5-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Alicante to Valencia and Cuenca

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Photo of Altea Playa del Albir of white stones in Alicante Mediterranean Spain.
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Explore the best of Spain on a remarkable 5-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Alicante, Valencia, Cuenca, and Madrid.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Spain. You will spend 2 nights in Alicante, 1 night in Valencia, and 1 night in Cuenca. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Spain. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Alicante, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Spain on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Spain. El Retiro Park and Main Square are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Alicante, Valencia, Cuenca, and Madrid, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Throughout your road trip in Spain, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Spain.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Spain today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day1

Day 1

  • Alicante - Arrival day
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  • Santa Bárbara Castle
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Welcome to Alicante, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Spain! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night discovering what to see in Alicante before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Alicante is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Santa Bárbara Castle. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Alicante. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

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

Dine in style at Mish Mish, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurant Dàrsena boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Cervecería Layton. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Alicante.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Munich after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Levante Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Café-pub Bubyston also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Spain!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Alicante
  • Valencia
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Drive 181 km, 2 hours 53 min

  • Plaça Porta del Mar
  • Valencia Cathedral
  • Mercat Central
  • City of Arts and Sciences
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Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in Spain includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Alicante and Valencia. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Valencia, where you'll spend 1 night.

Start your day at Plaça De La Porta De La Mar. This visually striking public square is a beloved place to see in Alicante.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Valencia. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 58 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Valencia Cathedral. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Mercat Central. This impressive food market is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to City Of Arts And Sciences. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the science center.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Valencia. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Valencia's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurante RiFF, a top-rated dining destination in Valencia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider El Poblet, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ubik Cafè Cafeteria Llibreria. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Valencia this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Pub Pasos, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Clann Bar Tapas, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Café Negrito provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

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Day3

Day 3

  • Valencia
  • Cuenca
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Drive 205 km, 3 hours 13 min

  • Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum
  • Torre de Mangana
  • San Pablo Bridge
  • Spanish Abstract Art Museum Juan March Foundation
  • Antonio Pérez Foundation Museum
  • Castillo de Cuenca
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip in Spain, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Cuenca are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cuenca, where you will stay for 1 night.

Cuenca’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Valencia behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 15 min. Cuenca welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Castilla-la Mancha Paleontological Museum and explore the photogenic features. Next, make your way to Torre De Mangana, another highlight in Cuenca. When you’re done exploring the monument, continue to San Pablo Bridge, a grand monument.

Nearby, you will also find Spanish Abstract Art Museum. Juan March Foundation. This often recommended museum is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Antonio Pérez Foundation Museum, a photogenic museum that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cuenca, 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 Cuenca. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurante Sidrería La Figal, a top-rated dining destination in Cuenca. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Marisqueria Joni. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cuenca this evening.

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

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Day4

Day 4

  • Cuenca
  • Madrid
  • Alicante
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Drive 589 km, 6 hours 10 min

  • Main Square
  • El Retiro Park
  • Puerta de Alcalá
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Madrid. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Alicante, where you'll spend 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Madrid may take around 1 hour 45 min. Upon your arrival in Madrid, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Main Square is a wondrous public square we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to El Retiro Park, a romantic park that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Puerta De Alcalá, a majestic monument.

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

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

Dine in style at LA ZONA SOCIAL BAR, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Taberna del Gourmet boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Heladería Borgonesse. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Alicante.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Canibal Lounge Pub after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Old Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Pub Carabassa also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Alicante - Departure day
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  • El Carrer dels Bolets
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Day 5 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Alicante before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting El Carrer Dels Bolets before you head out.

For a shopping spree in Alicante, we recommend the lively Plaza Mar 2. Here, you'll find a range of shops you can browse for some souvenir shopping.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Alicante.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurante Baeza & Rufete, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Alicante. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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