre, 03570; dawn-dusk) for bay views that make you ponder life choices. Lunch at Ulises (Calle del Mar, 2; 12 PM–4 PM, 7 PM–midnight)—suquet de peix, a stew so hearty it warms your soul. Push to Benidorm (20 mins), but skip the high-rises; hit Tiki Beach (Av. Juan Fuster Zaragoza, 03503 Benidorm) for sunset paellas. Overnight at Gran Hotel Bali (Av. del Alcalde Manuel Eve, s/n, 03502 Benidorm; €90/night), views to die for. Midway, you're midway through the best Costa Blanca road trip 7 days round trip.
Day 5: Benidorm to Altea – From Neon to Whitewashed Wonder
Benidorm's rep precedes it—neon jungle, but dawn reveals charm. Aqualandia (Foia de L'Aiguera, s/n, 03501 Benidorm; June–Sept 10 AM–7 PM, €40) thrills families with kamikaze slides; I whooped like a kid, water stinging my eyes. Then escape to Altea (15 mins), the crown jewel. Its old town cascades whitewashed down hills, jasmine-scented alleys alive with artisans.
Altea's Bohemian Charm
Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo (Plaça d'Església, 03590 Altea; daily 10 AM–8 PM) perches high, blue-tiled domes gleaming. I lit a candle there after a storm-soaked hike, feeling oddly cleansed. Playa de la Roda below is pebbled perfection for rock-skipping. Dinner at Ca Pere (Carrer de Sant Pere, 35; 8 PM–midnight)—slow-cooked rabbit that melts, paired with house vermut. Stay at El Albir (Camino Viejo de Altea, 5, 03590 Altea; €130/night), boutique bliss. Altea's bohemian pulse makes this romantic Costa Blanca getaway itinerary 7 days irresistible.
Day 6: Calpe and Moraira – Rock Formations and Cliffside Splendors
Dawn drive to Calpe (20 mins), dominated by the Peñón de Ifach (Parc Natural, 03710 Calpe; visitor center 9 AM–7 PM, hike free but permit needed). That 332m limestone fang begs scaling—I huffed the 2-hour trail, rewarded by sea views where dolphins sometimes frolic. Below, Arenal-Bol Playa's sands hum with volleyball; lunch at Restaurante Refugio (Playa del Arenal, 03710; 10 AM–11 PM), gambas al ajillo popping with garlic fire.
Moraira's Hidden Coves
Afternoon to Moraira (15 mins), posh yet unpretentious. Cala del Portet (03724 Moraira) is a hidden cove—turquoise shallows, cliffs cradling it. Snorkel for octopi; I spotted one eyeing my flippers suspiciously. El Portet Beach Bar (Cala del Portet; 9 AM–midnight) serves espencat salad, roasted peppers smoky-sweet. Dinner at Anfora (Camino del Portet, 43; 1 PM–midnight)—sea bass grilled tableside. Overnight at La Posada del Mar (Calle Bebida, 2, 03724 Moraira; €160/night), sea-view serenity. These spots scream Costa Blanca hidden gems 7 day round trip.
Day 7: Moraira Back to Alicante via Tabarca Island – Farewell Feasts
Final loop: ferry from Santa Pola (but drive back 1.5 hrs, or direct from Alicante port). Tabarca Island (ferry from Muelle de Poniente, Alicante; daily 9:30 AM–5:30 PM, €25 RT via Almadraba-Mar). This micronation is car-free bliss—1.5km of fortified walls, beaches lapped by azure. Dive the reefs (Posidonia meadows teeming with grouper), lunch at Mesón del Mar (Calle San Roque, 7; 11 AM–6 PM)—fresh langostinos, bread sopping caldereta broth. I swam till pruned, then napped in the shade of agaves.
Loop Complete
Back on mainland, detour Villena for arroz con costra (egg-crusted rice) if peckish. Return car at airport, flight out with salt-stiffened hair and a heart full. This wraps your 2026 Costa Blanca highlights from Alicante airport, a loop of 500km that feels infinite.
Costa Blanca lingers—like sand in your suitcase, memories that pull you back. Safe travels.
