7-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Alicante to Valencia and Cartagena and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Alicante. In the evening, you’ll end up in Valencia, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. Start at the underrated Cocatedral De Sant Nicolau De Bari D'alacant, a photogenic church in Alicante. Next, go to Santa Bárbara Castle.

After visiting Cocatedral De Sant Nicolau De Bari D'alacant and Santa Bárbara Castle, have a stroll along Alicante's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Archaeological Museum Of Alicante. This respected museum offers a unique experience. Mercado Central De Alicante is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Parc El Palmeral, one of the most mesmerizing places to visit in Alicante.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Valencia. Valencia offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Valencia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Begin your culinary exploration in Valencia by securing a reservation at El Poblet. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Ricard Camarena, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Fierro, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Pub Pasos. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Clann Bar Tapas offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Café Negrito, another top-rated bar in the area.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 3 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Valencia. You have 1 night left in Valencia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Start by visiting Mercat Central, a prime spot to begin your journey. This standout food market is sure to impress. Next on your list is Serrano Towers, another must-visit landmark and notable monument renowned for its culturally significant features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Valencia by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to City Of Arts And Sciences. This instagrammable science center is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Valencia experience. We also recommend visiting L'oceanogràfic, a widely recognized aquarium.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Valencia. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at USUAL resto-bar, a top-rated dining destination in Valencia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Casa Ripoll, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurante La Cepa Vieja (Valencia). With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Valencia this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Cosmo Valencia, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Casa Pepe is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Cafe De Las Horas is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Say good night to Valencia and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Benidorm and Murcia, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cartagena. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and budget-friendly activities. Whether you decide to explore Valencia on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Plaça Triangular is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching public square before continuing your journey. Murcia's Cathedral is your next stop. This popular church is one of the best-rated sights in Valencia.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Plaza De Las Flores. This romantic public square is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Floridablanca Garden.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cartagena. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cartagena's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Magoga, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible contemporary and traditional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Cafetería Cervantes is another top choice with a popular menu.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Pub Frank18, known for its lively atmosphere. 4 Copas is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Mostacho Café Bar Iii offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cartagena has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Cartagena by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at the underrated Batería De Castillitos, a culturally significant historical landmark in Cartagena. Next, go to Naval Museum Cartagena.

After visiting Batería De Castillitos and Naval Museum Cartagena, have a stroll along Cartagena's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to National Museum Of Underwater Archaeology. This instagrammable museum offers a unique experience. Experiencia 43 is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Faro Cabo De Palos, one of the most enchanting places to visit in Cartagena.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you explore more of Cartagena, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Curry Corner, a popular restaurant in Cartagena. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cartagena at Omkara, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restaurante Magoga. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Cartagena tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, El Escondite offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Sol is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Cervecería "gas" is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Cartagena. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Alicante, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Cartagena is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots! Start at Roman Theatre Of Cartagena, a captivating archeological site that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find House Of Fortune, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Parque De Alfonso Torres. This park is one of the city’s most worthwhile spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Cartagena at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Estatua Icue. After exploring the point of interest, head to the increasingly popular Molinete Roman Forum Museum.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Alicante, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Alicante. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Start your culinary exploration in Alicante by securing a reservation at Tabula Rasa. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Baeza & Rufete, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Canibal Lounge Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The Old Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Pub Carabassa is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Head back to your accommodation in Alicante and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!